Government of Pakistan
Model Customs Collector of Appraisement
Custom House, Karachi
No.CC-20/2009(A) VB 24./2009(A) Dated: 05.08.2011
PUBLIC NOTICE NO. 08/2011(A)
SUB: CLASSIFICATION OF HUMIC ACID AND POTASSIUM HUMATE
The classification of Humic Acid has been referred by Model Customs Collectorate of PaCCS, Custom House, Karachi which came up for discussion on 25.05.2011, 15.06.2011 and 02.07.2011.
2. The Group’s contention is that the subject product is not classifiable under PCT heading 3105 as the PCT heading of 3105 is mainly for “Mineral or Chemical Fertilizers containing two or three of the fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium the goods of this chapter in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight not exceeding 10 kgs”. The test report of Custom House Laboratory also confirms that the product is mixture of Humic Acid which is not included in the PCT 3105. Being unspecified and not else where provided the goods are classifiable under H.S.Code 3824.9099.
3. The representative of the importer claimed that the Humic Acid acts as conditioner of the soil and as bio-catalyst and bio-stimulant for the plant, specially designed to improve soil structure and seed germination, increase root development and stimulate microbial growth. The Humic Acid is completely decomposed; therefore, it does not enter into nutritional competition with plants for nutrients such as nitrogen. Humic Acid an organic fertilizers and has following benefits;
· Addition of organic matter of organically-deficient soils.
· Increase root vitality
· Improved nutrient uptake
· Increased chlorophyll synthesis
· Better seed germination
· Increased fertilizers retention.
· Stimulates beneficial microbial activity.
· Healthier plants and improved yields
4. The representative of the importer further explained action of Humic Acid on plant growth and stated the product acts in three ways;
Physical
· Increases water holding capacity
· Increases aeration of soils
· Improves soil workability
· Helps resist drought
· Improves seed bed
· Makes soil more friable or crumbly
· Reduces soil erosion
Chemical
· Chelates nutrients for uptake by plants
· Possesses high ion-exchange capacity
· Increases buffering properties of soils
· Increases percentage of total Nitrogen in soils.
Biological
· Accelerates plant cell division and promotes growth
· Increase germination of seeds and viability
· Increase root respiration and formation
· Stimulates growth & proliferation of soil microorganisms
· Aid in photosynthesis
5. The importers representative claimed that the Humic Acid or its salt potassium humate is an organic fertilizer and is classified under PCT heading 3101.0000 or under PCT heading 3105.9000 if its packing is in 10 Kgs or less than 10 Kgs.
6. The case has been examined in the PCT Committee in depth and literature provided by the importer has also been carefully considered. The product Humic Acid as defined in the Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) is a brown polymeric constituent of soils, lignite and peal; it contains the brownish black pigment melanin. It is soluble in bases, but insoluble in minerals acids and alcohols. It is not a well-defined compound, but a mixture of polymers containing aromatic and heterocylic structures, carboxyl groups and nitrogen. An excellent chelating agent, important in the exchange of cations in soils. It is a natural stream pollutant and is thought to be capable of triggering the “red tide” phenomenon due to micro-organisms in seawater. Detectable to 0.1 ppm in water. From literature provided by the importer it is clear that the product is an organic water soluble humic substance derived from lignite. It is good plant growth stimulant acting on soil and plants. It improves soil is physical property, ion exchange capacity, water holding capacity, drought tolerance ability; protect plants from physical/soil stress and increases soil microorganisms, Biological activity. This also prevents loss of nutrients from soil and act as a storehouses by keeping plant nutrients in soil. It increases crop growth and yield, soil fertility status and reduce use of chemical fertilizers. It has multiple application can be used on ornamental plants, grass lawns, cereals, vegetable and commercial crops, green houses, nurseries etc.
7. Hence the PCT Committee unanimously concluded that Humic Acid is classified under PCT heading 3101.0000 if same is imported in bulk packing and Humic Acid is classified under PCT heading 3105.9000 if it is imported in packing not exceeding 10 Kgs.
Signed by
(Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Malik)
ADC-I/Chairman PCT Committee
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