Unstabilized Activated Sludge
Unstabilized activated sludge from activated aeration basins in municipal sewage treatment, containing microorganisms and unsettled solids. Tariff item 3825.20.00 applies as unstabilized sludge from urban effluent plants, as specified in Chapter Note 5.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
| 🇺🇸United States | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the sludge is stabilized and marketed as fertilizer
Chapter Note 5 excludes stabilized sludge suitable for fertilizer use.
If the sludge is mixed with other municipal waste
Mixed waste streams may be classified as municipal waste under heading 38.25.
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 sludge is not stabilized, as stabilized forms may fall under fertilizer headings
• Confirm it comes from an urban effluent treatment plant
• Provide details on the aeration process to support classification under this item
Related Products under Tariff item 3825.20.00
Municipal Sewage Sludge
Municipal sewage sludge generated from urban wastewater treatment plants prior to stabilization. This product contains organic matter, pathogens, and solids from household and industrial effluents, and is classified under tariff item 3825.20.00 as sewage sludge per Chapter Note 5.
Primary Sewage Sludge from Urban Plants
Primary sewage sludge from urban plants, consisting of untreated primary solids settled from municipal wastewater influent. This product is rich in organic and inorganic particulates and falls under tariff item 3825.20.00 as pre-treatment waste from urban effluent treatment plants, as explicitly included in Chapter Note 5.
Scourings from Sewage Treatment
Scourings from sewage treatment, including grit, rags, and debris removed during preliminary treatment of urban wastewater. This product is covered by tariff item 3825.20.00 under Chapter Note 5, which explicitly includes 'scourings' as part of sewage sludge from effluent plants.
Urban Effluent Pre-Treatment Sludge
Urban effluent pre-treatment sludge from physio-chemical pre-treatment stages of municipal sewage, including coagulant precipitates. Tariff item 3825.20.00 applies per Chapter Note 5, which explicitly names 'pre-treatment waste' from urban effluent plants as sewage sludge.