U.S. imports of Inorganic Acids, NESOI (HS 281119) totaled $6.6M in August 2026, imported from 17 countries.
Importers of Inorganic Acids, NESOI paid $1.3M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 19.39% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Inorganic Acids, NESOI imports of $6.6M in August 2026 ran 37% above the year-to-date monthly average of $4.8M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataClassified as a catch-all for inorganic acids not covered by more specific headings, this subheading encompasses commercially distinct products including arsenic acid (2811191000), hydrobromic acid (2811193000), and sulfamic acid (2811196110), alongside a general NESOI line (2811196190). China is the leading supplier, particularly for sulfamic acid used in descaling and cleaning applications, while Germany and Malaysia serve as sources for specialty acid grades. The breadth of chemistries under this heading means classification disputes are common — importers should verify that their product is not more specifically provided for elsewhere in Chapter 28 before defaulting to an NESOI line.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
182 import shipments a month
Chapter 28 follows a specificity hierarchy — named acids with dedicated headings (hydrochloric acid at 280610, hydrofluoric acid at 281111, etc.) must be classified there rather than in the NESOI provision. An importer should first check whether the acid has a dedicated 6-digit heading or subheading in Chapter 28. Only acids with no specific provision — such as hydrobromic acid, sulfamic acid, or arsenic acid — fall to 281119. A licensed customs broker or binding ruling from CBP can resolve ambiguous cases.
Arsenic acid (2811191000) is subject to EPA TSCA import reporting requirements and may trigger additional scrutiny under EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act given arsenic's classification as a hazardous substance. Importers should file the required TSCA certification at entry and verify whether the intended use triggers any EPA or state-level restrictions on arsenic-containing compounds.
ImportsExports
Imports
$6.6MYoY · free account
Exports
$3.0MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $55.3M of Inorganic Acids, NESOI and exported $38.7M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 281119 — Inorganic Acids, NESOI, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
Subheading 3 of 6 in heading 2811
Subheading 281119 · $6.6M of $56.4M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2811196190 | Inorganic Acids, NESOI | $4.1M | 21.29% | 93.80% | $868K |
| 2811196110 | Sulfamic Acid | $1.2M | 22.47% | 100.00% | $278K |
| 2811193000 | Hydrobromic Acid | $1.1M | 11.70% | 93.63% | $124K |
| 2811191000 | Arsenic Acid | $200K | 2.30% | 100.00% | $5K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2811190002 | Acids, Inorganic, NESOI | $3.0M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Germany together supply 59% of it. China pays 41.6% duty; Germany 10.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
4.9% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 19.39% of imports for consumption.