Chlorine (HS Code 2801301000)
CN โ USAI Analysis
๐งช Chlorine Gas (Chlorine, Anhydrous)
๐ HS Code 2801.30.10.00 Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
๐ Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Chlorine"?
Chlorine is a critical industrial chemical, widely used in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and polymer production. In international trade, it is strictly regulated due to its hazardous nature.
Crucial Distinction:
Anhydrous Chlorine (HS 2801.30.10.00): Pure chlorine gas ($Cl_2$) liquefied under pressure. This is the standard industrial form.
* Chlorine Solutions (e.g., Bleach): Contain water and other stabilizers. These fall under different codes (e.g., HS 2828.90).
* Mixed Chlorides*: Salts like Sodium Chloride (HS 2501).
โ ๏ธ Key Identification Point:
- If the product is pure, liquefied chlorine gas intended for industrial use, it belongs to 2801.30.10.00.
- If it is a solution, solid chloride, or mixed chemical, it is incorrectly classified here.
๐ฆ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | State |
|---|---|---|---|
2801.30.10.00 |
Chlorine (Anhydrous) | Industrial gas, water disinfection, chemical synthesis | Liquefied Gas |
2801.30.90.00 |
Other Halogens (e.g., Bromine, Iodine) | Not applicable to Chlorine | Various |
2828.90.90.00 |
Bleaches & Chlorides (Solutions) | Household bleach, swimming pool chemicals | Liquid Solution |
๐ Critical Note:
- 2801.30.10.00 is exclusively for Anhydrous Chlorine.
- Any mixture, solution, or compound containing chlorine (like Sodium Hypochlorite) MUST NOT be declared under this code.
- Misclassification leads to severe penalties, as Chlorine is a Hazardous Material (HazMat).
๐ฐ Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (US Market Focus)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onwards)
๐ฏ 1. 2801.30.10.00 โโ Chlorine, Anhydrous
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Rate (MFN) | 5.6% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (China Specific) | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 40.6% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value ร 40.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Eligible (DENY_DE_MINIMIS) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:2801.30.10.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- Base Rate (5.6%): The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for Chlorine.
- Section 301 Tariff (25%): Applied to certain industrial chemicals from China.
- IEEPA Tariff (10%): Additional levy on Chinese-origin goods under international emergency economic powers.
- Total Impact: A 40.6% duty significantly increases the cost of imported chlorine. This is a high-tariff commodity.
๐ ๏ธ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) | โ๏ธ | Must be current, detailing hazard class (Class 2.3 Toxic Gas). |
| โ UN Declaration of Dangerous Goods | โ๏ธ | Must specify UN Number UN1017. |
| โ Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state "Chlorine, Anhydrous" and UN1017. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must match SDS and packing list exactly. |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail container type (e.g., ISO Tank, Cylinder) and net/gross weight. |
| โ Importer Security Filing (ISF) | โ๏ธ | Required for ocean freight (10+2 rule). |
| โ License/Permit (If Applicable) | โ๏ธ | Some states require local permits for handling toxic gases. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ "HazMat First, UN Number Clear, SDS Attached, Delay Avoided!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Anhydrous Chlorine in ISO Tank | HS 2801.30.10.00, UN1017, Class 2.3 |
Declare as "Chemical Mix" โ Detention/Fine |
| Chlorine in Steel Cylinders | HS 2801.30.10.00, UN1017 |
Omit UN Number โ Rejected by Carrier |
| Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) | HS 2828.90.90.00 (Not 2801) |
Declare as Chlorine Gas โ Wrong Classification |
| Solid Chlorinating Agents | Varies (e.g., Calcium Hypochlorite) | Declare as Gas โ Safety Hazard |
โ 3. Special Handling Requirements
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| ISO Tank Containers | Must be cleaned and certified for toxic gases. Provide "Tank Certificate." |
| Cylinder Shipments | Ensure valve protection caps are on. Label as "Toxic Inhalation Hazard." |
| Cold Chain? | No, but storage must be cool and ventilated. Do not mix with ammonia or hydrogen. |
| Transshipment | Notify all carriers about HazMat status. Some airlines refuse UN1017. |
๐ Part 5: Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification/Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 2801.30.10.00 |
40.6% | UN1017, SDWA Compliance | High duty, strict HazMat |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 2801.30.10.00 |
5.6% | MSDS, HazMat Transport | Lower duty, high safety check |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 2801.00.00 |
6.5% | ADR Transport, CLP Labeling | No Section 301, but strict REACH |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 2801.30.00 |
10% | DGFT Guidelines | Import license may be required |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 2801.30.00 |
5% | ADG Code | Strict transport regulations |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US market imposes the highest combined duty (40.6%) due to trade policies.
- EU and China have lower duties but stricter environmental and transport regulations (REACH, ADG).
- Always prioritize HazMat compliance over cost-saving classification errors.
๐ Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Declaring Chlorine as "General Chemical"
๐ Consequence: Ship detained at port, fines up to $10,000+ per violation.
โ Error 2: Omitting UN1017 on the Bill of Lading
๐ Consequence: Carrier refuses to load, cargo stuck at origin.
โ Error 3: Using HS 2801.30.10.00 for Bleach
๐ Consequence: Classification error, back-taxes, and potential safety risk (liquid vs. gas).
โ Error 4: Providing outdated SDS
๐ Consequence: Customs holds shipment for review, causing delays of 7-14 days.
โ Correct Practice:
"Chlorine, Anhydrous, UN1017, Hazard Class 2.3, Poison Gas, Packed in ISO Tank/Cylinders. SDS v5.0 attached."
๐ฏ Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Clearance for Hazardous Goods
๐ฏ Remember:
๐น "HazMat is not just a labelโitโs a legal requirement."
๐น "UN1017 must be visible, SDS must be current, and HS Code must be precise."
๐น "Duty is 40.6% in the USโplan your cost structure accordingly."
๐ Pro Tip:
If your chlorine is sourced from non-China origins (e.g., USA, Canada, Middle East), you avoid the 10% IEEPA tariff, reducing the total duty to 30.6% (5.6% base + 25% Section 301 if applicable, or 0% if exempt from 301).
โ
Verify Origin Certificates to maximize tariff efficiency.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult a HazMat Certified Broker
๐ Ensure UN1017 is on all docs
๐ Comply with SDWA and OSHA regulations
๐ก Let your chlorine pass smoothly, safely, and legally!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Precision!
๐ผ Your Safety and Compliance are Worth Every Penny!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.