Silicon (HS Code 2519902000)
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⚗️ Silicon / Silicon Metal (HS Code 2519.90.20.00)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Silicon"?
In international trade, "Silicon" is a critical industrial material. However, confusion often arises between Silicon Metal (used in aluminum alloys and polysilicon) and Ferro-Silicon (used in steel).
Silicon (HS 2519.90.20.00) specifically refers to Chemically Pure Silicon (also known as Silicon Metal or Metallic Silicon). It is distinct from: * Ferro-Silicon (HS 7202): An alloy of iron and silicon, primarily used in steelmaking. * Silica Sand (HS 2505): Raw material, not the processed metal.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is >85% Silicon by weight and is not an alloy with iron as the primary base →归入 2519.90.20.00
- If it contains significant Iron (typically >2-5%) and is used for steel de-oxidation →归入 7202.21/22 (Ferro-Silicon)
- CRITICAL: Misclassification can lead to massive tariff differences. Silicon Metal is a strategic material for solar, EV batteries, and aluminum production.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Silicon Purity | Alloy Base? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2519.90.20.00 |
Silicon, other than natural silicon | High-purity silicon metal (98%-99.9% Si) for semiconductors, solar cells, or aluminum alloys | >98% | ❌ No (Pure Metal) |
2804.61.00.00 |
Silicon (Gaseous/Chemical) | Note: Usually solid silicon is 2519; 2804 is for other elements | N/A | N/A |
7202.21.00.00 |
Ferro-silicon, containing by weight ≤ 55% of silicon | Standard ferro-silicon for steel de-oxidation | ≤55% | ✅ Yes (Iron) |
7202.29.00.00 |
Other ferro-silicon | High-silicon ferro-alloys | >55% | ✅ Yes (Iron) |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- 2519.90.20.00 is for Silicon Metal (often called "Silicon" in trade documents).
- It is NOT Ferro-Silicon. If you are shipping Ferro-Silicon, do NOT use 2519.90.20.00; use 7202.
- Pure silicon (for electronics) might sometimes fall under 2804.61 if considered a "other element," but for commercial bulk silicon metal, 2519.90.20.00 is the standard US/China customs classification for Silicon Metal.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 2519.90.20.00 —— Silicon Metal (Chemically Pure Silicon)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (General MFN rate for this HTSUS code) |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25% (Footnote 9903.88.01 applies to many metallurgical products) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (Section 178 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, specifically targeting Chinese origin goods) |
| Total Effective Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ NOT Eligible (deny_de_minimis applies to Section 301/IEEPA goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:2519.90.20.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- Base Rate (0%): Silicon metal is not generally taxed under normal MFN rates.
- Section 301 (25%): Added to many Chinese industrial metals and chemical products.
- IEEPA (10%): A separate 10% duty on specific Chinese-origin industrial inputs.
- Total 35%: This is a high-cost burden. Importers must factor this into landed cost calculations.
🎯 2. Comparison: What if it was Ferro-Silicon (HS 7202)?
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% - 6% (depending on Si content) |
| Section 301 | +25% |
| IEEPA | +10% |
| Total | ~35-41% |
📌 Note: While Ferro-Silicon (7202) has similar high tariffs, misclassifying Silicon Metal as Ferro-Silicon is a major customs violation if the chemistry doesn't match. Ensure your COA (Certificate of Analysis) confirms Silicon > 98% and Iron < 2% (or specific alloy limits).
