Glycerin
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2905450000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2905492000 | 40.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1520000000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824600000 | 22.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999310 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Glycerin (Glycerol) & Derivatives: HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Glycerin" really?
In international trade, the term "Glycerin" (often labeled as Glycerine, Glycerol, or Glycerol) is chemically ambiguous and frequently misused in commercial invoices. This ambiguity leads to significant classification risks. The core chemical substance is Propane-1,2,3-triol (CβHβOβ), a trihydric alcohol.
However, depending on the purity, source (plant vs. synthetic), and commercial aliases (e.g., "Glycerol Alkali," "Propylene Glycol"), it may be classified differently under the Harmonized System (HS).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - Pure Glycerol (CβHβOβ): The standard chemical form. - Glycerol Alkali (ηζ²Ήη’±): Often a trade alias for Propylene Glycol or a specific industrial grade, which changes the chemical structure classification. - Sorbitol/Other Alcohols: Some trade names like "Glycerin Base" might refer to Sorbitol or other sugar alcohols, leading to different chapters.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Applicable Scenario | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2905.45.00.00 |
Glycerin (Propane-1,2,3-triol). Material properties match perfectly with target code glycerol. | Pure Glycerol, High Purity (>99.5%), Standard Chemical Grade. | 0.5Β’/kg + 17.5% |
2905.49.20.00 |
Glycerol Alkali (Propylene Glycol Class). Chemical essence belongs to Propylene Glycol category. | "Glycerol Alkali" labeled goods, Propylene Glycol derivatives, or industrial grades mislabeled as Glycerin. | 40.5% |
1520.00.00.00 |
Glycerol Alkali (Vegetable Origin). Matches the name "Glycerol Alkali" in classification explanations; material and form match. | Crude Glycerol from soap manufacturing, Vegetable-derived Glycerin, Lower Purity Grades. | 17.5% |
3824.60.00.00 |
Sorbitol (General Name). "Glycerin Base" is the common name for Sorbitol in some contexts. | Sorbitol (Sugar Alcohol), Humectants labeled as "Glycerin Base" in cosmetic/food industries. | 22.4% |
3824.99.93.10 |
Mono-hydroxy Alcohols (C11 or Lower). Glycerin is mistakenly classified here as a simple mono-hydroxy alcohol in some trade practices. | Industrial solvents, Alcohol mixtures, or non-standard chemical forms. | 40.0% |
π Critical Warning: - Do not assume "Glycerin" always equals
2905.45.00.00. - If the invoice says "Glycerol Alkali" (ηζ²Ήη’±), it is highly likely classified under2905.49.20.00or1520.00.00.00, which have significantly higher tariffs. - If the product is actually Sorbitol, it falls under3824.60.00.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Post-Trade War Adjustments)
π― 1. 2905.45.00.00 ββ Pure Glycerin (The "Correct" Code for Standard Glycerol)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.5 cents/kg (Specific Duty) |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% (Section 301 Surcharge) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (China-specific Trade Measure) |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% + $0.005/kg |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF Value Γ 17.5%) + (Weight in kg Γ $0.005) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Generally not eligible for $800 de minimis exemption due to Section 122/301) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:2905.45.00.00 β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 Statute |
π Explanation: - This is the most favorable rate for pure glycerol. - The specific duty ($0.005/kg) is negligible for high-value shipments, but the ad valorem rate is 17.5%. - Crucial: Ensure the chemical name is "Glycerol" or "Glycerin", NOT "Glycerol Alkali".
π― 2. 2905.49.20.00 ββ Glycerol Alkali / Propylene Glycol Class (High Risk)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.5% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301 Surcharge - Higher Bracket) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:2905.49.20.00 β Section 301 Footnote (Higher Rate) β Section 122 |
π Warning: - If your invoice says "Glycerol Alkali" (ηζ²Ήη’±), customs will likely apply this code. - The tariff jumps from 17.5% to 40.5% β a 23% increase! - This code applies to Propylene Glycol and similar diols often mislabeled as Glycerin derivatives.
π― 3. 1520.00.00.00 ββ Crude/Vegetable Glycerin (Intermediate Rate)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:1520.00.00.00 β Section 301 Footnote β Section 122 |
π Note: - Applies to crude glycerin from soap manufacturing or vegetable fats. - Same total rate as pure glycerol, but the base tariff is 0%. However, verification of material origin is strict.
