U.S. imports of Mercury (HS 280540) totaled $81K in December 2024, imported from 2 countries.
Importers of Mercury paid $1K in duties in December 2024, an average duty rate of 1.70% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Mercury imports of $81K in December 2024 ran 1066% above the year-to-date monthly average of $7K.
Last updated: December 2024 dataElemental mercury (liquid mercury, quicksilver) occupies heading 280540 and is subject to stringent US import controls under the Mercury Export Ban Act and EPA regulations that restrict its commercial use and storage. The Minamata Convention on Mercury, to which the US is a party, governs international trade in elemental mercury and mandates that primary mercury mining exports be phased out among signatory nations. Importers should be aware that permissible end uses are narrowly defined — primarily certain scientific instruments and limited industrial applications — and that EPA and CBP coordinate on admissibility review for mercury shipments.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
2 import shipments a month
The Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008 prohibits US export of elemental mercury and restricts long-term storage. On the import side, EPA regulations under TSCA and the Toxic Substances Control Act limit permissible uses of imported mercury. The US is also a party to the Minamata Convention, which requires parties to phase out primary mercury mining and restrict trade. Importers must demonstrate a lawful end use and may need to file TSCA certifications; consulting a licensed customs broker with chemical import experience is strongly recommended.
Permissible uses have narrowed considerably. Remaining lawful applications include certain scientific and calibration instruments, limited use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining contexts subject to EPA oversight, and some specialty electrical equipment. Mercury for use in chlor-alkali production, thermometers, and most measuring devices has been phased out under US regulations. Importers must verify current EPA guidance on allowable uses before placing orders.
Subheading 5 of 5 in heading 2805
Subheading 280540 · $81K of $12.0M
Imports · December 2024
origin
Canada and United Kingdom together supply 100% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
duty collected equals 1.70% of imports for consumption.
Imports
Imports
$81KYoY · free account
Low of 2 reported months · imports
Low · free accountFewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through December 2024 · imports 2 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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