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ CRITICAL | Must show Si content (%), Fe content (%), Al content (%). Proves it is Silicon Metal, not Ferro-Silicon. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state "Silicon Metal (99.0% Pure)" not just "Silicon" or "Silicon Alloy". |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show net/gross weight. Silicon is often packed in steel drums or big bags. |
| ✅ Origin Certificate | ✔️ | To prove Chinese origin (triggers 301/IEEPA) or exemption if sourced elsewhere (e.g., Brazil, Norway, where tariffs may be lower). |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | Silicon metal is flammable (Class 4.3 Dangerous Goods if wet/dust). Requires proper DG labeling if applicable. |
✅ 2. Declaration Best Practices (Golden Rules)
🔥 "Purity Dictates Code, Origin Dictates Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon Metal (99% Si) | 2519.90.20.00 + "Silicon Metal" |
Misclassifying as Ferro-Silicon (7202) → Penalties for false declaration. |
| Ferro-Silicon (75% Si, 20% Fe) | 7202.21.00.00 + "Ferro-Silicon" |
Using 2519 → Audit risk, as Si content is too low for 2519. |
| Polysilicon (Solar Grade) | Check 2804 or 2519 | Polysilicon is often treated as 2804.61 (Other Elements). If declared as 2519, it may be questioned. Consult specialist. |
| Silicon Powder | 2519.90.20.00 |
If particle size > 1mm, it's "Granular Silicon"; if < 1mm, still 2519, but DG rules may apply for dust. |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Source from Brazil/Norway | Avoid US Tariffs! Silicon from Brazil/Norway may be subject to 0-10% base duty and NO Section 301 (verify current exemptions). Huge cost saving. |
| Silicon for Aluminum Alloy | Still 2519. Do not declare as "Aluminum Alloy" (7201-7206). It is a raw material for alloying. |
| Dangerous Goods (DG) | Silicon metal can be UN 1408 (Flammable Solid). If packed in drums and fine powder, it may require DG declaration. If large granules, it may be non-DG. Check MSDS. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (from China) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2519.90.20.00 |
35% (0% + 25% + 10%) | None specific, but COA essential | High barrier; consider Vietnam/Brazil sourcing |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2804.61.00 |
0-6% (Check CHFTA/Agreement) | REACH Registration required | Silicon often classified under 2804 (Chemical Element) in EU, not 2519. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2519.90.20.00 |
0% (Export) | None | China is the world's largest exporter. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 2804.61.00 |
5-7.5% | BIS Certification often required | Check latest anti-dumping duties on Chinese silicon. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA: 35% total duty is a significant cost. Diversify supply chain (Brazil, Norway, Russia) if possible.
- EU: Classifies as 2804.61 (Chemical element), not 2519. Ensure correct EU HS code for smoother clearance.
- India: Watch out for Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) on Chinese silicon metal, which can add 10-40% extra.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring Silicon Metal as Ferro-Silicon (7202) to confuse customs.
👉 Consequence: Audit trigger. COA will show Si > 98%, Fe < 2%. Penalties + Back Taxes.
❌ Error 2: Ignoring DG Classification.
👉 Consequence: Silicon powder can be flammable. If shipped as non-DG but fails safety check, shipment may be seized or returned.
❌ Error 3: Using "Silicon" on Invoice without specifying "Metal".
👉 Consequence: Ambiguity leads to customs delay while officer determines if it's rubber additive (silica) or metal.
❌ Error 4: Not checking Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) in countries like India or EU.
👉 Consequence: Unexpected additional duties of 20-100% levied at border.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Silicon Metal, 99.0% Si, <1% Fe, <0.5% Al, Granular, Origin: China, HS 2519.90.20.00"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Sourcing, Lower Costs
🎯 Remember the Rule:
🔹 "Silicon Metal is 2519, Ferro is 7202, Check Purity First."
🔹 "China Origin = 35% Duty in USA, Look to Brazil or Norway."
🔹 "COA is King: It proves your HS Code."
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing Polysilicon (for solar panels), it may be classified under 2804.61 with different tariff implications. Do not assume all "Silicon" is 2519.90.20.00.
For Silicon Metal used in aluminum, consider Preferential Trade Agreements if sourcing from non-China origins.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify COA with your supplier before shipment.
📞 Consult Broker for DG status (Flammable Solid?).
📊 Calculate Landed Cost with 35% duty if from China to US.
🚀 Optimize Supply Chain to mitigate tariff risk.
✨ Professional Clearance, Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Duty Saved is Pure Profit!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.