Heading 2931

Other organo-inorganic compounds

46 declarable lines

Heading 2931 covers separate chemically defined organo-inorganic compounds, meaning molecules with a direct bond between carbon and a metal or other non-carbon element such as phosphorus, silicon, tin, lead or boron. The heading splits into three main blocks: lead and tin compounds at the top, organo-phosphorous derivatives in the middle (split again by whether the compound is halogenated), and a residual 2931.90 group for other compounds, which is divided first by aromatic versus other and then by end use such as drugs, pesticides or organo-silicon and organo-tin types.

Products in this heading

Glyphosate technical material (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine)
Glufosinate and its salts and esters
Trichlorfon insecticide active ingredient
Tributyltin compounds
Tetraethyl lead and tetramethyl lead
Dibutyltin oxide used as a PVC stabilizer
Sodium tetraphenylboron
Organo-silicon compounds such as diphenyldichlorosilane

How to choose the right subheading

Check whether the molecule has a direct bond from carbon to a metal or to phosphorus, silicon, tin, lead or boron; a bond through oxygen only points to an ester heading instead.
For organo-phosphorous compounds, decide whether the compound is halogenated (2931.51 to 2931.59) or non-halogenated (2931.41 to 2931.49).
Read the subheading text for the specific named chemical, since many lines name one compound or one narrow family.
Within 2931.90, decide first whether the compound is aromatic or other, then whether it is a drug, a pesticide, or another product type.
Confirm the goods are a separate chemically defined compound rather than a formulated preparation put up for retail sale.

Often confused with

Glyphosate or another herbicide put up in retail packing for sale
Formulated pesticides and herbicides in retail containers are classified as goods of heading 3808, not as the separate compound.
Heading 3808
Phosphoric esters such as triethyl phosphate
Esters formed through oxygen, with no direct carbon-to-phosphorus bond, belong to the ester headings rather than 2931.
Heading 2919
Esters of other inorganic acids, such as tetraethyl silicate
These are oxygen-linked esters of nonmetal inorganic acids, not organo-inorganic compounds with a carbon-to-element bond.
Heading 2920
Organo-sulfur compounds such as thiourea or methionine
Compounds built on a carbon-to-sulfur bond are classified in the organo-sulfur heading.
Heading 2930

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for glyphosate?

Glyphosate and its salts and esters fall under 2931.49.00.20, with a general (MFN) rate of 3.7%.

What is the duty on tributyltin compounds?

Tributyltin compounds are classified under 2931.20.00.00 and carry a general (MFN) rate of 3.7%.

How do I classify an organo-phosphorous compound that contains a halogen?

Halogenated organo-phosphorous derivatives go in 2931.51 to 2931.59, for example trichlorfon under 2931.54.00.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 3.7%. If the compound carries no halogen, it goes in 2931.41 to 2931.49, with the residual line 2931.49.00.80 also at a general (MFN) rate of 3.7%.

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.