What this tab covers How it is regulated and what could disrupt supply: hazard classification, rules in the EU, US and India, anti-dumping duties and other trade measures, and supply-risk notes.
Hazards
Classification
UN number
Key risks
Gas under pressure; simple asphyxiant
UN1006
Asphyxiation in low-lying confined spaces; cold burns from liquid.
Main rules
Where
Rule
Effect
US
Tariff 3.7% ad valorem on argon (HTS 2804.21.0000)
minor
EU
ADR transport; Pressure Equipment Directive
transport and equipment safety
India
Rule
Effect
Gas Cylinders Rules 2016 and SMPV(U) Rules 2016 under PESO
storage and transport licensing
Trade measures
US tariff 3.7% (USGS 2026)
Russia and Ukraine rare gas supply limited by war (USGS 2026)
Supply risk
Supply is tied to oxygen production, so steel or ammonia shutdowns cut argon. Not on critical lists; substitutes (helium, nitrogen, CO2 blends) exist for many uses (USGS).