Dehydrated Fatty Acid
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824994140 | 39.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994190 | 39.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402422010 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402422020 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 151790 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 291590 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Dehydrated Fatty Acid: The Industrial Chemical Workhorse
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Harmonized System Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What is "Dehydrated Fatty Acid"?
Dehydrated Fatty Acids (also known as Tallow Fatty Acids or Processed Fatty Acids) are industrial chemicals derived from animal or vegetable fats/oils through hydrolysis and distillation. The term "dehydrated" historically refers to the removal of water during the refining process, resulting in a high-purity fatty acid mixture (primarily Stearic, Palmitic, and Oleic acids).
These are not soap. They are organic surface-active agents or chemical intermediates used primarily in: * Lubricants & Greases: As thickening agents. * Surfactants: Raw material for non-ionic surfactants (e.g., Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohols). * Plastics & Rubber: As release agents or stabilizers. * Foundries: As binders for molds.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If used as a surfactant or in washing/cleaning preparations β Likely Heading 3402 or 3403.
- If used as a chemical intermediate or generic industrial fatty acid β Likely Heading 1517 or 2915.
- If used as a foundry binder or specialized chemical mix β Likely Heading 3824.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided data, the classification depends heavily on the specific chemical composition, application, and form of the fatty acid. Here are the valid HS Codes from the source data:
| HS Code | Product Description | Primary Application | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.42.20.10 |
Non-ionic Organic Surface-Active Agents: Fatty substances of animal/vegetable origin; Polyethers | Surfactants, wetting agents, emulsifiers | 29.0% (Base 4% + Additional 25%) |
3402.42.20.20 |
Non-ionic Organic Surface-Active Agents: Fatty substances of animal/vegetable origin; Esters and ether-esters of polyhydric alcohols | Surfactants, cosmetic emulsifiers, textile auxiliaries | 29.0% (Base 4% + Additional 25%) |
1517.90 |
Fatty Acids, Chemically Defined: Dehydrated fatty acid, used primarily in industrial applications (lubricants, surfactants, intermediates) | General industrial fatty acids, lubricant base | Error (Tax info failed to retrieve) |
2915.90 |
Other Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen: Dehydrated fatty acids used in chemical manufacturing | Chemical synthesis, polymer production | Error (Tax info failed to retrieve) |
3824.99.41.40 |
Prepared Binders/Chemical Products: Mixtures of fatty acid esters of animal/vegetable origin | Foundry mold binders, specific chemical preparations | 29.6% (Base 4.6% + Additional 25%) |
3824.99.41.90 |
Prepared Binders/Chemical Products: Other fatty substances of animal/vegetable origin (not elsewhere specified) | Miscellaneous industrial chemical applications | 29.6% (Base 4.6% + Additional 25%) |
π Critical Analysis:
- Chapters 15 vs. 29 vs. 34 vs. 38:
- Chapter 15 (1517.90): Usually for crude or technically pure fatty acids from fats/oils.
- Chapter 29 (2915.90): For chemically defined organic compounds (e.g., isolated Stearic Acid).
- Chapter 34 (3402.42.20): If the product is formulated as a surface-active agent (surfactant) or contains polyether/polyhydric alcohol esters.
- Chapter 38 (3824.99.41): If it is a preparation (mixture) used as a binder or industrial chemical not specified elsewhere.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Detailed Breakdown
β Note: The provided data indicates Additional Import Duties are applied to most classifications, likely under US Section 301 or similar trade measures (25% surcharge).
