Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide Coating Mixture
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 284190 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 382499 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824993910 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NCM) Coating Mixture: HS Code Classification & US Customs Guide | 2026 Tax Analysis
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is the "Coating Mixture"?
The "Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NCM) Coating Mixture" is a specialized formulation used in the manufacturing of battery electrodes. It is not a finished battery cell, nor is it just raw chemical powder. It is a prepared mixture designed specifically for application as a conductive coating on electrode substrates (foils).
In international trade, the classification depends heavily on whether it is classified by its chemical composition (lithium salts) or its functional preparation (binders/coatings for batteries).
Key Distinction: * Raw Salt Form: If classified strictly as a lithium salt β Chapter 28. * Prepared Coating Form: If classified as a specific chemical preparation for electrode coating β Chapter 38.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is a simple salt mixture without specific binding agents or prepared for a specific industrial use β Consider 2841.90.
- If the product is a prepared formulation (including binders, solvents, or specific mixing ratios) intended for coating battery electrodes β It often falls under 3824.99, specifically as a prepared binder or chemical preparation.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
Based on the provided data, there are three potential HS Codes. The correct choice depends on the precise chemical state and industrial preparation of the mixture.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (China to US) | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2841.90 |
Other salts of lithium, including mixtures containing Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide used as a coating mixture for battery electrodes. | Raw chemical salts; unprepared mixtures primarily defined by lithium content. | β οΈ Error/Failed to Retrieve | Classified under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals). Focuses on the salt nature. |
3824.99 |
Prepared binders and other chemical products not elsewhere specified or included. Covers the "Coating Mixture" formulation if classified by its specific prepared state rather than just the salt content. | Formulated coatings; mixtures with binders/solvents specifically prepared for electrode application. | β οΈ Error/Failed to Retrieve | Classified under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products). Focuses on the preparation/binder nature. |
3824.99.39.10 |
Prepared binders for foundry molds or cores; chemical products... Mixtures of two or more inorganic compounds: Other Of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxides. | Specific Prepared Formulation: Detailed mixture of inorganic NCM compounds prepared for industrial use. | β 25.0% (25% Additional Tariff) | Recommended for Most Prepared Mixtures. Classified under Chapter 38, specifically for prepared mixtures of inorganic compounds. |
π Key Insight:
-3824.99.39.10is the most specific and likely correct code for a prepared coating mixture used in battery manufacturing.
- The tax rate is 25.0% (Additional Tariff under USITC/IEEPA rules for Chinese origin).
- Codes2841.90and general3824.99show "Failed to retrieve tax information" in the source data, indicating uncertainty or need for manual verification, but3824.99.39.10has a confirmed rate.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3824.99.39.10 ββ Prepared Mixture of Inorganic Compounds (NCM Coating)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Under USITC Footnote for Section 301 / IEEPA) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10.0% (Additional levy on Chinese/ Hong Kong products, effective from 2025-11-10) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% β οΈ Note: Source data explicitly states total_tax as "25.0%" for this code. However, standard US China tariffs often stack. If the source data reflects the final applicable rate after all considerations, it is 25%. If it reflects only the additional tariff, base may apply. Given the text says "Total Tax: 25.0%", we will use 25% as the final effective rate per the provided data. |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High value industrial chemicals typically exclude small parcel de minimis benefits under Section 321) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3824.99.39.10 β FOOTNOTE:301/Tariff Schedule |
π Explanation:
- The 25.0% total rate is derived from the specific subheading3824.99.39.10which covers "Mixtures of two or more inorganic compounds" of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxides.
- This classification assumes the product is a prepared chemical mixture (Chapter 38) rather than a raw salt (Chapter 28).
- Critical: Ensure your commercial invoice and product description match "Prepared Coating Mixture" to justify Chapter 38 classification, which is more specific than generic "Lithium Salts."
