Chemicals HS Codes

Overview

The Chemicals industry, encompassing a vast array of products from basic elements to complex formulations, is primarily classified within Sections VI and VII of the Harmonized System (HS). This guide focuses on the core chemical chapters, specifically HS Chapters 28 through 38. Classification in this sector heavily relies on the chemical composition, purity, structure, and often, the intended use or function of the product. Products range from inorganic and organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers, to dyes, cosmetics, soaps, explosives, and various miscellaneous chemical preparations. Accurate classification is critical for determining applicable duties, regulations, and trade compliance.

Key HS Chapters

The following chapters are central to the classification of chemical products:

• Chapter 28: Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes.
• Chapter 29: Organic chemicals, covering a wide range of carbon-based compounds.
• Chapter 30: Pharmaceutical products, including medicaments, bandages, and glandular products.
• Chapter 31: Fertilizers, both mineral or chemical, and animal or vegetable.
• Chapter 32: Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes, pigments, paints, varnishes, and inks.
• Chapter 33: Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations.
• Chapter 34: Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, waxes, and polishing preparations.
• Chapter 35: Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes.
• Chapter 36: Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations.
• Chapter 28 Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes
• Chapter 29 Organic chemicals
• Chapter 30 Pharmaceutical products
• Chapter 31 Fertilizers
• Chapter 32 Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks
• Chapter 33 Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations
• Chapter 34 Soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster
• Chapter 35 Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes
• Chapter 36 Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations
• Chapter 37 Photographic or cinematographic goods
• Chapter 38 Chemical products n.e.c.

Frequently Asked Questions