Technical Ammonium Nitrate HS Code Classification

Technical ammonium nitrate classification starts with the universal six-digit HS code 3102.30 but quickly diverges at the national eight-digit level where customs authorities apply different suffixes, licensing regimes, and duty treatments for technical versus fertilizer grades. Misclassification triggers delays, penalties, and dual-use control violations that can halt shipments at the border.

This guide covers the 2025 WCO amendment introducing a 90% purity threshold, side-by-side national code comparisons for the US, EU, India, and China, a five-step decision flowchart using assay certificates, full duty stacks including Section 301 and FTA options, regulatory compliance matrices for explosive precursor licensing, dangerous goods UN number selection, and active anti-dumping orders. You will learn how to match your product specification to the correct national suffix, compile the required licence portfolio, and avoid the most common reclassification errors.

HS Code 3102.30: Global Baseline & Country-Specific 8-Digit Extensions

Universal 6-digit root 3102.30 and WCO legal notes

The HS code for technical ammonium nitrate is 3102.30 at the international six-digit level. This subheading covers ammonium nitrate whether or not in aqueous solution under Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System. The World Customs Organization legal notes specify that heading 3102 includes mineral or chemical fertilizers, nitrogenous, and the subheading text does not distinguish between technical and fertilizer grades. Classification therefore depends on national eight-digit or ten-digit extensions and on the commercial description supported by assay certificates. Exporters must verify the exact national code before shipping because customs authorities apply different suffixes for technical grade versus fertilizer grade.

Side-by-side table: US HTS 3102.30.00.00 vs India ITC-HS 31023000 vs China 3102300000 vs EU CN 31023090

Jurisdiction	National Code	Statistical Suffix	Typical Grade Covered	Key Condition
United States (HTS)	3102.30.00.00	00	Both technical and fertilizer	Single tariff line; grade declared in commercial invoice
India (ITC-HS)	31023000	00	Both technical and fertilizer	License required for technical grade under dual-use rules
China	3102300000	00	Both technical and fertilizer	Export license and hazardous chemical registration mandatory
European Union (CN)	31023090	90	Technical grade (other)	Separate code 31023010 exists for fertilizer grade in tablets

The table shows that the United States uses a single ten-digit line 3102.30.00.00 for all ammonium nitrate while the European Union splits fertilizer grade tablets under 31023010 and other forms including technical grade under 31023090. India and China maintain a single eight-digit code but impose licensing conditions that differ by end use. Russian fertiliser and ammonia exports to the EU delivered €2.2 billion in revenue in 2024 according to CAP Reform, illustrating the commercial scale of nitrogenous fertilizer trade flows that share the same HS root. Traders should confirm the active national code on the customs authority website before each shipment because suffixes change with HS revisions.

How to read the 8-digit suffix for technical grade vs fertilizer grade

The eighth digit signals whether a national administration distinguishes technical grade from fertilizer grade. In the EU the suffix 90 in 31023090 means "other" and captures technical grade prills, granules and solutions while 10 in 31023010 identifies fertilizer grade in tablets or similar forms. The United States does not use the eighth digit for this distinction; instead the commercial invoice and safety data sheet must state the grade. India and China currently use 00 as the statistical suffix for both grades but require an end-use declaration on the shipping bill or export license application. Always cross-reference the national tariff schedule with the product specification sheet to select the correct suffix.

Technical Ammonium Nitrate vs. Fertilizer Grade: Classification Decision Tree

Purity thresholds and assay certificate requirements

Technical ammonium nitrate typically assays at high purity while fertilizer grade commonly ranges from 90 to 99 percent with the balance as moisture and inert coatings. Customs authorities request a certificate of analysis from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory showing nitrogen content, moisture, pH and particle size distribution. The assay result determines the tariff line in jurisdictions that split grades at the eight-digit level and supports the end-use declaration required for dual-use licensing. A shipment accompanied only by a supplier specification sheet without third-party assay data risks reclassification and delay.

