HS Code 3815Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations n.e.c. or included
4 six-digit codes · Heading 15 of 27 in Chapter 38 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 3815 covers reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations that no other heading names. In practice, most goods here are catalysts, sorted by whether they are supported and by their active substance.
The WCO writes heading 3815 as a residual bucket: goods of Chapter 38that answer to “Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations n.e.c. or included” and that no more specific heading in the chapter already claims. It still carries 4 six-digit codes, 381511 through 381590, so “other” is not the end of the classification here. The heading is number 15 of 27 in Chapter 38, Chemical products n.e.c., which runs to 108 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 3815
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 381511 | Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included |
| 381512 | Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included |
| 381519 | Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with an active substance other than nickel or precious metals or their compounds, n.e.c. or included |
| 381590 | Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, unsupported, n.e.c. or included |
What HS code 3815 covers
A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction and is not used up by it. An initiator starts a reaction. An accelerator makes a reaction go faster. Heading 3815 is where customs places ready-made preparations of these kinds when no other heading describes them.
The letters n.e.c. mean not elsewhere classified. So a product only belongs here if a more specific heading does not fit. Some traders say HSN code 3815. It is the same code.
It helps to know the neighbours in that chapter, because many chemical preparations look alike on paper.
HS 3815 subheadings: 3815.11, 3815.12, 3815.19, 3815.90
Each subheading has a six-digit form and a dotted form. The dot only changes how the number is written. The meaning stays the same.
Here is what each one means in plain words:
- 3815.11 (381511): supported catalysts and similar preparations where nickel or a nickel compound is the active substance.
- 3815.12 (381512): supported catalysts and similar preparations where a precious metal or a precious metal compound is the active substance.
- 3815.19 (381519): supported catalysts and similar preparations with any other active substance.
How to choose the right 3815 code
Start with one question: is the catalyst supported? A supported catalyst has its active substance placed on a carrier material. If the answer is no, the product goes to 3815.90, whatever it is made of.
If the answer is yes, look at the active substance.
This is the path to follow when you ask which HS code applies to a catalyst. Check your product data sheet for the carrier and the active substance before you decide. The HS code classifier can help you test your choice. Your national tariff may add more digits after the six-digit code, so check it before you file.
Headings often confused with 3815
Three nearby headings in Chapter 38 are easy to mix up with 3815. Compare the wording before you pick one.
- HS 3812 names prepared rubber accelerators, plasticisers and stabilisers for rubber or plastics. A product made as a rubber accelerator belongs there, not in 3815.
- HS 3824 is a wide catch-all for chemical products and preparations n.e.c. Use it only when no narrower heading, including 3815, fits.
- HS 3811 covers anti-knock preparations, inhibitors and other additives for mineral oils and similar liquids.
Import and export data for HS code 3815
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries.
Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Nearby headings in Chapter 38
- 3809Finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate the dyeing, fixing of dyestuffs…4 codes
- 3810Metal-pickling preparations; fluxes etc for soldering, brazing; welding…2 codes
- 3811Anti-knock preparations, oxidation and gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers…5 codes
- 3812Prepared rubber accelerators; compound plasticisers for rubber or plastics…4 codes
- 3813Preparations and charges for fire extinguishers; charged fire-extinguishing…1 code
- 3814Organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or included…1 code
- 3816Refractory cements, mortars, concretes and similar compositions, including…1 code
- 3817Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading…1 code
- 3818Chemical elements doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers…1 code
- 3819Hydraulic brake fluids and other prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission…1 code
- 3820Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids1 code
- 3821Prepared culture media for the development or maintenance of micro-organisms…1 code
Who ships under 3815?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 4 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries, chapters 28–38.
HS Code 3815: common questions
What is the HS code for a precious metal catalyst?
A supported catalyst with a precious metal or a precious metal compound as the active substance falls under 3815.12 (381512).
What is the HS code for a nickel catalyst?
A supported catalyst with nickel or a nickel compound as the active substance falls under 3815.11 (381511).
Which code covers unsupported catalytic preparations?
Unsupported reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations go under 3815.90 (381590).
Are rubber accelerators classified under 3815?
Usually not. Heading 3812 names prepared rubber accelerators, so those goods go there.
How can I find importers and exporters under HS 3815?
Pick the subcode that matches your product, then look it up in the import and export data on EximDataX. Buyer and supplier lists have their own pages, and you can book a demo to see them.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.