Find HS Code and trade information for silica bee beads

Silica Bee Beads

Silica bee beads, also known as silica gel desiccant beads, are a form of silica gel used as a desiccant. They are characterized by their small, spherical shape and often a translucent or opaque appearance, sometimes with an indicator color change to signify moisture absorption.

Material:

The primary component is silica gel (SiO₂·nH₂O), a synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide. This material is not a gel in the traditional sense, but rather a granular, non-reactive solid. It's manufactured from sodium silicate, typically created by reacting sand with sodium carbonate. The "bead" form is achieved through a shaping process during manufacturing.

Purpose:

The core purpose of silica bee beads is to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. They are highly effective at maintaining low humidity levels.

Function:

Silica gel functions as a desiccant due to its high surface area and porous structure. Water molecules are physically adsorbed onto the surface of the silica gel beads through a process called adsorption. This reduces the humidity within a contained space. Unlike some desiccants, silica gel does not chemically react with the absorbed water, meaning it doesn’t change form.

Usage Scenarios:

• Packaging: Commonly found in small packets with electronics, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, leather goods, and other moisture-sensitive products to prevent damage during shipping and storage.
• Food Preservation: Used in food packaging to extend shelf life and maintain product quality.
• Laboratory Applications: Employed to maintain dry environments for experiments and storage of sensitive materials.
• DIY Projects: Used in crafts, flower drying, and dehumidifying small spaces.
• Gun Safes: To prevent rust and corrosion.
• Camera Equipment: Protect lenses and sensitive components from fungus and damage.

Common Types:

• Indicating Silica Gel: Contains a color indicator (typically cobalt chloride) that changes color (usually from blue to pink) as it absorbs moisture. Non-indicating silica gel is clear or white.
• Non-Indicating Silica Gel: Does not contain an indicator and remains clear or white regardless of moisture content.
• Particle Size: Available in various bead sizes, ranging from 2-5mm to larger sizes depending on the application.
• Pore Size: Different pore sizes are available to optimize adsorption for different types of molecules.
• Rechargeable vs. Non-Rechargeable: Silica gel can be regenerated by heating it to drive off the absorbed water, making it reusable. Some types are not suitable for regeneration.

Based on the provided information, “silica bee beads” can be interpreted as beads made of stone or other mineral substances. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes:

• 6815992000: This HS code covers “Articles of stone or of other mineral substances (including carbon fibers, articles of carbon fibers and articles of peat), not elsewhere specified or included: Other articles: Other: Talc, steatite and soapstone, cut or sawed, or in blanks, crayons, cubes, disks or other forms”.
  • 68: Chapter 68 covers articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or other mineral products.
  • 15: Heading 6815 covers articles of stone or of other mineral substances, not elsewhere specified or included.
  • 992000: Subheading 6815992000 specifically covers other articles made of talc, steatite and soapstone, cut or sawed, or in blanks, crayons, cubes, disks or other forms. The tax rate is a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and a 30% additional tariff after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'silica bee beads' are limited, with only the following 1 found.

Please note that regarding HS code 6815992000, the goods must be made of talc, steatite, or soapstone to be classified under this code.