Cetyl Alcohol
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2905170000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2905199090 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Cetyl Alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol) | Chemical & Trade Classification Guide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Chemical Identity: What is Cetyl Alcohol?
Cetyl Alcohol (Chemical Name: Hexadecan-1-ol) is a saturated, long-chain fatty alcohol with the chemical formula $C_{16}H_{33}OH$. It is a white, waxy solid commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and lubricant.
In international trade, it falls under the category of Acyclic Alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, specifically within Saturated monohydric alcohols.
β οΈ Key Distinction for Classification:
- If the product is specifically Cetyl Alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol), it is classified under 2905.17.00.00.
- If the product is a mixture or an alcohol not specifically listed (e.g., other saturated monohydric alcohols not named in subheading 2905.17), it may fall under 2905.19.90.90.
- Strictly speaking, pure Cetyl Alcohol belongs to the named list in 2905.17.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2905.17.00.00 |
Acyclic alcohols: Saturated monohydric alcohols: Dodecan-1-ol (Lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (Cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (Stearyl alcohol) | Pure Cetyl Alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol), Lauryl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol | 30.0% | Base Tariff: 5.0% Additional Tariff: 25.0% |
2905.19.90.90 |
Acyclic alcohols: Saturated monohydric alcohols: Other: Other Other | Other saturated monohydric alcohols not specifically listed (e.g., non-C12/C16/C18 chains) | 0.0% | Base Tariff: 0.0% Additional Tariff: 0.0% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Cetyl Alcohol is explicitly named in HS Code 2905.17.00.00.
- Do not misclassify it under "Other" (2905.19.90.90) to avoid the 25% additional tariff. Customs will verify the chemical name against the specific list.
- If you are importing a mixture of Cetyl Alcohol with other substances that changes its fundamental character, re-evaluation may be needed, but pure Cetyl Alcohol is strictly 2905.17.00.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN) (Note: Additional tariffs typically apply to Chinese origin goods)
β Effective Time: Current regulations apply (Check specific footnote dates if available, typically post-2018 Section 301)
π― 1. 2905.17.00.00 ββ Cetyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Section 301 tariffs generally do not apply to de minimis thresholds for goods from China; verify specific CBP updates) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS 2905.17.00.00 β Section 301 Tariff List (Item No. 301-3, Category 4) |
π Explanation:
- The 5% base tariff is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for saturated monohydric alcohols.
- The 25% additional tariff is imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against products from China.
- Total 30% is a significant cost factor for importers. Accurate classification is crucial to avoid penalties for misclassification.
π― 2. 2905.19.90.90 ββ Other Saturated Monohydric Alcohols
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β Potentially Eligible (If under $800 and not restricted) |
π Warning:
- If you import an alcohol not named in 2905.17 (e.g., Isocetyl Alcohol, which is a mixture, or other chain lengths), it may fall here.
- However, pure Cetyl Alcohol is NOT "Other". It is specifically named. Misclassification to 0% is a high-risk compliance error.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Cetyl Alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol)" and HS Code 2905.17.00.00. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Proves chemical purity and identity (CAS Number: 36653-82-4). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazmat review, though Cetyl Alcohol is generally non-hazardous for transport. |
| β Proof of Origin | βοΈ | Critical for determining if 25% additional tariff applies. |
| β Manufacturerβs List | βοΈ | To verify if product is indeed pure Hexadecan-1-ol. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βName It Right, Tax It Light! (If Not C16, Not This)β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Cetyl Alcohol | 2905.17.00.00 Cetyl Alcohol |
2905.19.90.90 Alcohol, Misc. |
| Mixture (Cetyl + Cetearyl) | Check Composition: If Cetyl is predominant and separable, may still be 2905.17. If a fixed mixture, consult ruling. | Mislabeling as "Other" |
| Non-C16 Alcohol | 2905.19.90.90 |
2905.17.00.00 |
π Note on Cetearyl Alcohol:
- Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of Cetyl and Stearyl alcohols. It is often classified under 2905.17.00.00 if the mixture is not specifically named elsewhere, but verify with CBP Rulings.
- Pure Cetyl Alcohol is unequivocally 2905.17.00.00.
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Import from Non-China Countries | If origin is Vietnam, India, etc., the 25% Section 301 tariff may not apply. Base rate (5%) might be the total. |
| Blended Products | If Cetyl Alcohol is mixed with other chemicals (e.g., emulsifiers), the product may no longer be "Saturated monohydric alcohol" and could fall under a different chapter (e.g., 3809 or 3402). |
| Cosmetic Grade vs. Technical Grade | HS Code does not distinguish by grade. Both are 2905.17.00.00. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 2905.17.00.00 |
30% (CN Origin) 5% (MFN) |
None specific for pure alcohol | High additional tariff for China origin. |
| π¨π³ China | 2905.17.00.00 |
~5-10% | None | Low import duty for raw materials. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 2905.17.00 |
~5-6% | REACH Registration | REACH compliance is critical for chemical imports. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2905.17.00 |
~5-7% | PrUCP Registration | PrUCP (Pre-Check-up Procedure) may apply for chemicals. |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest tariff burden for Chinese-origin Cetyl Alcohol (30%).
- EU & Japan have moderate duties but strict chemical regulations (REACH, PrUCP).
- China imports with low tariffs, making it a hub for re-export.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Cetyl Alcohol as "Other Alcohol" (2905.19.90.90) to avoid tariffs.
π Consequence: Customs audit reveals misclassification β Back taxes + Penalties + 25% additional duty applied retroactively.
β Error 2: Confusing Cetyl Alcohol with Cetearyl Alcohol.
π Consequence: While often similar, Cetearyl is a mixture. If not declared correctly, it may require different documentation or rulings.
β Error 3: Ignoring the Section 301 tariff for Chinese origin.
π Consequence: Underpayment of 25% additional tariff β Seizure or forced liquidation at higher rates.
β Error 4: Using generic names like "Fatty Alcohol" without specifying chain length.
π Consequence: Customs will assign the highest applicable rate or request additional data, causing delays.
β Correct Approach:
"Cetyl Alcohol, Hexadecan-1-ol, CAS 36653-82-4, HS 2905.17.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember Mnemonics:
πΉ "C16 is Special: 2905.17, Not 19!"
πΉ "China Origin: 30% Total, Not 5%!"
πΉ "Pure Cetyl: Named, Taxed, Avoided No More."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Cetyl Alcohol from China, budget for the 30% total tariff.
If possible, explore origin substitution (e.g., from India or Southeast Asia) where Section 301 tariffs may not apply, potentially reducing the rate to 5%.
Always obtain a Binding Ruling from CBP if dealing with mixtures or ambiguous specifications.
π£ Action Item:
π Contact your customs broker immediately.
π Provide CAS Number (36653-82-4) and exact chemical name.
π Ensure your commercial invoice reflects 2905.17.00.00 to prevent clearance delays.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on the Digits!
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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.