Gases, rare; argon

HS v2022 Code: 280421

About gases, rare; argon

HS code 280421 covers the classification of rare gases, specifically argon. Argon is an inert gas that makes up approximately 0.93% of the Earth's atmosphere, making it the third most abundant gas in the atmosphere after nitrogen and oxygen. Argon has a wide range of industrial and scientific applications, contributing to its importance in the global economy.

Production process

Argon is primarily produced through the fractional distillation of liquefied air. This process involves cooling and compressing air, then separating the different gases based on their boiling points. Argon, with a boiling point of -185.8°C, is one of the last gases to be separated from the air mixture, resulting in a high-purity argon product.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of argon include air, electricity, and specialized equipment such as air separation units, compressors, and distillation columns. These capital-intensive facilities are typically operated by large industrial gas companies or integrated chemical manufacturers.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 280421 is high-purity argon gas. Argon has a wide range of applications, including 280700 Inorganic chemicals, 851440 Electrical machinery and equipment, and 901380 Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Argon is used in welding, lighting, electronics manufacturing, and scientific research, among other applications.

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 version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 280421.

Older versions

Family tree for gases, rare; argon

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/28'>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/v2022/2804'>2804: Hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280421'>280421: Gases, rare; argon</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280410'>280410: Hydrogen</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280429'>280429: Gases, rare; other than argon</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280430'>280430: Nitrogen</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280440'>280440: Oxygen</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280450'>280450: Boron; tellurium</a>"]
B --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280461'>280461: Silicon; containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon</a>"]
B --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280469'>280469: Silicon; containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon</a>"]
B --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280470'>280470: Phosphorus</a>"]
B --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280480'>280480: Arsenic</a>"]
B --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/280490'>280490: Selenium</a>"]

    

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class C level6
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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