Carbon Tetrachloride Fluorine containing Cleaning Agent
CN β USAI Analysis
π§ͺ Carbon Tetrachloride & Fluorine-Containing Cleaning Agents
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: The Hazard of "Carbon Tetrachloride"
β CRITICAL WARNING:
Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC) is BANNED in most international trade under the Montreal Protocol and US EPA regulations due to its ozone-depleting potential and severe carcinogenicity.
HS Code 3824.99.91/92 often serves as the general catch-all for chemical mixtures, but specific pure CTC is strictly controlled/prohibited.
* Fluorine-containing cleaning agents (e.g., HFCs, HFOs, fluorinated solvents) are subject to STRATEGIC COMMODOITY CONTROLS and environmental taxes*.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Pure Carbon Tetrachloride: PROHIBITED for import into the US/EU for most uses (except specific exempted industrial processes with heavy licensing).
- Fluorine-containing Solvents (e.g., 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane, HFC-152a): HIGHLY REGULATED. Subject to EPA Section 612 and Strategic Commodity controls.
- Mixtures: Often classified under 3824 (Prepared Binders/Chemical Products) or 2903 (Halogenated Hydrocarbons), depending on composition.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Regulatory Status |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.99.91.00 |
Other prepared binders for foundry molds / Chemical products n.e.c. | Mixtures containing CTC or Fluoro-solvents not specifically listed elsewhere | β οΈ High Scrutiny |
2903.49.00.00 |
Halogenated hydrocarbons (other) | Pure Fluorinated Hydrocarbons (e.g., HCFCs, HFCs) | π EPA Controlled |
3824.99.92.00 |
Other chemical products | Industrial Cleaners with complex formulations | π License Required |
3824.99.99.00 |
Other prepared chemical products | General Fluorine-based Cleaners | β Standard Import |
2904.20.00.00 |
Sulphonated, nitrated... hydrocarbons | Not Applicable (Common Misclassification) | β Incorrect |
π Key Reminder:
- Pure Carbon Tetrachloride is NOT freely importable. It falls under Prohibited/Restricted items unless exempted for specific lab/industrial use with EPA/DEP approval.
- Fluorine-containing agents are often classified under 2903 (if pure) or 3824 (if mixtures/prepared).
- Misclassification as "General Solvent" (3824.99.99) when it is actually a controlled halogenated compound can lead to severe penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (US Market Focus)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards
π― 1. 3824.99.99.00 β Other Prepared Chemical Products (General Fluorine Cleaners)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% (Section 301, Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China/HK origin, IEEPA 9903.01.25) |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β NO (Denied under Section 321 for chemical products > $800 if flagged) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3824.99.99.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- While base duty is low, the Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges make it costly.
- Environmental Taxes: May apply based on fluorine content (e.g., EPA Methane/NMOC rules).
π― 2. 2903.49.00.00 β Halogenated Hydrocarbons (Fluorine-based Pure Solvents)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Special Tax | EPA Section 612/608 Tax (if refrigerant/cleaning use) |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β NO |
π Note:
- Fluorinated compounds are Strategic Commodities. May require BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) review.
- Carbon Tetrachloride is BANNED β no HS code allows general import.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Must detail fluorine/CTC content. Crucial for EPA/OSHA compliance. |
| β MSDS/SDS Page 1-16 | βοΈ | Clear indication of hazardous classification. |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | If applicable as a pesticide/sterilant/cleaning agent. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | To prove composition (Pure vs. Mixture). |
| β Import License (EPA/DEP) | βοΈ | MANDATORY for CTC or controlled fluorinated solvents. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Fluorine-containing Cleaning Agent" NOT "General Cleaner". |
| β Declaration of Non-CTC | βοΈ | If CTC is banned, prove it is NOT CTC or exempt. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
π₯ "Declare Halogen, Declare Fluorine, Declare EPA β Avoid the Ban!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Fluorine-based Cleaner | "Prepared Chemical Product, Halogenated, for Industrial Cleaning, HS 3824.99.99" | "General Solvent" β Triggers EPA audit |
| Pure HFC/HFO | "Halogenated Hydrocarbon, Fluorine-based, HS 2903.49" | "Cleaning Agent" β Wrong HS, Tax Evasion Risk |
| Carbon Tetrachloride | PROHIBITED (Unless Exempt) | "Cleaning Solvent" β Seizure & Fine |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Cleaning Agent | Provide formula breakdown. If CTC is present, STOP. Use alternatives (e.g., HFC-152a, HFO-1234ze). |
| Fluorine Content > 1% | Subject to EPA Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) review. |
| Mixed with Water | If CTC < 1%, may be exempt, but prove dilution. |
| Laboratory Use | May qualify for Section 510 Exemption with EPA approval. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.99.99 |
17.5% | EPA + OSHA + DOE | CTC BANNED. Fluorine regulated. |
| π¨π³ China | 3824.99 |
5-10% | CCC (if electrical) | Imports allowed, but strict environmental laws. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824.99 |
0-6% | REACH + CLP | REACH Registration mandatory for chemicals. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3824.99 |
0-5% | PRTR Law | Fluorinated compounds under PRTR reporting. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3824.99 |
0-6% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit REACH compliance required. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: Hardest market for fluorinated/CTC cleaners due to EPA and Section 301/IEEPA.
- EU: Strict REACH compliance needed.
- CTC is globally phased out. Use Fluorinated Alternatives (HFC/HFO) but expect high regulatory burden.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood-Lesson Guide)
β Error 1: Importing Carbon Tetrachloride without EPA License
π Consequence: Seizure, Fine up to $50,000/day, Criminal Charges.
β Error 2: Declaring Fluorine Cleaner as "General Solvent" (3824.99.99) without SDS
π Consequence: EPA Audit, Delayed Clearance, Retroactive Taxes.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 301/IEEPA surcharges on Halogenated Compounds
π Consequence: Underpayment of Duties, Penalties.
β Correct Practice:
"Halogenated Fluorine-based Cleaning Agent, Industrial Use, SDS Provided, EPA Compliant, HS 3824.99.99"
π― VII. Conclusion: Safe Compliance is Key!
π― Remember:
πΉ "CTC is BANNED, Fluorine is REGULAR, EPA is REQUIRED."
πΉ "If it's Halogen, Declare it. If it's CTC, Ship it Elsewhere."
π Tips:
- If your product contains Carbon Tetrachloride, DO NOT import to the US.
- Use Fluorinated Hydrocarbons (HFC/HFO) instead, but prepare for EPA paperwork.
- Apply for Pre-Ruling from US Customs if unsure about classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact EPA-registered customs broker
π Provide SDS + Formula
π Ensure Compliance, Avoid Fines, Smooth Clearance!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Chemical Products, Protected by Knowledge!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.