Heading 2818

Artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined; aluminum oxide; aluminum hydroxide

5 declarable lines

Heading 2818 covers artificial corundum, aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide. It splits three ways: artificial corundum (2818.10), which is further divided into crude material and material in grains or ground, pulverized or refined, then aluminum oxide other than artificial corundum (2818.20) and aluminum hydroxide (2818.30). Most lines in the heading enter free, except processed artificial corundum, which carries a small rate.

Products in this heading

Brown fused alumina abrasive grit for blasting and grinding wheels
White fused alumina grain for abrasive paper and blasting media
Pink or ruby corundum abrasive powder for polishing
Calcined alumina powder for ceramic bodies and refractories
Metallurgical-grade aluminum oxide feed for aluminum smelting
Aluminum hydroxide paste used as a flame retardant filler in plastics
Aluminum hydroxide powder for water treatment and chemical processing
Ground alumina powder for lapping and precision polishing

How to choose the right subheading

Decide first whether the goods are artificial corundum, aluminum oxide other than artificial corundum, or aluminum hydroxide.
If artificial corundum, decide whether it is crude or whether it is in grains, or ground, pulverized or refined.
If it is processed artificial corundum, check the aluminum oxide content by weight and whether it is white, pink or ruby.
Confirm the product is a chemical oxide or hydroxide rather than a natural mineral, ore or metal powder.
Check whether the material is a finished abrasive article or loose grain; loose grain stays in 2818.

Often confused with

Natural corundum, emery and natural garnet abrasives
Natural abrasive stone is classified in chapter 25; heading 2818 covers only artificial corundum and refined oxides.
Heading 2513
Bauxite ore
Aluminum ore and concentrate stays in chapter 26; the refined oxide or hydroxide is what enters 2818.
Aluminum sulfate
Aluminum salts of inorganic acids go to their own salt heading, not to the oxide or hydroxide heading.
Heading 2833
Aluminum powder and flakes
Metal in powder form is classified as aluminum in chapter 76, not as aluminum oxide.
Heading 7603

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for aluminum hydroxide?

Aluminum hydroxide is classified under 2818.30.00.00. The general (MFN) rate for that line is Free.

What is the duty on artificial corundum abrasive grain?

Ground or refined artificial corundum classified under 2818.10.20.90 carries a general (MFN) rate of 1.3%. White, pink or ruby material containing more than 97.5% by weight of aluminum oxide falls under 2818.10.20.10, also at 1.3%.

How do I classify crude artificial corundum?

Crude artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined, is classified under 2818.10.10.00. The general (MFN) rate for that line is Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.