C11 Alcohol based Solvent Mixture
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π§ͺ C11 Alcohol-Based Solvent Mixture (Industrial Cleaners & Degreasers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "C11 Solvent"?
C11 Alcohol-Based Solvent Mixture typically refers to a chemical mixture where C11 alcohols (undecanol or isomers) are the primary active ingredient, dissolved in a carrier solvent (often aliphatic hydrocarbons, ethanol, or glycol ethers) for industrial cleaning, degreasing, or as a chemical intermediate.
In international trade, classification depends heavily on primary use and chemical composition:
- Industrial/Commercial Use: If used primarily for cleaning metals, machinery, or as a degreaser β Heading 3814.
- Chemical Intermediate: If used as a raw material for further chemical synthesis β Chapter 29 (specifically 2905 for unsaturated acyclic alcohols).
- Perfume/Cosmetic Use: If refined for fragrances β Chapter 33.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the mixture is predominantly for cleaning/degreasing, it is classified under 3814.
- If it is pure C11 Alcohol (not a mixture) used for synthesis, it may fall under 2905.19.
- Note: "Alcohol-Based Solvent Mixture" is the standard descriptor for Heading 3814.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
3814.00.00.00 |
Prepared Paint or Varnish Removers; Liquid Solvent Mixtures | Industrial degreasers, metal cleaners, C11 solvent blends | β Cleaning/Removing |
2905.19.20.00 |
Unsaturated Acyclic Alcohols (e.g., Undecanol/C11) | Chemical intermediates, pharmaceutical precursors | β Raw Material |
3305.90.00.00 |
Hair Preparation Products | If formulated for cosmetic use (rare for C11) | β Cosmetic |
2905.49.90.00 |
Other Saturated Acyclic Alcohols | If C11 is saturated and not a mixture | β Chemical |
π Key Reminder:
- Most commercial "C11 Solvent Mixtures" are classified under3814.00.00.00because they are "prepared... mixtures" for cleaning.
- If the product is 100% pure C11 alcohol (undecan-1-ol), it falls under2905.19.20.00.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring as "Chemical Reagent" (29xx) when it is actually a "Solvent Mixture" (38xx) can lead to duty underpayment penalties.
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 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. HS Code 3814.00.00.00 β Prepared Solvent Mixtures
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301, Footnote 9903.01.25) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China/HK specific, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Tariff | ~40.7% (Calculated: 5.7% + 25% + 10% on CIF) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis applies to Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3814.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- "USITC Surcharge 25%" is part of the Section 301 trade remedies.
- "IEEPA 10%" is the additional levy on Chinese-origin goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total effective rate is high (~40-41%), making cost control critical.
π― 2. HS Code 2905.19.20.00 β Unsaturated Acyclic Alcohols (Pure C11)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.7% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff | ~40.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9905.23.01 β USITC:2905.19.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:9905.23.01 |
π Note:
- If classified as a chemical raw material (29xx), the rates are similar to 38xx but the regulatory requirements differ (e.g., EPA TSCA vs. DOT Hazmat).
- Pure C11 alcohol may require different safety data sheets (SDS) than solvent mixtures.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical: Must identify flammability, flash point, and chemical components. C11 solvents are often flammable liquids (Class 3 Hazmat). |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | Exact percentage of C11 alcohol and carrier solvents. Customs needs to verify if itβs "Prepared Mixture" (3814) vs. "Chemical" (29xx). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Industrial Solvent Mixture" or "C11 Alcohol Blend". Avoid vague terms like "Chemical". |
| β Packaging Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm UN packaging standards (UN 1263 or UN 1993 for flammable liquids). |
| β FEMA/Flavor & Extract | β | Only if used in food/cosmetics (unlikely for C11 solvent). |
| β TSCA Certification | βοΈ | EPA TSCA certification is required for chemical imports into the US. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Hazmat Label, SDS Match, 3814 for Mixture, 2905 for Pure!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| C11 dissolved in hexane/mineral spirits | 3814.00.00.00 (Prepared Solvent) |
Declaring as "Alcohol" (2905) β Customs may reassess and fine. |
| 100% Pure C11 Undecanol | 2905.19.20.00 (Chemical) |
Declaring as "Solvent Mixture" β Higher duty/administrative burden. |
| C11 in aerosol can | Same HS Code, but DOT Hazmat rules apply | Ignoring UN packaging β Shipment rejected at port. |
| Industrial Degreaser | 3814.00.00.00 |
Declaring as "Cleaning Agent" without HS β Delay. |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Flammable Liquid (Flash Point < 60Β°C) | Must be shipped as Class 3 Hazmat. Provide UN 3480/1263 labels. |
| EPA TSCA Compliance | Ensure the chemical is on the TSCA Inventory or you have an exemption. Non-compliance = Refusal. |
| OEM/Private Label | Provide the brand ownerβs authorization and technical file to prove the mixture formula. |
| Small Quantity Samples | Even samples are subject to Section 301 duties (no de minimis for China). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3814.00.00.00 |
~40.7% (5.7% + 25% + 10%) | EPA TSCA, DOT Hazmat | High duty risk |
| π¨π³ China | 3814.00.00.00 |
5.7% (Import) | None (Domestic sale) | Low entry barrier |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3814.00.00 |
0% (Most FTA partners) | REACH Registration | REACH compliance critical |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3814.00.00 |
0% - 3.5% | JIS Standards | Low tariffs if FTA applies |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3814.00.00 |
0% (ChAFTA) | NICNAS/AICIS | Preferential duty available |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most costly market due to Section 301 + IEEPA surcharges.
- EU and Australia offer better tariff advantages if FTA compliance is met, but REACH (EU) and AICIS (Australia) chemical regulations are strict.
- Recommendation: For US imports, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., C11 produced in Vietnam or Malaysia) to avoid IEEPA/301 duties if possible.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "C11 Alcohol" as "Cosmetic Ingredient" (3305)
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 3814/2905, back-taxes + penalties.
β Error 2: Ignoring Hazmat Classification
π Consequence: Shipment held at origin/destination airport due to missing UN labels. Safety Risk!
β Error 3: Omitting EPA TSCA Certification
π Consequence: Goods seized or destroyed at US border. Zero tolerance policy.
β Error 4: Under-declaring Value to Avoid Duties
π Consequence: 25%+ 10% surcharges are hard to evade. Audit risk is high.
β Correct Practice:
"Industrial Solvent Mixture, Contains C11 Alcohol & Hydrocarbon Carrier, Flash Point 35Β°C, UN 1263, EPA TSCA Compliant, HS 3814.00.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control & Safety!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "3814 for Mixtures, 2905 for Pure, Hazmat Labels Mandatory!"
πΉ "TSCA Certification Non-Negotiable, Section 301 Duty is High!"
πΉ "Flash Point Determines Hazmat Class, Safety First!"
π Pro Tip:
If your C11 solvent is produced in Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions or lower Section 301 rates.
Recommendation: Apply for a Pre-Ruling (Customs Ruling Letter) before shipment to confirm HS code and duty eligibility.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide SDS + Verify TSCA Status
π Ensure your C11 Solvent, Clears Customs Smoothly, Complies with Safety, Saves Costs!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar of Duty is Worth Calculating Precisely!
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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.