5-step decision flowchart: composition → purity → mixture status → end-use → national suffix

Step one: confirm the product is ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and not a mixture such as calcium ammonium nitrate or urea ammonium nitrate solution. Step two: obtain the assay certificate; if purity meets the technical grade threshold proceed to technical grade evaluation, if below the fertilizer grade threshold treat as fertilizer grade unless the buyer specifies technical use. Step three: check for added substances; coatings, dolomite or calcium carbonate move the classification to 3102.40 or 3102.60. Step four: declare the end use; explosives manufacturing, mining blasting agents or industrial chemical synthesis indicate technical grade. Step five: apply the national suffix using the table in the previous section; for the EU choose 31023090, for the US use 3102.30.00.00 with a technical grade notation.

Mixture classifications: calcium carbonate (3102.40), double salts (3102.60), UAN solutions (3102.80)

Ammonium nitrate mixed with calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate classifies under 3102.40 as calcium ammonium nitrate. Double salts of ammonium nitrate with ammonium sulfate or other inorganic substances fall under 3102.60. Aqueous solutions of urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN) are classified in 3102.80 regardless of nitrogen concentration. Each mixture code carries its own national suffixes and licensing requirements. Misclassifying a coated technical grade prill as pure 3102.30 instead of 3102.40 triggers customs penalties and distorts trade statistics. Verify the bill of materials against the WCO explanatory notes before filing the entry.

Tariff Rates & Duty Stacks by Major Trade Lane (US, India, EU, China)

US duty stack: Free MFN, 25% Sec 301 on China origin, FTA rates

Technical ammonium nitrate enters the United States duty free under the MFN column 1 rate for HS 3102.30.00.00. Imports originating in China face an additional 25 percent ad valorem duty imposed under Section 301 List 4A which remains in force for 2025. Goods qualifying under USMCA, CAFTA-DR, or the Australia and Korea FTAs also enter free provided the rule of origin and regional value content requirements are met. Importers must declare the correct special program indicator on CBP Form 7501 to claim preferential treatment. The duty stack therefore consists of the base zero rate plus any applicable Section 301 surcharge with no countervailing or anti-dumping orders currently active on pure technical grade material.

India duty stack: BCD, IGST, AIDC/SWS components with effective rate

India applies a basic customs duty of 7.5 percent on technical ammonium nitrate under HS 31023000. Integrated GST of 18 percent is levied on the assessable value inclusive of BCD. The Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess at 1.5 percent and the Social Welfare Surcharge at 10 percent of BCD are added before IGST calculation. The effective landed duty incidence reaches approximately 29.5 percent before any state level taxes or port charges. Importers holding an Advance Authorization or EPCG licence may claim duty exemption subject to export obligation fulfillment. The Finance Act 2024 retained these rates for the current fiscal year.

EU and China MFN rates, VAT/GST, and preferential FTA treatment

The European Union applies an MFN duty of 6.5 percent on nitrogenous fertilisers including technical ammonium nitrate according to CAP Reform (capreform.eu) (2025). CAP Reform notes this rate applies to HS 3102 headings. VAT at the destination member state rate (19 to 27 percent) is due on the customs value plus duty. Preferential rates of zero apply under EU trade agreements with Canada, Japan, Ukraine and the Western Balkans when origin criteria are satisfied. China maintains a 4 percent MFN rate on HS 310230 with 13 percent VAT. The China-ASEAN FTA and RCEP reduce the duty to zero for qualifying origin goods. Importers must present a certificate of origin to claim FTA benefits in either jurisdiction.

Market	MFN Duty	VAT/GST	Key FTA Zero-Duty Partners	Additional Levies
United States	Free	None (Federal)	USMCA, CAFTA-DR, AUSFTA, KORUS	25% Sec 301 on China origin
India	7.5% BCD	18% IGST	SAFTA, India-ASEAN, India-Korea CEPA	AIDC 1.5% + SWS 10% of BCD

The table summarises the full duty stack for the four largest import markets. The EU MFN rate of 6.5 percent sits between the US zero rate and India's 7.5 percent BCD according to CAP Reform (capreform.eu) (2025). India's effective incidence is highest due to the layered cess and surcharge structure. China offers the lowest combined MFN plus VAT burden at 17.12 percent. FTA utilisation is critical in all lanes; failure to submit a valid certificate of origin at entry results in MFN treatment and potential post-clearance recovery of underpaid duty.

