Heading 2853

Phosphides, whether or not chemically defined, excluding ferrophosphorous; other inorganic compounds (including distilled or conductivity water and water of similar purity); liquid air (whether or not rare gases have been removed); compressed air; amalgams, other than amalgams of precious metals

5 declarable lines

Heading 2853 covers phosphides other than ferrophosphorous, plus a residual group of other inorganic compounds such as distilled or conductivity water, liquid air, compressed air, and amalgams other than precious metal amalgams. The heading is split between cyanogen chloride in 2853.10 and the remaining products in 2853.90, with separate lines for copper phosphor, other phosphides, undoped gallium arsenide wafers, and other goods.

Products in this heading

Cyanogen chloride
Phosphor copper containing more than 15% by weight of phosphorus
Phosphides of metals or nonmetals other than ferrophosphorous
Undoped gallium arsenide wafers
Distilled water
Conductivity water
Liquid air
Compressed air

How to choose the right subheading

Check whether the product is cyanogen chloride, which falls in 2853.10.
For phosphides, identify the metal or nonmetal and whether it is copper phosphor containing more than 15% by weight of phosphorus.
For non-phosphide goods, confirm whether the product is an inorganic compound, distilled or conductivity water, liquid air, compressed air, or a non-precious metal amalgam.
For gallium arsenide, confirm that the wafer is undoped before using the undoped gallium arsenide wafer line.
Exclude ferrophosphorous and precious metal amalgams before classifying in this heading.

Often confused with

Phosphoric acid
It is an inorganic acid covered by heading 2809, not a phosphide or residual compound of heading 2853.
Heading 2809
Phosphates and polyphosphates
These are salts of phosphoric acids classified in heading 2835.
Heading 2835
Cyanides and complex cyanides
Cyanides are classified in heading 2837, while cyanogen chloride is specifically in 2853.10.
Heading 2837
Amalgams of precious metals
Heading 2853 covers amalgams other than amalgams of precious metals; precious metal amalgams are in 2843.
Heading 2843

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for cyanogen chloride?

Cyanogen chloride is classified under 2853.10.00.00. The general (MFN) duty rate for this line is 2.8%.

What is the duty on phosphor copper containing more than 15% by weight of phosphorus?

Phosphor copper containing more than 15% by weight of phosphorus is classified under 2853.90.10.00. The general (MFN) duty rate for this line is 2.6%.

How do I classify undoped gallium arsenide wafers?

Undoped gallium arsenide wafers are classified under 2853.90.90.10. The general (MFN) duty rate for this line is 2.8%.

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.