borax
CN โ USAI Analysis
๐งช Borax (Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Borax" Really?
Borax, chemically known as Sodium Tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral and a major source of boron. In international trade, it is primarily categorized based on its purity, form (powder, crystal, fused), and industrial application. It is NOT classified as a simple chemical in Chapter 29, but rather under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals) or specific mineral categories depending on processing.
Key Distinctions in Trade: 1. Raw/Natural Borates: Mined directly or with minimal processing (e.g., Tincal, Kernite). 2. Refined Borax: Sodium tetraborate decahydrate ($Na_2B_4O_7 \cdot 10H_2O$), usually >99% purity, used in detergents, glass, ceramics. 3. Boric Acid vs. Borates: Boric Acid ($H_3BO_3$) is chemically distinct from Borax. Do not confuse HS 2810.00 with HS 2834.
โ ๏ธ Critical Classification Point:
- If it is Sodium Tetraborate (refined borax) โ HS 2834.21
- If it is Boric Acid โ HS 2810.00
- If it is Natural Mineral Ore (unrefined) โ HS 2513 (sometimes) or 2834.90 depending on state.
Most commercial "Borax" refers to refined Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Chemical Form |
|---|---|---|---|
2834.21.00.00 |
Sodium tetraborate (borax), whether or not chemically defined | Refined Borax, industrial grade, detergents, glass manufacturing | $Na_2B_4O_7 \cdot 10H_2O$ |
2834.29.00.00 |
Other borates and other perborates | Less common borates (e.g., Potassium tetraborate), non-decahydrate forms | Other Sodium/Potassium Borates |
2810.00.00.00 |
Oxides, peroxides, hydroxides, hydrates, of boron; boric acid | Boric Acid ($H_3BO_3$), not Borax. Often misclassified. | $H_3BO_3$ |
2513.19.00.00 |
Pumice stone; natural pumice; emery; natural corundum; natural garnet; other natural abrasives | Raw Mineral Borates (if unrefined and used as abrasive/mineral) | Natural Ore |
2834.90.00.00 |
Other salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, whether or not with defined composition | Unspecified boron salts, mixtures not falling under 2834.21 | Mixed/Other Boron Salts |
๐ Key Reminder:
- 90% of imports are classified under 2834.21.00.00.
- If you are importing Boric Acid for medical/cosmetic use, do NOT use 2834.21. Use 2810.00.
- If the product is a mixed detergent containing borax, the classification may shift to Chapter 34 (Soap/Detergents), but the component borax is 2834.21.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes, Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 2834.21.00.00 โโ Sodium Tetraborate (Refined Borax)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 - Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (On China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Authority Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:2834.21.00.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- Base 5.3%: Standard MFN rate for borates.
- 25% Surcharge: Section 301 tariffs on specific Chinese chemical products.
- 10% IEEPA: Additional national security/trade war tariff.
- Total 40.3%: This is a high-cost import. The margin for chemical distributors is significantly compressed.
๐ฏ 2. 2810.00.00.00 โโ Boric Acid (If Misclassified as Borax)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
๐ Note:
- Even if you correctly classify as Boric Acid, the tariff structure for China-origin chemicals is identical in this bracket.
- Risk: Misclassifying Borax as Boric Acid to avoid specific testing requirements is a violation. They have different MSDS, toxicity profiles, and industrial uses.
๐ฏ 3. 2513.19.00.00 โโ Natural Borate Minerals (Unrefined)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% - 5.0% (varies by specific mineral) |
| USITC Surcharge | Varies (Some natural minerals may be exempt from 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (if classified under IEEPA list) |
| Total Tariff | ~15% - 40% (Case-by-case) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร Applicable Rate |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
๐ Note:
- Natural ores often face lower base tariffs but require Mineral Origin Declarations.