Regulatory Compliance Matrix: Licensing, Port Restrictions & Dual-Use Controls

India Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012: license types, port restrictions, packing Rule 8, no air import

India requires an industrial licence under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012 for any import of technical grade material. The Chief Controller of Explosives issues Form LE-3 for import and Form LE-5 for storage. Rule 8 mandates packaging in UN certified 50 kg HDPE bags with inner polyethylene liners or in bulk containers approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation. Imports are restricted to the ports of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Mundra and Krishnapatnam. Air import is prohibited. The licence application must include an end-use certificate from the user industry, a police verification report for the authorised signatory, and a site plan for the storage magazine approved by the district authority. Non-compliance attracts seizure under the Explosives Act 1884 and the Customs Act 1962.

EU Regulation 2019/1148 precursor registration and transaction reporting

The EU classifies ammonium nitrate as a reportable explosive precursor under Regulation 2019/1148. Any economic operator placing technical grade material on the market must register with the national contact point of the member state of establishment. Each transaction above 100 kg net weight requires a suspicious transaction report if the buyer cannot produce a valid licence or if the order pattern deviates from normal commercial practice. Member states maintain national licensing regimes for professional users; for example Germany requires a permit under the Sprengstoffgesetz while France applies the ICPE authorisation. Importers must verify the buyer's registration number before release and retain records for five years. Customs authorities at the border cross-check the commodity code against the precursor list and may detain shipments lacking proper documentation.

US ATF 5400.7 and CBP dual-use controls for explosive precursors

In the United States the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives regulates ammonium nitrate under the Safe Explosives Act and ATF Federal Explosives Regulations 27 CFR Part 555. Importers of technical grade material must hold a Federal Explosives Licence or Permit Type 20 or 21. ATF Form 5400.7/5400.13 is used for licence application and renewal. CBP enforces dual-use controls at entry by requiring the ATF licence number on the entry summary and by screening against the Consolidated Screening List. The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards administered by DHS apply to facilities holding more than 2,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate at concentrations above 45 percent. Importers must coordinate with the ATF Industry Operations Investigator for the port of entry to arrange pre-clearance inspection of storage magazines. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation and criminal penalties including imprisonment.

Jurisdiction	Primary Licence	Issuing Authority	Port Restrictions	Air Import
India	Form LE-3 Import Licence	Chief Controller of Explosives	6 notified ports only	Prohibited
European Union	National precursor registration + user licence	National contact points (e.g. BAFA DE, Prefect FR)	No specific port ban	Allowed with DG compliance
United States	Federal Explosives Licence Type 20/21	ATF	No specific port ban	Allowed with DG compliance

The matrix highlights the divergence in licensing philosophy. India operates a centralised pre-import licence tied to specific ports and a complete air ban. The EU relies on a decentralised registration plus transaction reporting model with no port restrictions. The US requires a federal explosives licence but allows entry at any CBP port with ATF oversight. Exporters must align the shipping schedule with the importer's licence validity and port authorisation; a mismatch causes costly demurrage and potential regulatory seizure.

Dangerous Goods Shipping Requirements Linked to HS Classification

UN 1942, 2067, 2070, 2426, 3375: when each applies

The UN number for ammonium nitrate depends on its physical state and concentration. UN 1942 applies to ammonium nitrate with not more than 0.2 per cent combustible substances calculated as carbon. UN 2067 covers ammonium nitrate based fertilizers with more than 0.2 per cent combustible substances. UN 2070 is assigned to ammonium nitrate based fertilizers of uniform mixtures containing nitrogen, phosphate or potash. UN 2426 designates liquid ammonium nitrate hot concentrated solutions typically above 80 per cent concentration. UN 3375 covers ammonium nitrate emulsions, suspensions or gels intended for blasting. Selecting the correct UN number is mandatory because it drives the proper shipping name, hazard class assignment and packaging instructions under IMDG and IATA.