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None Omitted)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Chemical composition (% NCM, binders, solvents), particle size, viscosity, and intended use (electrode coating). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Essential for handling lithium-based materials. Confirms non-hazardous or hazardous classification. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide Coating Mixture β Prepared Chemical Product for Battery Electrodes." Avoid vague terms like "Battery Chemicals." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required to determine eligibility for any potential exemptions (though currently 25% applies to CN origin). |
| β HS Code Binding Request (Optional but Recommended) | βοΈ | Apply for an Advance Ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to lock in the classification at 3824.99.39.10. |
| β Bill of Lading / Air Waybill | βοΈ | Ensure proper handling instructions for chemical goods. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Prepared Mixture, Not Raw Salt! Chapter 38, Code 39.10, 25% Tariff!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Prepared Coating Paste | HS: 3824.99.39.10Desc: "Prepared NCM Coating Mixture" |
Misclassified as Raw Salt (2841.90) β Risk of penalty if preparation is evident. |
| Raw NCM Powder | HS: 2841.90Desc: "Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide Salt" |
Declared as "Coating Mixture" β If no binders/solvents, this is incorrect. |
| Mixture with Binders/Solvents | HS: 3824.99.39.10Desc: "Prepared Chemical Mixture for Electrodes" |
Declared as "Battery Parts" (8507.xx) β Incorrect; this is a raw material/chemical. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Mixture | Provide the exact formulation ratio. CBP may request a lab analysis to confirm it is a "prepared mixture" and not just a physical blend of salts. |
| High-Value Shipments | Consider applying for a Section 301 Exclusion if available for this specific HTS code (check current USITC exclusion lists). |
| Chemical Hazards | Ensure MSDS is up-to-date. Lithium compounds may be classified as hazardous for transport (UN Number). Provide proper UN labeling. |
| Uncertain Tax Data for 2841.90 | If you believe your product is a raw salt (not prepared), you might try 2841.90. However, since tax info is "Failed to retrieve," there is a risk of audit. 3824.99.39.10 is safer if binders/solvents are present. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.99.39.10 |
25.0% | MSDS, FCC (if electronic), RoHS | High tariff. Ensure "Prepared Mixture" classification. |
| π¨π³ China | 2841.90 or 3824.99 |
0-5% (Import Duty) | Chemical Registration (MIIT) | Domestic trade may have different classification nuances. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2841.90 or 3824.99 |
~5-6.5% | REACH Registration, CLP Labeling | REACH compliance is critical for chemical imports. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3824.99 |
~5% | GHS Labeling, NICNAS | Standard import duties. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2841.90 |
~3-5% | JIS Standards | Check for specific chemical notifications. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to the 25% additional tariff on prepared chemical mixtures from China.
- EU and Australia may have lower duties but strict chemical compliance (REACH/GHS).
- Strategic Tip: If your product is a simple salt blend, argue for2841.90to potentially avoid Chapter 38 specificities, but verify tax rates. If itβs a formulated coating,3824.99.39.10is the most accurate, but budget for 25% tariff.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from Blood & Tears)
β Error 1: Classifying "Coating Mixture" as a Finished Battery Component (8507.xx)
π Consequence: Misclassification. This is a raw material/chemical, not a battery cell. Penalty + Back Taxes.
β Error 2: Using vague descriptions like "Battery Chemicals" on the Invoice
π Consequence: Customs detention. CBP requires precise chemical descriptions (e.g., "Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide Coating Mixture").
β Error 3: Assuming 2841.90 has lower tariffs without verification
π Consequence: Data shows "Failed to retrieve." Risk of audit and higher penalties if classification is challenged. 3824.99.39.10 has a confirmed 25%.
β Error 4: Ignoring MSDS/REACH requirements
π Consequence: Shipment held at port. Lithium compounds require proper hazardous material handling documentation.
β Correct Practice:
"Prepared Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide Coating Mixture for Battery Electrodes, Formulated with Binders, HS Code: 3824.99.39.10, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Cut Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Prepared Mixture = Chapter 38 = 25% Tariff (USA)"
πΉ "Raw Salt = Chapter 28 = Uncertain Tax (Check CBP Ruling)"
πΉ "Vague Description = Customs Delay = Lost Profit!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is high-value, apply for a CBP Advance Ruling to lock in the classification at
3824.99.39.10. This provides legal certainty and prevents future disputes.
Consider supply chain diversification if the 25% tariff impacts profitability.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
π Prepare Detailed MSDS and Specification Sheets
π Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling to ensure smooth clearance!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Tax is Worth Calculating Precisely!
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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.