HS Code for Animal black

Animal black, often referred to as bone black or ivory black, is classified under HS code 3802.90. This code is designated for activated natural mineral products and specific carbonaceous materials derived from animal matter. Animal black is produced through the carbonization of bones or other animal tissues in a closed vessel, a process known as calcination. It is primarily used as a decoloring agent in sugar refining or as a pigment in paints, plastics, and inks. The classification under 3802.90 is specific to "other" activated products, distinguishing it from activated carbon, which is found under 3802.10. It is important to note that this code covers both new and spent animal black. The material must be processed to a state where it is no longer considered a raw animal part but a chemical product. The distinction between 3802.10 and 3802.90 is based on the source material and the level of activation, with animal-derived blacks falling into the latter category due to their high mineral content, primarily calcium phosphate.

Products Included

• Bone black (animal black)
• Spent animal black
• Ivory black
• Calcined animal bones used as coloring matter
• Activated animal charcoal

Common Misclassification

Animal black is often confused with HS code 2803.00, which covers carbon blacks (including acetylene black). However, 2803.00 is for pure carbon, whereas animal black contains significant amounts of calcium phosphates and other mineral matter from the bone. It is also sometimes misclassified under 3203.00, which covers animal dyes. While animal black can be used as a pigment, heading 3203 specifically excludes animal black. Another potential error is using 0506.90 for bone meal; however, once the bone has been carbonized to create animal black, it must move to Chapter 38 as a chemical product.

FAQ

What is the HS code for animal black?

The HS code for animal black, including bone black and spent animal black, is 3802.90.

Is animal black the same as activated carbon?

While both are used for filtration and decoloring, activated carbon is typically classified under 3802.10, whereas animal-derived blacks are classified under 3802.90.