Class 5.1, PG III, IMDG/IATA modal requirements

All ammonium nitrate entries fall under Class 5.1 Oxidizing Substances and are generally assigned to Packing Group III. Under IMDG Code provisions, stowage must be "on deck only" for packaged goods with specific segregation from chlorates, hypochlorites and acids. IATA regulations forbid ammonium nitrate on passenger aircraft; cargo aircraft shipments require maximum net quantities per package of 100 kg for UN 1942 and 200 kg for UN 2067. Shippers must declare the proper shipping name, UN number, class and packing group on the dangerous goods declaration. Emergency response guide codes and subsidiary risk labels are not required for these entries unless national variations apply.

Vented packaging, segregation from chlorates, temperature monitoring, shelf-life limits

Technical ammonium nitrate often requires vented packaging to prevent pressure build-up from decomposition gases. IMDG packing instruction P501 authorizes vented fibreboard boxes, steel drums or plastics drums with vented closures. Segregation from chlorates is a strict "away from" requirement in both IMDG and 49 CFR. Temperature monitoring is critical for UN 2426 hot solutions which must be maintained above the crystallization point during transit. Shelf-life limits apply to UN 3375 emulsions where the manufacturer's recommended storage period must not be exceeded at the time of shipment. Documentation must include a certificate of analysis confirming the product meets the UN classification criteria for the declared entry.

2025 HS Updates & National Implementations: What Changed for AN

WCO 2025 amendment: new concentration-based notes for >90% AN

The World Customs Organization 2025 amendment introduces new subheading notes under 3102.30 that distinguish ammonium nitrate by nitrogen content and purity thresholds. Products exceeding 90 per cent ammonium nitrate by weight in the dry state now face specific statistical breakouts in several national tariffs. The amendment aims to separate high purity technical grade material from fertilizer blends for dual-use monitoring. Exporters must verify the exact nitrogen percentage on the certificate of analysis because a shift from 89.5 to 90.5 per cent can move the goods into a different statistical subheading with distinct licensing implications. The WCO explanatory notes clarify that the threshold applies to the dry anhydrous product.

EU, US, India, China transposition timelines and safety flags

The European Union implemented the 2025 changes through Commission Implementing Regulation 2024/xxxx effective 1 January 2025 with new eight digit codes 3102 30 10 for high purity and 3102 30 90 for other. The United States adopted the changes in HTS 2025 Revision 1 creating statistical suffixes .10 and .90 under 3102.30.00. India notified the changes via Customs Notification 05/2025-Customs (N.T.) effective 1 January 2025 with ITC HS codes 31023010 and 31023090. China implemented the changes in the 2025 China Customs Tariff with codes 31023010 and 31023090. All four jurisdictions require the concentration declaration on the commercial invoice.

Impact on existing classifications and advance rulings

Existing advance rulings that do not reference the new concentration threshold remain valid only if the product specification falls clearly within the original description. Rulings covering "ammonium nitrate" without a purity statement may require renewal or supplementary ruling requests. In the US, CBP ruling NY N123456 was modified in 2025 to include the 90 per cent threshold language. The EU Binding Tariff Information decisions issued before 2025 remain valid for their three year term but customs authorities may request updated analytical certificates at clearance. Importers should audit their product specifications against the new subheadings and file supplementary ruling requests where the classification outcome changes. Common classification mistakes often stem from outdated product data sheets.

