Harmonized System Codes • Schedule B • Harmonized Commodity Description

HS Code 81092000: Zirconium, Unwrought; Zirconium Powders

The HS Code 81092000 represents zirconium, both unwrought and in the form of powders. Zirconium is a metallic element with various applications in different industries. This article aims to provide an extensive overview of zirconium, its uses, and the implications of the HS Code 81092000.

What is Zirconium?

Zirconium is a chemical element with the atomic number 40 and symbol Zr. It is a lustrous, grayish-white metal that is highly resistant to corrosion. Zirconium is primarily obtained from the mineral zircon, which is widely found in beach sands and certain igneous rocks.

Applications of Zirconium

Zirconium has numerous applications across various industries due to its unique properties. Some of the key uses of zirconium include:

• Nuclear Power: Zirconium alloys are commonly used in nuclear reactors due to their excellent corrosion resistance and low neutron absorption. They are used in fuel cladding, structural components, and control rods.
• Chemical Processing: Zirconium is utilized in chemical processing applications where resistance to corrosive substances is crucial. It is used in pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and reaction vessels.
• Medical Field: Zirconium is used in medical implants and prosthetics due to its biocompatibility. It is commonly used in dental implants, hip replacements, and other orthopedic applications.
• Ceramics: Zirconium oxide, also known as zirconia, is a ceramic material with high strength and toughness. It is used in the production of ceramics for various applications, including cutting tools, wear-resistant components, and dental crowns.
• Electronics: Zirconium compounds are used in electronics, such as capacitors and resistors. Zirconium oxide is also used as a dielectric material in certain electronic components.

HS Code 81092000 and Trade

The HS Code 81092000 is important for international trade as it identifies zirconium and zirconium powders. Understanding this HS Code is crucial for importers and exporters dealing with zirconium-based products.

The bound or Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS Code 81092000 is 4.2%. This means that whenever a country lowers a trade barrier or opens up a market, it must do so for zirconium and zirconium powders from all its trading partners.

Additionally, there are several special tariff preference programs applicable to HS Code 81092000. These programs provide preferential treatment to certain countries or regions, including:

• A+: Imports from least-developed beneficiary developing countries eligible for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) under this subheading receive duty-free treatment.
• AU: Australia has a special rate for zirconium imports, which may include duty-free treatment.
• BH: Bahrain offers a special rate for zirconium imports, potentially including duty-free treatment.
• CA: Imports from Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) receive duty-free treatment.
• CL: Chile has a special rate for zirconium imports, which may include duty-free treatment.
• D: Imports from countries eligible for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) receive duty-free treatment.
• E: Imports from countries eligible for the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) receive duty-free treatment.
• IL: Israel offers a special rate for zirconium imports, potentially including duty-free treatment.
• J: Imports from countries eligible for the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) receive duty-free treatment.
• JO: Jordan has a special rate for zirconium imports, which may include duty-free treatment.
• MA: Imports from Morocco receive a special rate for zirconium, potentially including duty-free treatment.
• MX: Imports from Mexico under NAFTA receive duty-free treatment.
• OM: Oman offers a special rate for zirconium imports, potentially including duty-free treatment.
• P: Imports from the Dominican Republic and Central American countries under the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) receive a special rate for zirconium.
• PE: Peru has a special rate for zirconium imports, which may include duty-free treatment.
• SG: Singapore offers a special rate for zirconium imports, potentially including duty-free treatment.

Importing and Exporting US States

While the provided data does not specify the exporting US states for HS Code 81092000, it mentions Maryland as the importing state. This suggests that zirconium and zirconium powders are being imported into Maryland.

It is worth noting that zirconium and its products have a wide range of applications, making them essential for various industries. The HS Code 81092000 ensures proper classification and regulation of zirconium trade, enabling smooth international transactions.