- If the ore is washed/crushed but not chemically refined, it might stay in Chapter 25. However, most commercial borax is refined.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) | โ๏ธ Essential | Must specify "Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate", not just "Borax". Include UN Number (usually non-hazardous for transport, but check Section 15). |
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ Essential | Purity level (e.g., 99.5%), moisture content, particle size. |
| โ Certificate of Origin (CO) | โ๏ธ Essential | To prove origin (China vs. Turkey vs. Chile). Turkish borax may have different treatment. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ Essential | Clearly state: "Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate, HS 2834.21.00". |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ Essential | Net/Gross weight, number of bags/drums. |
| โ FEMA/GRAS Certification | โ Optional | If used in food/cosmetics, provide safety certificates. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Crucial Keywords)
๐ฅ Keyword Strategy:
- Correct: "Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate, Refined, Industrial Grade, HS 2834.21.00"
- Wrong: "Borax Powder", "Cleaning Agent", "Chemical Powder" (Too vague โ Audit Risk)
- Wrong: "Boric Acid" (If it is actually Borax โ Misclassification Fine)
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Grade Borax | 2834.21.00.00 - Sodium Tetraborate |
Misdeclare as 3402 (Surfactants) โ Penalty |
| Food Grade Borax | 2834.21.00.00 + FDA Docs |
Ship without FDA prior notice โ Detention |
| Natural Ore | 2513.19.00.00 - Natural Borate Mineral |
Declare as refined chemical โ Discrepancy |
| Mixed Detergent | 3401.11.00.00 (Soap/Detergent) |
Declare pure borax โ Misses detergent classification |
โ 3. Special Handling Scenarios
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Food/Cosmetic Use | Borax is not approved for direct food addition in the US. Ensure buyer has valid industrial use. Cosmetic use requires strict FDA compliance. |
| China vs. Turkey Origin | Turkish borax is world-famous. If origin is Turkey, check for GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) benefits, though often suspended for chemicals. |
| Humidity/Solidification | Borax cakes in humid conditions. Ensure packaging is hermetically sealed. Customs may inspect for "damaged goods" if bags are fused. |
| Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) | Check for specific country ADD. While US borax ADD is not as prominent as steel/aluminum, always verify current CBP memos. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 2834.21.00.00 |
40.3% | FDA (if food/cosmo), MSDS | High tariff due to 301 + IEEPA |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 2834.21.00.00 |
0% - 2.5% | REACH Registration (ECHA) | EU requires REACH registration for borates |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 2834.21.00.00 |
5.3% | CCC (if applicable) | Major exporter, low import tariff |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 2834.21.00.00 |
0% - 5% | BIS Standard | Competitive market |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 2834.21.00.00 |
5% | AICIS (Chemical Inventory) | Strict chemical regulation |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA: Highest cost due to tariffs. Profit margins are tight.
- EU: Highest regulatory barrier (REACH). Must ensure supplier is REACH-compliant.
- Other Markets: Generally lower barriers, but check local environmental laws.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears)
โ Mistake 1: Confusing Borax ($Na_2B_4O_7$) with Boric Acid ($H_3BO_3$)
๐ Consequence: HS Code error. Customs may detain shipment for "Inaccurate Declaration".
โ
Fix: Check chemical formula. Decahydrate = Borax. Anhydrous/Boric = 2810.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring REACH for EU Shipments
๐ Consequence: Shipment rejected at EU border. Supplier fined.
โ
Fix: Obtain REACH registration certificate from supplier before shipping.
โ Mistake 3: Vague Description "Chemical Powder"
๐ Consequence: High risk of manual inspection, delays, and potential penalties.
โ
Fix: Use full chemical name: "Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate".
โ Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis applies
๐ Consequence: Packages held at border, duties calculated retroactively + storage fees.
โ
Fix: Borax is not de minimis eligible for China origin.
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Control, Efficiency!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "HS 2834.21, Not 2810. Check Origin, Pay the 40%. REACH for EU, MSDS for US."
๐น "Borax is a Chemical, Not a Cosmetic. Keep FDA Out Unless Approved."
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are sourcing from Turkey or Chile, investigate if they have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US (currently limited for chemicals) or favorable tariffs.
For China, calculate the 40.3% tariff into your FOB price immediately. Do not underestimate the landed cost.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Confirm HS Code with Supplier: "Is this Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate?"
๐ Request MSDS + REACH Certificate (if EU)
๐ Clear customs smoothly, avoid 40%+ surprise costs!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
๐ผ Every percentage point of tariff matters in the chemical trade!
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.