Elemental Mercury
Pure elemental mercury (Hg), a dense liquid metal at room temperature, used in scientific instruments, dental amalgams, and other industrial applications. This product is classified under tariff item 2805.40.00 as mercury in its elemental form, which is explicitly listed in the heading. It is a separate chemical element, meeting the criteria of Chapter 28 Note 1(a).
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the mercury is in the form of a compound or mixture
Mercury compounds are classified under heading 28.43, which covers inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, but pure elemental mercury remains in 2805.40.00.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Classify the product as elemental mercury under tariff item 2805.40.00 and provide a safety data sheet (SDS) to the CBSA if requested
• Be aware that mercury is a controlled substance in Canada, and you may need to obtain a permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada before importing
• Ensure proper labeling and packaging to comply with transportation regulations
Related Products under Tariff item 2805.40.00
Dental Mercury
Pharmaceutical-grade elemental mercury packaged for dental amalgam production. This product meets USP standards for medical applications with controlled impurity levels, ensuring it is suitable for use in dental procedures. It falls under tariff item 2805.40.00 as mercury in its elemental form, which is classified in this heading regardless of its intended use.
High Purity Mercury for Barometers
99.99% pure mercury specifically purified for meteorological barometer filling, with a low vapor pressure formulation to reduce health risks during instrument assembly. This product is classified under tariff item 2805.40.00 as elemental mercury, as it is a separate chemical element in its pure form. The high purity does not affect its classification, which is based on the element itself.
Industrial Mercury Metal
Technical grade mercury for electrolytic cells and gold extraction processes, with lower purity than lab grades but suitable for large-scale industrial applications. This product falls under tariff item 2805.40.00 as elemental mercury, as it is a separate chemical element. The technical grade does not change its classification, which is based on the element itself, not its purity or intended use.
Laboratory Grade Mercury
ACS reagent grade mercury for analytical chemistry and laboratory thermometers, supplied with lot-specific certificates of analysis guaranteeing trace metal purity. This product is classified under tariff item 2805.40.00 as elemental mercury, as it is a separate chemical element. The reagent grade ensures high purity, but the classification is based on the element itself, not the grade.
Mercury Calibration Standard
NIST-traceable mercury standard solution or metal (10,000 ppm Hg) for analytical instrument calibration, with matrix-matched accuracy for AAS and ICP-MS analysis. This product is classified under tariff item 2805.40.00 for the elemental mercury component, as it is a separate chemical element. The solution form may be considered a dissolved product under Chapter 28 Note 1(b), but the mercury itself is the primary component.
Mercury for Neon Sign Electrodes
Elemental mercury dosed for neon lighting electrodes, with precise quantities (typically 10-50 mg) for vapor lamp starting and conduction. This product is classified under tariff item 2805.40.00 as elemental mercury, as it is a separate chemical element. The micro-dosing and packaging do not affect its classification, which is based on the element itself.