π― 4. 3824.60.00.00 ββ Sorbitol (Misclassified as Glycerin Base)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.9% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:3824.60.00.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Warning: - If you are selling Sorbitol but label it "Glycerin Base", this code applies. - Rate is 22.4%, higher than pure glycerol.
π― 5. 3824.99.93.10 ββ Industrial Alcohol Mixtures (Highest Risk)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (High Bracket Section 301) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:3824.99.93.10 β Section 301 (High) β Section 122 |
π Warning: - Applies to non-standard alcohol products or mixtures misclassified as Glycerin. - 40% Tariff is extremely costly. Avoid this code unless the product is truly an industrial alcohol mixture.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must show Chemical Structure (CβHβOβ) and Purity Level (>99.5% for 2905.45). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Confirms chemical identity. |
| β Invoice Description | β οΈ | DO NOT use "Glycerol Alkali (ηζ²Ήη’±)" if you want 2905.45.00.00. Use "Glycerin" or "Glycerol". |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure no conflicting descriptions. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging and labels. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βPure Glycerol, Use βGlycerolβ; βAlkaliβ Means Higher Tax!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Purity Glycerin | Glycerin, 99.5% Pure |
Glycerol Alkali |
Avoids 40.5% tax; pays 17.5% |
| Propylene Glycol | Propylene Glycol |
Glycerin |
Risk of misclassification penalty |
| Sorbitol | Sorbitol |
Glycerin Base |
Avoids 22.4% tax if correctly classified |
| Crude Glycerin | Crude Glycerin, Vegetable Origin |
Glycerin |
May trigger 1520.00.00.00 inspection |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Glycerin | Provide Formula & Purity Report. If purity <99%, expect 1520.00.00.00 or higher. |
| "Glycerol Alkali" on Invoice | Risk Alert! This phrase triggers 2905.49.20.00 (40.5% tax). Change to "Glycerin" or "Propylene Glycol" (if it is Propylene Glycol). |
| Mixtures/Solutions | If Glycerin is mixed with water or other solvents, it may fall under 3824.99.93.10 (40% tax). Declare exact composition. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2905.45.00.00 |
17.5% + $0.005/kg | FDA (if food/cosmetic) | Avoid 2905.49.20.00 (40.5%) |
| π¨π³ China | 2905.45.00.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | No Section 301/122 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2905.45.00.00 |
0% | REACH + SDS | No additional tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2905.45.00.00 |
5% | TGA (if therapeutic) | Free Trade Agreement |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2905.45.00.00 |
0% - 2.5% | JAS (if food) | CPTPP Benefits |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most complex market due to Section 301 and Section 122 surcharges. - Accurate Naming is critical. "Glycerol Alkali" = 40.5% Tax. "Glycerin" = 17.5% Tax. - Pre-clearance Ruling is highly recommended for large volumes.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Using "Glycerol Alkali (ηζ²Ήη’±)" on the invoice for Pure Glycerin
π Result: Customs applies 2905.49.20.00 β 40.5% Tax instead of 17.5%. Loss: 23% of CIF value!
β Mistake 2: Declaring Sorbitol as "Glycerin Base"
π Result: Misclassification. If caught, back-tariffs + penalties. Correct code: 3824.60.00.00 (22.4%).
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Purity Levels
π Result: Crude Glycerin declared as Pure Glycerin. Customs may reclassify to 1520.00.00.00 or demand higher tariffs.
β Mistake 4: Not Providing COA/MSDS
π Result: Customs detention for verification. Delayed clearance + storage fees.
β Correct Approach:
"Glycerin, USP Grade, 99.5% Purity, CAS No. 56-81-5, For Cosmetic Use"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Naming Saves Money
π― Remember This Mantra:
πΉ "Pure Glycerol = 17.5%; Glycerol Alkali = 40.5%; Sorbitol = 22.4%"
πΉ "Name it 'Glycerol', not 'Alkali', to cut tax in half!"
π Pro Tip: - If your supplier insists on "Glycerol Alkali," ask for a chemical structure diagram. If itβs Propylene Glycol, declare it as such. - For large shipments, apply for a Customs Ruling from US CBP to confirm the HS Code before shipment. - FDA Registration is required if the Glycerin is for Food, Drug, or Cosmetics.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Freight Forwarder with the correct Chemical Name and Purity Report.
π Avoid "Glycerol Alkali" on the invoice unless itβs truly Propylene Glycol.
π° Save 23% on tariffs by accurate classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Matters in International Trade!
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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.