Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors
Radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes (including the fissile or fertile chemical elements and isotopes) and their compounds; mixtures and residues containing these products: > Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors
Duty Rate (from China)
Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
Products classified under HTS 2844.50.00.00
Uranium Dioxide Spent Fuel Rods
These are irradiated uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel rods extracted from nuclear reactors after use, containing fission products and actinides. Classified under HTS 2844.50.00.00 as spent (irradiated) fuel elements due to their high specific radioactivity from reactor exposure. They require specialized handling for reprocessing or disposal.
Zirconium-Clad Spent Fuel Assemblies
Complete spent fuel assemblies with zirconium alloy cladding containing irradiated uranium fuel pins, used in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Falls under HTS 2844.50.00.00 as irradiated cartridges directly from reactors. Highly radioactive, intended for storage or reprocessing.
MOX Spent Fuel Elements
Mixed oxide (MOX) fuel elements, combining plutonium and uranium oxides, irradiated in reactors like those at La Hague. HTS 2844.50.00.00 covers these as spent cartridges due to their radioactive content exceeding 74 Bq/g. Used in advanced reactor cycles for plutonium recycling.
BWR Spent Fuel Bundles
Spent fuel bundles from boiling water reactors (BWRs), typically 8x8 or 9x9 arrays of irradiated fuel rods in stainless steel channels. Classified in HTS 2844.50.00.00 as irradiated elements with complex fission product mixtures. Common in US plants like those operated by Exelon.
AGR Spent Fuel Cartridges
Spent graphite-moderated fuel cartridges from Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGR), containing uranium oxide pins in steel tubes. Under HTS 2844.50.00.00 as irradiated elements from UK reactors. Designed for Magnox/AGR reprocessing pipelines.
CANDU Spent Fuel Bundles
Spent natural uranium fuel bundles from CANDU heavy-water reactors, 37-element design in stainless steel. Classified HTS 2844.50.00.00 as irradiated cartridges for Canadian export reprocessing. Low burn-up enables on-site storage.
Fast Breeder Spent Fuel Pins
Mixed plutonium-uranium oxide pins from fast breeder reactors like Superphénix or Monju, post-irradiation. HTS 2844.50.00.00 for high-actinide content spent elements. Key for breeder fuel cycle closure.
Research Reactor Spent Fuel Elements
Plate-type or rod-type spent fuel from research reactors (e.g., HEU or LEU MTR fuel), irradiated for isotope production. Under HTS 2844.50.00.00 if meeting spent fuel definition despite non-power use. Common in TRIGA or HFIR facilities.
VVER Spent Fuel Assemblies
Irradiated fuel assemblies from Russian-designed VVER reactors, featuring hexagonal fuel pins with uranium-erbium oxide. HTS 2844.50.00.00 applies to these spent cartridges for international reprocessing transfers. High burn-up levels typical in Eastern European plants.
RBMK Spent Fuel Channels
Irradiated fuel channels from RBMK reactors (Chernobyl-type), loaded with uranium dioxide bundles in zirconium channels. HTS 2844.50.00.00 for these highly radioactive spent elements. Subject to international safeguards due to design history.