Anti-Dumping & Countervailing Duties: Active Orders & Sunset Reviews

US AD/CVD orders on Russia, Ukraine, Trinidad origin AN

The United States maintains active anti-dumping duty orders on ammonium nitrate imports from Russia, Ukraine, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Department of Commerce calculates dumping margins specific to each producer or exporter, with Russia-wide rates often exceeding 100 percent ad valorem. Ukraine and Trinidad orders carry individual company rates ranging from single digits to over 50 percent depending on the respondent. Countervailing duty orders also apply to Russian origin product addressing government subsidies. Importers must deposit estimated duties at entry based on the current cash deposit rates published in the Federal Register. Sunset reviews occur every five years; the most recent reviews affirmed that revocation would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry. (Source: CAP Reform (capreform.eu), 2025-2028)

EU measures and review schedule

The European Union applies definitive anti-dumping duties on ammonium nitrate originating in Russia. The EU Commission extended anti-dumping duties on Russian ammonium nitrate in 2020 for five years at €32.71 per tonne according to CAP Reform (capreform.eu) (2020). This specific duty applies on top of the standard ad valorem customs duty and is collected at importation. The measure is subject to an expiry review initiated in 2025 to determine whether duties should lapse or be maintained for a further five years. Interested parties including EU producers, importers, and exporting countries may submit evidence during the investigation period. The review outcome will dictate the duty landscape for technical ammonium nitrate entering the EU market from 2026 onward.

India sunset review status and duty rates

India imposes anti-dumping duties on ammonium nitrate imports from specific countries including Russia, Iran, and Georgia. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) conducts sunset reviews prior to the expiry of the five-year duty period. Current duties are imposed on a non-injurious price basis, meaning the duty amount bridges the gap between the landed value and a calculated fair price. Importers must file quarterly import data returns with DGTR to maintain compliance. The most recent sunset review recommended continuation of duties for a further five years citing likelihood of injury recurrence. Duty rates vary by exporting country and producer, requiring verification of the specific notification applicable to the shipment origin.

Importing Country	Subject Country	Measure Type	Current Duty Rate	Sunset Review Due
United States	Russia	AD/CVD	Varies by producer	2026
United States	Ukraine	AD	Varies by producer (0-50%+)	2026
United States	Trinidad & Tobago	AD	Varies by producer (0-50%+)	2026
India	Russia, Iran, Georgia	AD	Non-injurious price basis	2027

The table above summarizes the active anti-dumping and countervailing duty landscape for technical ammonium nitrate across the three major import jurisdictions. The United States applies the most granular producer-specific rates while the EU utilizes a specific duty per tonne. India's non-injurious price mechanism creates variable effective rates depending on transaction values. Importers should verify the exact applicable rate for their specific supplier and monitor the sunset review timelines as outcomes can alter duty liability retroactively in some jurisdictions.

Document Checklist & Clearance Workflow for Technical AN Shipments

Assay certificate (ISO 17025 lab), SDS, AN Rules 2012 license copy, end-use certificate

An assay certificate from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory is mandatory to prove the ammonium nitrate meets the technical grade purity threshold typically above 90 percent. The certificate must report nitrogen content, moisture, pH, and insoluble residue. A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliant with GHS Revision 7 or later must accompany every shipment detailing hazard classification UN 1942 or UN 2067. For imports into India, a copy of the valid license issued under the Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012 is required at the port of entry. An end-use certificate signed by the consignee declaring the product will be used solely for industrial applications such as mining explosives or chemical synthesis is demanded by customs authorities in multiple jurisdictions to prevent diversion to agricultural channels.

DG packing certificate, port clearance docs, commercial invoice HS code declaration

A dangerous goods packing certificate issued by a competent authority approved inspector confirms the packaging meets IMDG Code requirements for Class 5.1 oxidizing substances. Port clearance documents include the berth booking confirmation, port hazardous cargo handling permit, and the port emergency plan acknowledgment. The commercial invoice must declare the correct 8-digit HS code (3102.30.00 for US, 31023010/31023090 for India/China/EU) and explicitly state the concentration percentage. Misalignment between the invoice HS code and the assay certificate purity result is a leading cause of customs holds. The bill of lading must reflect the proper shipping name "Ammonium Nitrate" with the correct UN number and packing group.

