HS Code for Liquid air
Liquid air is classified under HS code 2853.90. This code is part of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Specifically, 2853.90 serves as a residual category for other inorganic compounds not elsewhere specified, including distilled water, conductivity water, and liquid air. Liquid air is produced by the cryogenic cooling of atmospheric air until it condenses into a pale blue liquid. The classification remains 2853.90 regardless of whether rare gases (such as argon, neon, or helium) have been removed from the mixture. This classification is unique because it treats a mixture of gases as a single inorganic entity. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) place liquid air here because it does not fit the criteria for individual elemental gases found in heading 2804, nor is it considered a prepared chemical mixture of Chapter 38.
Products Included
- Liquid air (with or without rare gases)
- Compressed air
- Distilled water
- Conductivity water and water of similar purity
- Non-precious metal amalgams
Common Misclassification
Liquid air is often misclassified under 2804.30 (Nitrogen) or 2804.40 (Oxygen). While liquid air contains these elements, those specific codes are reserved for pure, isolated gases. Another common error is using 3824.99 for chemical mixtures; however, because liquid air is explicitly named in the description for 2853, it must be classified there according to the principle of specific description over general heading.
FAQ
What is the HS code for liquid air?
The HS code for liquid air is 2853.90, which also includes compressed air and certain types of purified water.
Does removing argon from liquid air change its HS code?
No, the HS code 2853.90 explicitly includes liquid air whether or not rare gases have been removed, so the classification remains the same.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Liquid air?
The HS code for Liquid air is 285390 (Phosphides, chemically defined or not, not ferrophosphorus; other inorganic compounds n.e.c. (including distilled, conductivity water and water of like purity); liquid air, rare gases removed or not; compressed air; amalgams, not precious metal amalgams).
How do I classify Liquid air for customs?
Liquid air is classified under HS code 285390 — Phosphides, chemically defined or not, not ferrophosphorus; other inorganic compounds n.e.c. (including distilled, conductivity water and water of like purity); liquid air, rare gases removed or not; compressed air; amalgams, not precious metal amalgams. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Liquid air the same in all countries?
The base HS code 285390 for Liquid air is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.