Artificial corundum — HTS 2818
Artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined; aluminum oxide; aluminum hydroxide
Chapter 28 › Heading 2818
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 2818 is a 4-digit product category for certain aluminum-based chemical and mineral products. It groups artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined, aluminum oxide, and aluminum hydroxide. These products may look similar, but they are distinguished mainly by their chemical identity and how they are produced or described commercially.
To reach the correct 8-digit HTS code, first identify the applicable 6-digit subheading, generally based on whether the product is artificial corundum, aluminum oxide, or aluminum hydroxide. The final digits may further distinguish the product by type, composition, grade, or other tariff-line description. Use the product’s technical specifications and compare them with the exact wording in the current HTS, rather than relying only on a trade name or a supplier’s suggested code.
What to check
- Obtain the safety data sheet, certificate of analysis, and technical specification showing the chemical identity, composition, and manufacturing process.
- Determine whether the product is artificial corundum, aluminum oxide, or aluminum hydroxide, and check whether the HTS wording distinguishes a particular type or form.
- Do not treat natural minerals, mixtures, preparations, or products merely containing aluminum oxide as automatically classifiable in heading 2818; review their composition and any competing headings.
- Match the product’s stated purity, particle form, treatment, and intended use against the complete tariff-line descriptions and relevant legal notes.
- Confirm the classification with current official HTS materials and, when the facts are complex or the financial risk is significant, consult a licensed customs broker or request a binding ruling.
HTS heading 2818 summary
Artificial corundum is a 4-digit product category containing 2 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 2818.10 | Artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined |
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2818.20.00.00 👉 | Aluminum oxide, other than artificial corundum | Free | — | 1.1¢/kg |
| 2818.30.00.00 👉 | Aluminum hydroxide | Free | — | 1.1¢/kg |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 2818?
Artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined; aluminum oxide; aluminum hydroxide. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.