Alkylbenzene Fraction
CN β USAI Analysis
π§ͺ Alkylbenzene Fraction (Industrial Chemical Feedstock)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Alkylbenzene"?
Alkylbenzene Fraction is a crucial intermediate chemical product in the petrochemical industry. It primarily consists of Benzene ring compounds with one or more alkyl chains attached (e.g., Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB), Cumene, Toluene, Xylene). It is widely used as a feedstock for producing surfactants, detergents, plastics, and synthetic resins.
In international trade, it is critical to distinguish between "Alkylbenzene Fractions" (crude or semi-processed hydrocarbon mixtures) and "Pure/Specific Alkylbenzenes" (refined, single-component chemicals like n-Butylbenzene).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a mixtures of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum refining (boiling range cuts), it falls under Chapter 27 (Mineral Fuels/Oils).
- If the product is a single pure chemical compound with a defined structure (e.g., >99% purity specific isomer), it may fall under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals).
- Most commercial "Alkylbenzene Fractions" are complex mixtures, thus typically classified under HS Code 2707.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Purity/State |
|---|---|---|---|
2707.50.00.00 |
Aromatic hydrocarbons, other than benzene, toluene, xylenes: Alkylbenzenes, alkyl-naphthalenes and other alkylated aromatics | Most Common: LAB fraction, heavy alkylbenzene cuts for detergent production | β οΈ Mixture (Hydrocarbon cut) |
2902.90.40.00 |
Cyclic hydrocarbons: Alkylbenzenes (if pure single isomer, e.g., n-Butylbenzene) | High-purity chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediates | β Pure Substance |
2710.19.22.00 |
Mineral oils (other than crude): Aromatic constituents of mineral oils... (if classified as oil fraction) | Heavy fuel oil additives, industrial solvents (less common for chemical grade) | β οΈ Mixture |
2909.49.00.00 |
Ethers, acetal- and hemiacetal-alkyl halides and other halogenated derivatives (Misclassification risk) | β Do NOT use unless halogenated | β Incorrect |
π Critical Reminder:
-2707.50.00.00is the standard classification for "Alkylbenzene Fraction" when it is a petroleum-derived mixture containing various alkylbenzene isomers.
-2902.90.40.00applies only if the product is a single, purified chemical entity (e.g., 99.5% pure n-Butylbenzene).
- Do not confuse with Benzene (2707.10), Toluene (2707.20), or Xylenes (2707.30), which have specific HS codes and different tariff treatments.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 2707.50.00.00 ββ Alkylbenzene Fraction (Hydrocarbon Mixture)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01, Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China-specific, under IEEPA, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2707.50.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC surcharge is part of the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods.
- The 10% IEEPA surcharge is an additional penalty on Chinese-sourced products.
- Total 35% is a high tariff burden, significantly impacting cost margins.
- No de minimis exemption applies; all shipments are subject to full duty calculation.
π― 2. 2902.90.40.00 ββ Pure Alkylbenzene (Single Compound)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China-specific) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2902.90.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Even if classified as a pure chemical, Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges still apply for Chinese origin.
- Misclassification risk: If you claim2902.90.40.00but customs determines it is a mixture, you face back taxes + penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must specify boiling range, composition, and whether it is a mixture or pure compound. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detailed chemical structure, CAS number (if applicable), and purity level. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for HazMat clearance; indicates flammability and handling requirements. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Alkylbenzene Fraction" or "Hydrocarbon Mixture," NOT generic "Chemical." |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Accurate description matching invoice and COA. |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To determine tariff applicability (China vs. Non-China). |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Mixture goes to 2707, Pure to 2902; Never Guess, Always Provide COA!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Crude/Refined Mixture (e.g., LAB Fraction) | 2707.50.00.00 |
Declaring as 2902.90.40.00 β Penalty for Misclassification |
| Pure Single Compound (e.g., 99% n-Butylbenzene) | 2902.90.40.00 |
Declaring as 2707.50.00.00 β Under-declaration Risk |
| Containing Benzene/Toluene/Xylene | Separate declaration or primary component rule | Hiding components β Customs Seizure |
| Non-Chinese Origin (e.g., Vietnam) | Same HS Code, but IEEPA may not apply | Assuming same rates as China β Overpayment or Underpayment |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Chemicals | Provide clientβs technical specs to prove if itβs a mixture or pure compound. |
| Mixed with Other Hydrocarbons | If >50% is alkylbenzene, classify under 2707.50.00.00. Otherwise, check primary use. |
| Hazardous Material (HazMat) | Ensure SDS is up-to-date; FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is not required, but PHMSA/DOT may apply for transport. |
| Chemical Plant Feedstock | Declare intended use to avoid unnecessary inspections; provide plant usage letter if requested. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2707.50.00.00 |
35% (China) | TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) | High tariff; strict chemical reporting. |
| π¨π³ China | 2707.50.00.00 |
0-5% | CCC (if applicable) | Import duty varies; check MOFCOM list. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2707.50.00 |
0-5% | REACH Registration | REACH compliance is critical for EU entry. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2707.50.00.00 |
5% | Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) | AICIS registration required. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2707.50.00.00 |
0% | PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) | Strict environmental reporting. |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest cost due to Section 301 + IEEPA surcharges.
- EU and Japan require strict chemical registration (REACH, PRTR) even if tariffs are low.
- China-origin goods face significant barriers in the US market; consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Southeast Asia) to mitigate IEEPA risks.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Alkylbenzene Fraction" as "Industrial Solvent" without specifying composition.
π Consequence: Customs audit, delayed clearance, potential fines for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring TSCA (USA) or REACH (EU) compliance for chemical imports.
π Consequence: Shipment detained or destroyed; chemical cannot be legally sold or used.
β Mistake 3: Confusing "Alkylbenzene" with "Benzene" (2707.10).
π Consequence: Benzene has different health regulations and higher scrutiny; misclassification leads to HazMat penalties.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis applies for small shipments.
π Consequence: De Minimis is denied for Chinese-origin chemicals; even 1kg shipments are taxed.
β Correct Practice:
"Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) Fraction, CAS No. 96746-55-3, Mixture of C10-C14 Alkylbenzenes, Purity ~95%, For Detergent Production, SDS Provided, TSCA Compliant"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember Mnemonic:
πΉ "Mixture is 2707, Pure is 2902; COA is King, Misclassification is King of Pain!"
πΉ "China Origin = 35% Duty; Documentation = Clearance Speed!"
π Pro Tip:
If your alkylbenzene fraction is sourced from Vietnam, Malaysia, or India, you may avoid IEEPA surcharges, reducing total tariff to 25%.
Recommendation:
- Request Pre-Ruling from US CBP if unsure about classification.
- Ensure REACH/TSCA compliance before shipment.
- Verify Country of Origin carefully; transshipment may not exempt you from IEEPA if substantial transformation is not proven.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide COA + Verify Chemical Regulations
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid penalties, and protect your profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percent of tariff matters; every document prevents a delay!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.