Gases, rare; argon

HS v2017 Code: 280421

About gases, rare; argon

HS code 280421 covers the classification of rare gases, specifically argon. Argon is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas that makes up approximately 0.93% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is an essential industrial gas with a wide range of applications across various sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, and healthcare. The production and trade of argon play a significant role in the global economy, supporting industries that rely on its unique properties.

Production process

Argon is primarily produced through the fractional distillation of liquefied air. This process involves cooling and compressing air, which separates the different gases based on their boiling points. Argon, with a boiling point of -185.8°C, is then extracted and purified for commercial use. The purity of the argon produced can be further enhanced through additional refining techniques, such as cryogenic distillation or adsorption.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of argon under HS code 280421 include air, electricity, and specialized equipment such as air separation units, compressors, and distillation columns. Additionally, the production process may require other resources, such as cooling systems and energy sources, depending on the specific manufacturing facility and its operational requirements.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 280421 is pure argon gas, which is then used as a raw material or input for various industries. Some of the key industries that consume argon include 851410 Welding and cutting equipment, 854110 Diodes, transistors, and similar semiconductor devices, and 901890 Medical, surgical, or laboratory instruments. Argon is also used in the production of 280429 Other rare gases, as well as in the 280300 (Carbon (carbon blacks and other forms of carbon, n.e.s.)) industry.

Revisions to 280421

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 280421. The most recent 1 version of this code (280421) is in the HS v2022 system:

This page shows a legacy version of code 280421 ( HS v2017).

Newer versions
Older versions

Family tree for gases, rare; argon

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/28'>28: Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/2804'>2804: Hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280421'>280421: Gases, rare; argon</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280410'>280410: Hydrogen</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280429'>280429: Gases, rare; other than argon</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280430'>280430: Nitrogen</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280440'>280440: Oxygen</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280450'>280450: Boron; tellurium</a>"]
B --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280461'>280461: Silicon; containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon</a>"]
B --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280469'>280469: Silicon; containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon</a>"]
B --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280470'>280470: Phosphorus</a>"]
B --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280480'>280480: Arsenic</a>"]
B --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/280490'>280490: Selenium</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6
class F level6
class G level6
class H level6
class I level6
class J level6
class K level6
class L level6
class M level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight