HS Code for Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) mixtures are classified under HS code 3824.87. This specific classification falls within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. The subheading 3824.87 was specifically created to monitor and control the international trade of mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as defined in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38. This note explicitly includes perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, and its derivatives such as perfluorooctane sulfonamides and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride. Because these substances are strictly regulated under the Stockholm Convention due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulative nature, the HS system requires a distinct code for mixtures containing them to facilitate environmental compliance and customs monitoring. Classification here is determined by the presence of these specific chemicals in a mixture, regardless of the other components, provided the mixture is not more specifically covered elsewhere in the nomenclature.

Products Included

• Firefighting foams containing PFOS surfactants
• Hydraulic fluids for aviation containing PFOS
• Photoresists and anti-reflective coatings for photolithography processes
• Metal plating bath additives for decorative or hard chromium plating
• Industrial surfactants and wetting agents containing PFOS salts

Common Misclassification

These mixtures are frequently misclassified under 3824.99, which is the residual category for other chemical products. However, because 3824.87 is a specific provision for POPs, it takes precedence. Another common error is using 2904.31, which is reserved for chemically defined pure perfluorooctane sulfonic acid rather than mixtures. Additionally, if the mixture is intended for use as a finished pesticide, it might be incorrectly placed in 3808, but if the PFOS content is the defining characteristic for environmental reporting, 3824.87 remains the primary focus for many customs authorities.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures?

The HS code for these mixtures is 3824.87, which covers chemical products and preparations containing PFOS, its salts, or its derivatives.

Does this code apply to all fluorinated mixtures?

No, this code is specific to mixtures containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its direct derivatives. Other fluorinated mixtures may fall under different subheadings of 3824 or Chapter 29 depending on their specific chemical composition.