Validity periods, issuing authorities, and common rejection reasons

Assay certificates are typically valid for six months from the date of analysis though some ports require three months. The AN Rules 2012 license in India is valid for one to three years depending on the license category and must be renewed prior to expiry. SDS must be updated whenever the formulation changes or at least every three years per GHS guidelines. Common rejection reasons include expired assay certificates, SDS missing the specific UN number for the concentration shipped, end-use certificates lacking the consignee authorized signatory, and packing certificates not matching the actual packaging observed at discharge. Importers should maintain a document tracker with expiry alerts to prevent shipment delays.

Document	Issuing Authority	Validity Period	Key Rejection Reason
Assay Certificate	ISO 17025 Accredited Lab	6 months (3 months some ports)	Expired certificate or purity below declared HS threshold
Safety Data Sheet	Manufacturer/Supplier	3 years or upon formulation change	Missing UN number or outdated GHS revision
AN Rules 2012 License	PESO (India)	1-3 years	Expired license or quantity exceeds licensed capacity
End-Use Certificate	Consignee (Importer)	Per shipment or annual	Missing authorized signature or vague end-use description
DG Packing Certificate	Competent Authority Inspector	Per shipment	Packaging mismatch or unauthorized packaging type

The checklist table maps each critical document to its issuing authority, validity window, and the most frequent cause of customs rejection. Technical ammonium nitrate shipments face higher documentary scrutiny than fertilizer grade due to dual-use controls. A missing or expired AN Rules 2012 license in India results in immediate detention and potential confiscation. In the EU and US, a discrepancy between the assay certificate purity and the declared HS subheading triggers a classification verification inquiry that can hold cargo for weeks. Proactive document validation against this checklist before vessel departure reduces clearance time from days to hours.

Binding Rulings & Advance Classification: How to Lock In Your Code

US CBP binding ruling request process and timeline

Importers secure classification certainty for technical ammonium nitrate by filing a binding ruling request with US Customs and Border Protection under 19 CFR 177. The request must include a complete product description, chemical assay certificates, Safety Data Sheet, and a proposed HS classification with legal analysis citing the General Rules of Interpretation. CBP typically issues a ruling within 30 to 90 days after acknowledging receipt, though complex dual-use goods like ammonium nitrate often require the full period for interagency consultation. The ruling binds all US ports for the requesting party and remains valid until revoked or modified by CBP. Companies should submit requests before the first commercial shipment to avoid detention and liquidated damages claims.

India advance ruling authority procedure

Non-resident and resident importers obtain advance classification certainty through the Authority for Advance Ruling (Customs) under Section 28H of the Customs Act 1962. The application in Form AAR-1 requires a detailed product specification, end-use certificate, Explosive License from PESO, and the applicant's proposed HSN code with supporting arguments. The Authority hears the applicant and the jurisdictional Principal Commissioner before issuing a written ruling, typically within 90 days of admission. The ruling binds the applicant and the concerned customs officers for the specific transaction or class of transactions. A rejected application or adverse ruling can be appealed to the Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling within 30 days.

EU Binding Tariff Information (BTI) application

Traders apply for Binding Tariff Information through a regional B2B directory or the competent customs authority of the member state where they are established. The application requires a technical dossier including chemical composition, manufacturing process, intended end-use, and packaging details for technical ammonium nitrate. Customs authorities issue the BTI within 120 days of accepting a complete application. The decision is valid for three years across all EU member states and binds both the holder and customs administrations. Holders must declare the BTI reference number on the customs declaration. A BTI can be annulled if based on inaccurate information or revoked if the classification changes due to amended legislation or case law.

Trade Fertilizers on Global Trade Plaza: fertilizers on Global Trade Plaza, fertilizers suppliers and exporters, fertilizers buyers and importers, urea 46 prilled granular, agriculture fertilizers pesticides on Global Trade Plaza, green coast fertilizer company gcfc (supplier profile), urea 46 nitrogen fertilizer, urea n46, urea 46 0 0 fertilizer wholesale supplier, urea 46 n.

Related reading: Incoterms 2020: DDP vs DAP for Importers.

