In the May 28, 2025, Customs Bulletin and Decisions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposed to reclassify molybdenum disulfide powder as other mineral substances under HTSUS 2530.90.80 (duty-free) rather than as other polysulfides under HTSUS 2830.90.90 (3 percent duty).
Rulings NY N306461 and NY 853255 would be modified to reflect this change. Comments are due no later than June 28.
The item at issue is an inorganic chemical compound with greater than 98 percent purity. It is used primarily in high-temperature lubricants but may also be used as an additive to steel, as well as for its semiconductor properties.
CBP explains that this item cannot be classified in heading 2830 because the Explanatory Notes for that heading exclude molybdenum sulfide (which this compound is also known as). Instead, EN 25.30(D)(12) specifically provides for this item by stating that heading 2530 includes molybdenum concentrates obtained from molybdenum ores by physical treatments for use as a lubricant.
For more information on how to seek or utilize classification and other rulings, please contact ST&R.
Copyright © 2025 Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.