Inorganic Chemicals & Compounds of Precious and Rare-Earth Metals

The ores chapter covers rare-earth minerals in their extracted, concentrated, but chemically unrefined state. Chapter 28 covers chemically defined rare-earth compounds — such as oxides, chlorides, and carbonates of lanthanum, cerium, or neodymium — that result from chemical processing of the ore. The key test is whether the material is a chemically defined compound with a specific molecular formula.

Imports of radioactive materials under heading 2844 are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and, for certain materials, the Department of Energy. Importers typically require NRC import licenses, and shipments must comply with DOT hazardous materials transport regulations. CBP coordinates with NRC on admissibility at the port of entry.

Yes — several inorganic chemical lines, particularly certain Chinese-origin products such as sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and various metal oxides, have been subject to Section 301 measures or antidumping/countervailing duty orders. The measure applies at the specific 10-digit tariff line and country-of-origin level, so importers should verify the current status of each line before entry.