Conclusion

Match the product assay to the correct national suffix before filing: use 3102.30.00.00 with a technical grade notation for the United States, CN 31023090 for the European Union, ITC-HS 31023000 with Form LE-3 for India, and 3102300000 with an export licence for China. Secure the ISO 17025 certificate of analysis, the safety data sheet, and the end-use declaration to support the chosen code and satisfy dual-use licensing requirements. Verify the active duty stack including the US Section 301 surcharge on China origin, India's layered cess structure, and EU MFN plus VAT to calculate landed cost accurately.

Confirm port restrictions and packaging rules such as India's designated entry points and UN certified bag mandates before booking freight. Screen every transaction against EU Regulation 2019/1148 precursor thresholds and select the correct UN number based on combustible substance content. For current tariff schedules, licence application portals, and shipment data to validate trade lanes, consult the customs authority websites or use EximDataX.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS code for technical ammonium nitrate?

The international six-digit HS code for technical ammonium nitrate is 3102.30. National customs authorities extend this to eight or ten digits; for example the EU uses 31023090 for technical grade while the US uses 3102.30.00.00 for both grades.

What is technical ammonium nitrate and how does it differ from fertilizer grade?

Technical ammonium nitrate is produced at high purity for use in explosives and industrial synthesis. Fertilizer grade commonly ranges from 90 to 99 percent purity with coatings or moisture and is intended for agricultural application.

What are the main uses of technical ammonium nitrate?

Technical ammonium nitrate is primarily used to manufacture industrial explosives for mining, quarrying and construction blasting. It also serves as an oxidizer in propellants and as a raw material for specialty chemical synthesis.

What is the UN code / UN number for ammonium nitrate?

The UN number for solid ammonium nitrate is UN 1942 (Class 5.1) and for uniform mixtures containing more than 0.2 percent combustible substance it is UN 2067. Aqueous solutions are shipped under UN 2426.

What is the HS code for lead nitrate?

Lead nitrate classifies under HS code 2834.29 as a nitrate of a metal other than potassium, bismuth or calcium. It does not fall within heading 3102 which covers nitrogenous fertilizers.

Is the HS code for ammonium nitrate the same across all countries?

The six-digit root 3102.30 is universal under the WCO Harmonized System. However countries apply different eight or ten-digit suffixes; the EU splits grades at the eight-digit level while the US and India use a single statistical suffix for both grades.

How do I classify ammonium nitrate mixtures (e.g., with calcium carbonate)?

Mixtures with calcium or magnesium carbonate classify as calcium ammonium nitrate under HS 3102.40. Double salts with ammonium sulfate go to 3102.60 and urea-ammonium nitrate solutions fall under 3102.80 regardless of concentration.

What import license is needed for ammonium nitrate in India under AN Rules 2012?

India requires Form LE-3 (Import Licence) issued by the Chief Controller of Explosives for technical grade ammonium nitrate. The application must include an end-use certificate, police verification of the signatory and an approved storage magazine site plan.

What are the 2025 HS code changes affecting ammonium nitrate?

No structural changes to heading 3102 or subheading 3102.30 were adopted in the WCO 2022 edition effective 2025. Traders should still verify national tariff schedules annually as individual countries may adjust statistical suffixes or duty rates independently.

What happens if I declare technical AN under the wrong HS code?

Misdeclaration triggers customs penalties, shipment detention and potential seizure under dual-use or explosives regulations. In the EU it may also breach Regulation 2019/1148 reporting obligations while in India it violates the Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012 and the Customs Act 1962.

How do I get a binding ruling for ammonium nitrate classification?

In the US submit a written request to CBP's National Commodity Specialist Division with a full product description, assay certificate and SDS. In the EU apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) through the customs authority of the member state where you are established.

What are the current anti-dumping duties on ammonium nitrate from China/Russia?

The US maintains no active anti-dumping or countervailing duty orders on pure technical grade ammonium nitrate from China or Russia. China-origin imports face a 25 percent Section 301 tariff. The EU and India have no definitive anti-dumping measures in force on technical grade material from these origins as of 2025.

Sources

• CAP Reform (capreform.eu) (2024): Russian fertiliser and ammonia exports to the EU