Phosphor Copper Master Alloy
Phosphor copper master alloy is a high-phosphorus copper alloy containing more than 15% by weight of phosphorus, used as an additive in brass production. It is classified under tariff item 2853.90.00 as a phosphide, per Chapter Note 7 to Chapter 28, which explicitly includes copper phosphide with over 15% phosphorus. The product is not ferrophosphorus, which is excluded from this heading.
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 phosphorus content is 15% or less
Copper alloys with lower phosphorus content are classified as master alloys in Chapter 74.
If the product is ferrophosphorus
Ferrophosphorus is explicitly excluded from heading 28.53 and falls under Chapter 72.
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
• Ensure the phosphorus content exceeds 15% by weight to qualify as a phosphide under Chapter Note 7; provide a mill certificate or lab analysis to the CBSA
• Declare the product as copper phosphide, not as a copper alloy of Section XV, to avoid misclassification
• Verify that the product is not ferrophosphorus, which is excluded from this heading
Related Products under Tariff item 2853.90.00
2-inch Undoped Gallium Arsenide Test Wafer
A 2-inch undoped gallium arsenide test wafer is used for process control and calibration in semiconductor fabrication. Chapter Note 8 to Chapter 28 states that chemical elements doped for electronics are classified in this chapter only in unworked forms; however, gallium arsenide is a compound, not an element. Undoped wafers cut into discs or wafers fall under heading 3818, not this tariff item.
Aluminum Phosphide
> Aluminum phosphide is a chemically defined inorganic compound used primarily as a fumigant in agriculture to control pests in stored grains. As a phosphide of a metal other than iron, it is classified under heading 28.53, specifically this tariff item for other phosphides.
Aluminum Phosphide Tablets
Aluminum phosphide tablets are a chemically defined inorganic compound used for fumigation, generating phosphine gas upon exposure to moisture. As a phosphide other than ferrophosphorus, it falls under heading 2853. The tablets are presented in a form ready for use, but remain classified as the inorganic compound itself.
Barium Phosphide
> Barium phosphide is a chemically defined metal phosphide used in specialty alloys and as a reducing agent in extractive metallurgy. As a phosphide of a metal other than iron, it is classified under heading 28.53, falling under this tariff item for other phosphides.
Cadmium Phosphide
> Cadmium phosphide is a chemically defined phosphide used as a II-V semiconductor material for infrared detectors and photovoltaics. As a phosphide of a metal other than iron, it is classified under heading 28.53, specifically this tariff item for other phosphides.
Calcium Phosphide
> Calcium phosphide is a chemically defined phosphide used to generate phosphine gas in pyrotechnic signal flares and smoke generators. As a phosphide of a metal other than iron, it is classified under heading 28.53, falling under this tariff item for other phosphides.