HS Code for Ammonium thiocyanate

Ammonium thiocyanate, also known as ammonium rhodanide, is an inorganic compound with the formula NH4SCN. It is classified under HS code 2842.90. Heading 2842 is designated for \"other salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, other than double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically, excluding azides.\" Thiocyanates are salts of thiocyanic acid (HSCN). Since thiocyanic acid is considered an inorganic acid in the context of the HS nomenclature, its salts are placed in Chapter 28. Subheading 2842.90 serves as the \"other\" category for salts that do not have a more specific dedicated subheading within the 2842 group. This classification is based on the chemical identity of the ammonium cation paired with the thiocyanate anion. The product is frequently used in the textile industry for dyeing and printing, in photography as a stabilizer, and in the metal industry for etching and as a corrosion inhibitor. It is essential to ensure the product is not an organo-sulfur compound, which would lead to a classification in Chapter 29; however, as an inorganic salt, it remains in 2842.90. The classification is supported by Chapter 28 Note 1, which includes separate chemically defined compounds even if they contain impurities or are dissolved in water.

Products Included

• Ammonium thiocyanate crystals
• Ammonium rhodanide
• Ammonium sulfocyanate
• Aqueous solutions of ammonium thiocyanate
• Technical grade ammonium thiocyanate

Common Misclassification

Ammonium thiocyanate is often confused with HS code 2837.20, which covers complex cyanides. While thiocyanates contain the -SCN group, they are distinct from the complex cyanides like ferrocyanides or ferricyanides. Another common misclassification is 2930.90, which covers organo-sulfur compounds. Because ammonium thiocyanate is an inorganic salt of an inorganic acid, it must remain in Chapter 28. Finally, it is sometimes incorrectly placed in 2833.29 (other sulphates) due to the presence of sulfur, but the thiocyanate structure is chemically distinct from the sulphate structure.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Ammonium thiocyanate?

The HS code for ammonium thiocyanate is 2842.90, which covers other salts of inorganic acids.

Is ammonium thiocyanate used in the mining industry?

Yes, it is used in certain hydrometallurgical processes for the extraction of precious metals, though it must still be classified under 2842.90 regardless of this industrial application.