C16 C18 Palm Oil Fatty Acids
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1511900000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1511100000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3823194000 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2915901050 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3823192000 | 19.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐ข๏ธ C16 & C18 Palm Oil Fatty Acids (Palmitic & Stearic Acid Derivatives)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are C16/C18 Palm Oil Fatty Acids?
C16 and C18 Palm Oil Fatty Acids are key derivatives obtained from the fractionation of crude palm oil or palm olein. They primarily consist of: * C16 (Palmitic Acid): The predominant fatty acid in palm oil. * C18 (Stearic Acid): A major component alongside Oleic acid.
In international trade, these substances are not classified uniformly. Their HS Code depends entirely on their chemical purity, physical state, and specific application. Misclassification can lead to massive tariff discrepancies (from 17.5% to 40.0%).
โ ๏ธ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the product is a crude/semi-refined fraction of palm oil โ Falls under Chapter 15 (Animal/Vegetable Fats)
- If the product is a purified single-carboxylic acid โ Falls under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products)
- If the product is considered a pure chemical fatty acid โ Falls under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals)
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Detail Breakdown | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
1511.90.00.00 |
Palm Oil Fatty Acids classified as Palm Oil and its Fractions | Base: 0.0% Section 301: 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
17.5% |
1511.10.00.00 |
Palm Oil Fatty Acids classified as Fractionated Products of Palm Oil | Base: 0.0% Section 301: 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
17.5% |
3823.19.40.00 |
Palm Oil Fatty Acids classified as Single Carboxylic Fatty Acids | Base: 3.2% Section 301: 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
20.7% |
2915.90.10.50 |
Palm Oil Fatty Acids meeting definition of Animal/Vegetable Source Fatty Acids | Base: 5.0% Section 301: 25.0% Section 122: 10% |
40.0% |
3823.19.20.00 |
Palm Oil Fatty Acids meeting Palm Oil Derived Single Carboxylic Acid requirements | Base: 2.3% Section 301: 7.5% Section 122: 10% |
19.8% |
๐ Key Insight:
- The lowest tax rate is 17.5% (1511.90.00.00/1511.10.00.00) if classified strictly as palm oil fractions.
- The highest tax rate is 40.0% (2915.90.10.50) if classified as a general organic fatty acid under Chapter 29.
- There is a middle ground between 19.8% and 20.7% under Chapter 38, depending on specific chemical descriptors.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (With Additional Taxes)
โ Applicable Market: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Time: Post-2025 Regulations (Includes Section 301 & 122)
๐ฏ 1. 1511.90.00.00 & 1511.10.00.00 โโ Palm Oil Fractions (Lowest Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value ร 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable (Goods over $800 not eligible for de minimis if subject to Section 301/122) |
| Legal Path | USITC:1511.90.00.00 โ SECTION301:7.5% โ SECTION122:10% |
๐ Explanation:
- These codes view the fatty acids as refined derivatives of the oil itself, not separate chemicals.
- Ideal for bulk industrial use (soap, cosmetics, biodiesel) where purity is <90% or mixed with other palm derivatives.
- Savings: Significantly lower than the 40% bracket.
๐ฏ 2. 3823.19.20.00 & 3823.19.40.00 โโ Single Carboxylic Fatty Acids (Mid-Range)
| Item | 3823.19.20.00 (Palm-Derived Specific) |
3823.19.40.00 (General Single Carboxylic) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.3% | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% | +10% |
| Total Rate | 19.8% | 20.7% |
| Key Difference | Must prove origin from palm oil specifically | General classification for isolated fatty acids |
๐ Explanation:
- Used when the product is a purified single acid (e.g., pure Palmitic Acid C16) but not classified under Chapter 29.
- Chapter 38 covers "Prepared binders... animal/vegetable fats... not elsewhere specified."
- Tip:3823.19.20.00is slightly cheaper if you can specify "Palm Oil Derived."
๐ฏ 3. 2915.90.10.50 โโ Organic Fatty Acids (Highest Cost)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 40.0% |
| Legal Path | USITC:2915.90.10.50 โ SECTION301:25% โ SECTION122:10% |
๐ Explanation:
- Chapter 29 covers "Organic Chemicals." If customs views your fatty acid as a pure chemical reagent or high-purity industrial chemical, it falls here.