π― 1. 3402.42.20.10 & 3402.42.20.20 β Non-Ionic Surfactants (Fatty Origin)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% |
| Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Total Tax | 29.0% |
| Description | Applies to dehydrated fatty acids that are polyethers or esters of polyhydric alcohols (common in non-ionic surfactants). |
| Applicability | If your "Dehydrated Fatty Acid" is chemically modified to act as a surfactant (e.g., Ethoxylated Tallow Amine), this is the correct code. |
π― 2. 3824.99.41.40 & 3824.99.41.90 β Prepared Industrial Chemicals/Binders
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.6% |
| Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Total Tax | 29.6% |
| Description | Applies if the fatty acid is part of a prepared mixture or used specifically as a foundry binder or specialized chemical product. |
| Applicability | If the product is a blend (e.g., fatty acid + binder agent) or used in metal casting. |
π― 3. 1517.90 & 2915.90 β General Industrial/Chemical Fatty Acids
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | Unknown (Error in Data) |
| Additional Duty | Unknown |
| Total Tax | Error |
| Description | Standard HS codes for fatty acids (1517) or other organic oxygenated compounds (2915). |
| β οΈ Warning: Tax information was failed to retrieve in the source data. You must verify the current applicable duty rate with official customs databases (e.g., USITC, CBP) as these rates may vary or be subject to different trade agreements. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Required Documentation
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | β Mandatory | Must detail chemical composition (e.g., % Stearic, % Palmitic, % Oleic), molecular weight, and purity. |
| MSDS/SDS | β Mandatory | Safety Data Sheet for hazardous material handling (flammable, corrosive risks). |
| Certificate of Origin | β Recommended | To determine eligibility for any potential exemptions or trade agreements. |
| Usage Declaration | β Critical | Explicitly state the end-use: e.g., "Used as raw material for surfactant production" or "Used as foundry binder." |
| Lab Analysis Report | β Strongly Recommended | Third-party lab report confirming whether the product is a surfactant (3402) or a raw chemical (1517/2915). |
β 2. Classification Strategy & Pitfalls
π₯ "Function Defines Classification"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Dehydrated Tallow Fatty Acid (Industrial Grade) | 1517.90 or 2915.90 |
It is a basic organic compound/fatty acid mixture. Verify tax rate separately. |
| Ethoxylated Fatty Acid (Surfactant) | 3402.42.20.10 |
Contains polyethers; functions as a non-ionic surface-active agent. |
| Fatty Acid Ester (e.g., Glyceride derivatives) | 3402.42.20.20 |
Contains esters of polyhydric alcohols; functions as a surfactant. |
| Fatty Acid Mixed with Binder Agent | 3824.99.41.40 |
It is a "prepared preparation" for industrial use (e.g., foundry molds). |
π Common Error:
- Mistaking Raw Fatty Acid for Surfactant: Do NOT classify pure dehydrated fatty acid under3402unless it has been chemically modified to act as a surfactant. Pure fatty acids belong in Chapters 15 or 29.
- Mistaking Preparation for Raw Material: If the product is a mixture (e.g., fatty acid + solvent + additive), it likely falls under 3824, not 1517.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Tax Rate Uncertainty for 1517/2915 | Since the source data returns "Error," consult a licensed customs broker to verify the current USITC tariff rate for 1517.90 and 2915.90. These often have different base rates (e.g., 4.7% or 5.7%) but may still be subject to the 25% Section 301 duty if from China. |
| Hazardous Material | Dehydrated fatty acids may be classified as hazardous depending on flash point. Ensure proper UN packaging and hazard labeling. |
| Chemical Definition | If the product is a single, chemically defined compound (e.g., pure Stearic Acid C18:0), it MUST go to Chapter 29 (2915.90). Only mixtures go to Chapter 15 or 38. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (Contextual)
| Market | Typical Classification | Note |
|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1517.90 / 3402.42.20 |
Subject to additional duties (check data). High scrutiny on "Surfactant" claims. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1518.00 / 3402 |
EU has different subheading structures. "Dehydrated" is less relevant; focus on chemical nature. |
| π¨π³ China | 1517.90 |
Import duties may be lower for raw materials used in domestic chemical production. |
π VI. Conclusion & Action Plan
π― Key Takeaway:
The classification of "Dehydrated Fatty Acid" is NOT singular. It depends on its chemical form and intended use:
- Is it a Surfactant? β 3402.42.20 (29% Total Tax).
- Is it a Prepared Mixture/Binder? β 3824.99.41 (29.6% Total Tax).
- Is it a Raw Chemical Intermediate? β 1517.90 or 2915.90 (Tax Rate Unknown/Error in source data β Verify Externally).
π Immediate Action:
1. Obtain a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) to determine if the product is a pure compound (Chapter 29) or a mixture (Chapter 15/38).
2. Determine the end-use: If it acts as a surfactant, use3402. If it's a raw material, use1517/2915.
3. Verify Tax Rates for1517.90and2915.90with a customs broker, as the source data lacks this information.
4. Prepare SDS and Usage Declaration to prevent customs hold-ups.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Precise Classification!
πΌ Don't let a misclassified HS code cost you 25% in additional duties!
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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.