HS Code for Lithium Hydroxide (HS 2825.20)
Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LiOH.H2O) is preferred for high-nickel NMC 811 and NCA cathodes because sintering temperatures are lower than for carbonate. Trade volumes have grown fastest of any lithium compound. HS 2825.20 covers lithium oxide and hydroxide.
Sample 6-digit codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 2825.20 | Lithium oxide and hydroxide |
| 2836.91 | Lithium carbonate (see separate guide) |
Typical import duty by market
| Market | Duty |
|---|---|
| European Union | 5.5% |
| United States | 3.7% IRA 30D battery mineral rules; FEOC exclusions from 2025. |
| China | 0% Plus 13% VAT. |
| Japan | 3.9% |
| South Korea | 5.5% |
Numerical Example: 50 MT battery-grade LiOH.H2O, FOB Ningbo USD 15,500/MT, CIF Hamburg
50 MT battery-grade LiOH.H2O, FOB Ningbo USD 15,500/MT, CIF Hamburg. Run your own numbers in the Import Duty & Tax calculator.
- · IMDG: UN 2680 - Class 8 corrosive (packaging group II). Anhydrous form is more hazardous.
- · REACH registration for EU imports > 1 t/year.
- · US IRA 30D and FEOC rules apply.
- · Battery-grade spec: >= 56.5% LiOH, low CO3, tight magnetic/iron/nickel limits.
- · China (converter)
- · Chile (some)
- · Australia (via own converters and JVs)
- · Argentina
Frequently asked questions
Sintering high-nickel NMC and NCA precursors below the temperature at which nickel disorders is easier with LiOH than Li2CO3. LFP cathodes use carbonate; NMC 6-series and above skew to hydroxide.
Import duty and tax by destination market
Typical MFN duty, consumption tax and the tax base applied to critical minerals (HS 2825.20) in each market we cover. Rates are indicative at the 6-digit line | confirm the national 8/10-digit code with your broker.
| Market | Duty | Consumption tax | Tax base | Tax as % of CIF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 5% | IGST 18% | Assessable value + duty | 24.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | 5% | VAT 5% | CIF + duty | 10.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% | VAT 15% | CIF + duty | 20.8% |
| Singapore | 5% | GST 9% | CIF + duty | 14.4% |
| China | 5% | VAT 13% | CIF + duty | 18.6% |
| United States | 5% | Federal VAT 0% | CIF | 5.3% |
| United Kingdom | 5% | VAT 20% | CIF + duty | 26.0% |
| Germany | 5% | USt 19% | CIF + duty | 24.9% |
| Netherlands | 5% | BTW 21% | CIF + duty | 27.1% |
| Vietnam | 5% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 15.5% |
| Türkiye | 5% | KDV 20% | CIF + duty | 26.0% |
| Japan | 5% | JCT 10% | CIF + duty | 15.5% |
| South Korea | 5% | VAT 10% | CIF + duty | 15.5% |
| Brazil | 5% | IPI+PIS/COFINS+ICMS 32% | CIF + duty | 38.6% |
| Indonesia | 5% | PPN 11% | CIF + duty | 19.1% |
| Mexico | 5% | IVA 16% | CIF + duty | 22.7% |
| Egypt | 5% | VAT 14% | CIF + duty | 19.7% |
| Nigeria | 5% | VAT 7.5% | CIF + duty | 14.5% |
| South Africa | 5% | VAT 15% | Assessable value + duty | 22.8% |
| Australia | 5% | GST 10% | CIF + duty | 15.5% |
Run your own numbers with the landed cost calculator or check documentation requirements in the LC document checklist.