Chemical imports from LATAM and Africa — get the nomenclature right, avoid costly delays.

When importing chemicals from Latin America or Africa, understanding chemical nomenclature and CAS numbers is essential for regulatory compliance, accurate documentation, and safe handling. This glossary covers the most important terms for US importers who source industrial chemicals, agricultural inputs, or specialty compounds from suppliers in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, or Nigeria. These terms help you navigate customs declarations, SDS sheets, and trade agreements with precision.

Core Chemical Identification Terms

CAS Number (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number) A unique numerical identifier assigned to every chemical substance described in open scientific literature. CAS numbers are essential for customs clearance in the US because they eliminate confusion caused by multiple chemical names or synonyms. For example, sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda, but its CAS number 144-55-8 is universal. When importing from LATAM suppliers, always verify that the CAS number on your commercial invoice matches the one on the Safety Data Sheet to avoid delays.

IUPAC Nomenclature The standardized system for naming chemical compounds developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. IUPAC names provide a precise description of a molecule's structure, which is critical for regulatory submissions to the EPA or FDA. For instance, the IUPAC name for common salt is sodium chloride, not just "salt." LATAM exporters often use IUPAC names in their technical documentation, so familiarity helps you cross-check product specifications.

Common Name / Trivial Name The everyday name used for a chemical in commercial or industrial settings, which may differ from its systematic IUPAC name. Examples include "lime" for calcium oxide or "caustic soda" for sodium hydroxide. Importers must ensure that both common and systematic names appear on shipping documents to prevent misclassification. Many African exporters, such as those in South Africa's mining sector, use common names in their trade invoices.

Chemical Formula A representation of a chemical substance using element symbols and subscripts to show the number of atoms of each element. For example, H₂O is the formula for water, and H₂SO₄ is sulfuric acid. The chemical formula is critical for calculating molecular weight and determining proper shipping classification under DOT regulations. When sourcing from Brazilian chemical manufacturers, always confirm the formula matches your order specifications.

Molecular Weight (Molar Mass) The sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a chemical compound, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). This value is essential for calculating quantities, dosages, and reaction stoichiometry in industrial processes. Customs brokers may use molecular weight to verify product identity against declared CAS numbers. Coppermont advisors often help importers reconcile molecular weight discrepancies that arise from impure or diluted shipments.

Regulatory and Documentation Terms

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) A document that provides detailed information about a chemical's properties, hazards, handling, and emergency procedures. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, US importers must obtain an SDS in English for every chemical they bring into the country. LATAM and African suppliers may provide SDS in Spanish, Portuguese, or French, so translation and verification are critical steps before shipment.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code The 10-digit code used to classify goods for US customs duties. For chemicals, the first six digits are based on the international Harmonized System, while the last four digits are specific to the US. Proper HTS classification depends on accurate chemical identification, including CAS number and purity level. Misclassification can lead to penalties or duty overpayments, which is why many importers work with Coppermont to audit their tariff codes.

UN Number (United Nations Number) A four-digit identifier assigned to hazardous materials for transport purposes. For example, UN 1203 is for gasoline, and UN 1830 is for sulfuric acid. The UN number determines packaging, labeling, and transport requirements under DOT regulations. Importers of chemicals from Colombia or Nigeria must ensure their suppliers use correct UN numbers on shipping papers to avoid rejection at US ports.

Purity / Assay The percentage of the desired chemical compound present in a product, typically expressed as a percentage by weight. Industrial-grade chemicals may have 90–99% purity, while pharmaceutical-grade requires 99.5% or higher. Purity affects both price and regulatory compliance, especially for food or drug applications. When negotiating contracts with Peruvian mining chemical suppliers, specify the assay method and acceptable tolerance.

Lot Number / Batch Number A unique identifier assigned to a specific production run of a chemical. Lot numbers are used for traceability in case of quality issues, recalls, or customs inspections. US importers should record lot numbers for every shipment and ensure they appear on the certificate of analysis. This practice is especially important when importing from multiple African suppliers to maintain supply chain integrity.

Trade and Logistics Terms

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) Standardized trade terms that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for delivery, insurance, and risk transfer. Common Incoterms for chemical shipments include CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and FOB (Free on Board). Choosing the right Incoterm affects who pays for hazardous material handling and documentation. Coppermont frequently advises importers on selecting Incoterms that minimize risk for sensitive chemical cargo.

Certificate of Analysis (CoA) A document issued by the manufacturer that confirms the chemical's specifications, including purity, identity, and physical properties. The CoA should include the CAS number, lot number, and test results. US customs and FDA may request a CoA for imported chemicals, especially if they are used in food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. Always request a CoA from your LATAM supplier before shipment.

Bill of Lading (B/L) A legal document issued by the carrier that serves as a receipt for goods and a contract of carriage. For chemical shipments, the B/L must include proper hazardous material declarations and UN numbers. A clean B/L indicates that the cargo was received in good condition, which is vital for insurance claims. African exporters often issue multimodal B/Ls that cover inland transport from mines or plants to port.

Dangerous Goods Declaration A document required for shipping hazardous chemicals that details the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group. This declaration must be signed by a trained person and accompany the shipment. US importers should verify that their supplier's declaration meets DOT and IATA standards to prevent cargo being held at customs.

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) A quality and quantity check performed by an independent third party before the goods leave the exporting country. PSI is common for chemical imports from Africa, where regulatory oversight may vary. The inspection verifies that the product matches the CAS number, purity, and packaging specified in the purchase order. Many US buyers require PSI as a condition of payment to reduce risk.

How Coppermont Helps

Navigating chemical nomenclature and CAS numbers is just one part of a successful import strategy. Coppermont provides end-to-end trade advisory services for US companies sourcing chemicals from Latin America and Africa. Our team helps you verify supplier documentation, align CAS numbers with HTS codes, review SDS translations, and choose the right Incoterms for hazardous materials. Whether you are importing copper sulfate from Chile or citric acid from Kenya, Coppermont ensures your chemical shipments comply with US regulations and arrive safely. Contact a trade advisor today to streamline your next import.