- High Risk: The 25% Section 301 surcharge is much higher than the 7.5% in Chapters 15/38.
- Avoid unless necessary: Only use this if no other code fits (e.g., extremely high purity for pharmaceutical use).
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ Critical | Must show % composition of C16/C18, purity, and origin. |
| Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Define whether it is "Crude," "Refined," or "Fractionated." |
| Bill of Lading | โ๏ธ | Ensure description matches HS code logic (e.g., "Palm Oil Fraction" vs. "Fatty Acid"). |
| Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly state "Made from Palm Oil" to support Chapter 15/38 classification. |
| Origin Certificate | โ๏ธ | Confirm CN origin for accurate Section 301/122 application. |
โ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ โFractions get 17.5%, Chemicals get 40%! Define the Process, Not Just the Ingredient!โ
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Liquid/Semi-solid from palm oil refining, used in soap/detergent | 1511.90.00.00 |
Treated as a palm oil derivative, not a pure chemical. |
| Purified Palmitic Acid (Solid), but still linked to palm source | 3823.19.20.00 |
"Single carboxylic acid" but palm-specific. |
| Pharmaceutical Grade C16/C18, high purity, used in drug manufacturing | 2915.90.10.50 |
Treated as a pure organic chemical. |
| Mixed Fatty Acid Mixture (C8-C18) | 1511.10.00.00 or 3823.19.40.00 |
Check if it's primarily palm-based (Ch 15) or general (Ch 38). |
โ 3. Special Cases & Pitfalls
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Misclassification Risk | Do NOT label as "Fatty Acid" if itโs a crude fraction. Label as "Palm Oil Fraction" or "Palm Kernel Olein Fraction" to qualify for 17.5%. |
| Section 122 Applicability | Ensure all shipments declare Section 122 status correctly. Omission leads to penalties. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | Caution: Many fatty acids are subject to Section 301/122. Do NOT assume $800 de minimis applies without verifying HS code exemptions. |
| Purity Threshold | If purity >90%, customs may push for Chapter 29 (2915...). Provide data showing itโs still a mixture or fraction to stay in Ch 15/38. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tariff (China Origin) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 1511.90.00.00 |
17.5% | Best option for palm fractions. |
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 2915.90.10.50 |
40.0% | Avoid if possible. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 1511.90.00.00 |
~0-5% | Import duty low, but VAT applies. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 1511.90.00 |
~5-6% | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 1511.90 |
~7.5% | Basic Customs Duty + SWS. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US market is the most critical due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs.
- Proper classification is your biggest cost saver. Moving from 40% to 17.5% saves 22.5% on every dollar.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Declaring "Fatty Acid" as 2915.90.10.50 for bulk palm fractions.
๐ Result: Paying 40% instead of 17.5%. Wasted Cost.
โ Error 2: Using 1511.90.00.00 for highly purified, single-isomer C16 acid used in pharma.
๐ Result: Customs rejection, fines, or reclassification to 40%. Compliance Risk.
โ Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 in documentation.
๐ Result: Entry rejection or penalty at US Customs. Clearance Delay.
โ Correct Practice:
Use precise terminology:
- For bulk: "Palm Oil Fatty Acid Fractions (C16/C18), Refine Grade"
- For purity: "Palmitic Acid, Vegetable Origin (Palm), Technical Grade"
Always support with COA linking the chemical identity to the palm source.
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Lower Costs
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น โPalm Fraction = 17.5% | Single Acid (Ch38) = 19.8-20.7% | Pure Chemical (Ch29) = 40%โ
๐น โDonโt let purity drive you to Chapter 29 if Chapter 15 fits!โ
๐ Pro Tip:
If your product is >90% pure Palmitic Acid, consult a customs broker to see if 3823.19.20.00 (19.8%) is defensible over 2915.90.10.50 (40%). The palm origin is your key to lower taxes in Chapters 15/38.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Engage a Customs Broker to review your COA and Product Specifications.
๐ Optimize your HS Code to stay in Chapter 15 or 38, avoiding the 40% trap.
๐ผ Save 22.5% on every shipment by choosing the right classification!
โจ Precise Classification Starts Here!
๐ผ Every Point of Tax Matters in International Trade!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.