High Purity Fatty 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 |
| 3823194000 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1515902100 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2916151000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ High Purity Fatty Alcohol (The Unsung Heroes of Surfactants & Plastics)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Fatty Alcohol"?
High Purity Fatty Alcohols are saturated monohydric alcohols with long carbon chains. They are not alcohols in the beverage sense, but critical industrial raw materials derived from fatty acids (via hydrogenation) or petrochemical routes.
In international trade, they are primarily classified under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products), depending on their purity, source, and specific chemical structure.
Two Main Categories:
-
Straight-Chain Saturated Alcohols (Chemicals):
Defined as organic compounds with a specific hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a saturated carbon chain. This includes:- High-Carbon Fatty Alcohols (e.g., C12-C18): Often classified as "Other saturated monohydric alcohols."
- Specific Isomers: If the chemical identity is precise (e.g., pure oleyl alcohol vs. mixed fatty alcohols).
-
Industrial Grade Raw Materials (Preparations/Non-Classified):
If the product is a mixed preparation or considered an "other industrial organic compound" not specifically named in Chapter 29, it may fall under Chapter 38.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a single, identifiable chemical substance (e.g., pure C16 alcohol) β Chapter 29
- If the product is a mixture, industrial preparation, or lacks specific chemical definition in Ch 29 β Chapter 38
- Note on "Oleic Acid" Confusion: Do NOT confuse Fatty Alcohols with Fatty Acids (like Oleic Acid). They are chemically distinct (Alcohol vs. Carboxylic Acid). However, some HS codes for "Oleic Acid" may appear if the product is mislabeled or if the alcohol is specifically derived from oleic acid and classified under specific acid headings by error. The DATA provided includes Oleic Acid HS codes, which suggests a potential classification overlap or specific product nature that needs careful verification.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the relevant HS Codes for High Purity Fatty Alcohol and related chemical precursors. Note that some entries refer to Oleic Acid (a fatty acid, not alcohol), which may be relevant if the alcohol is derived from it or if there is classification ambiguity.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application/Scenario | Key Chemical Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
2905.17.00.00 |
High-Carbon Fatty Alcohols | Surfactants, plasticizers, cosmetics | Saturated monohydric alcohol, long chain |
2905.19.90.90 |
Other Saturated Monohydric Alcohols | General industrial alcohol, custom blends | Saturated monohydric alcohol, unspecified chain |
3823.19.40.00 |
Industrial Grade Oleic Acid (High Purity) | Note: Fatty Acid, not Alcohol | Monocarboxylic fatty acid, industrial grade |
1515.90.21.00 |
Oleic Acid (Fixed/Vegetable Origin) | Note: Fatty Acid, not Alcohol | Fatty acid from plant/animal fats/oils |
2916.15.10.00 |
Oleic Acid (Specific Chemical Identity) | Note: Fatty Acid, not Alcohol | Exact match for Oleic Acid in Ch 29 |
π Critical Alert:
- The input is "High Purity Fatty Alcohol".
-2905.17.00.00and2905.19.90.90are the correct classifications for Alcohols.
-3823.19.40.00,1515.90.21.00,2916.15.10.00refer to Oleic Acid (a Fatty Acid).
- Do NOT classify Fatty Alcohol as Oleic Acid unless the product is actually Oleic Acid. Misclassification leads to severe penalties.
- If the product is Oleyl Alcohol (derived from Oleic Acid), it should still be classified under 2905 (Alcohol), not 2916/1515 (Acid).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 Trade Policies (Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 2905.17.00.00 β High-Carbon Fatty Alcohols
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Duty (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO (Deny De Minimis for Section 301/IEEPA goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2905.17.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- High-carbon fatty alcohols are subject to all three tariffs.
- 40% is a high cost. Ensure your product truly fits "High-Carbon" (typically C12-C18+).
- If itβs a lower-carbon alcohol (e.g., C8-C10), it may fall under different subheadings with potentially different rates (check2905.11or2905.12if applicable, but not in current DATA).
π― 2. 2905.19.90.90 β Other Saturated Monohydric Alcohols
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.7% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Duty (122 Clause) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2905.19.90.90 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- Use this if the alcohol does not fit "High-Carbon" (e.g., mixed chain lengths, unspecified).
- Slightly lower base rate (3.7% vs 5.0%) but still ~39% total.
- Common for generic "Fatty Alcohol" blends.
β οΈ 3. Oleic Acid Codes (For Reference Only β DO NOT USE for Alcohols)
| HS Code | Total Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
3823.19.40.00 |
20.7% | Industrial Grade Oleic Acid. Lower tax, but wrong chemical. |
1515.90.21.00 |
17.5% | Vegetable-Origin Oleic Acid. Lower tax, but wrong chemical. |
2916.15.10.00 |
41.5% | Pure Oleic Acid. Highest tax, but wrong chemical. |
π¨ WARNING:
- Do NOT use these HS codes for Fatty Alcohol.
- If you use2916.15.10.00(Oleic Acid) for a Fatty Alcohol, you will be flagged for misdeclaration, facing fines, delays, or seizure.
- The only reason these appear is if your product is actually Oleic Acid or if you are mistakenly classifying it.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Fatty Alcohol" (not Acid), Carbon Chain Length (e.g., C12-C15), Purity (%) |
| β Chemical Structure Diagram | βοΈ | Prove it is an Alcohol (-OH group), not an Acid (-COOH group) |
| β MSDS/SDS | βοΈ | Section 3 must list Chemical Identity as Alcohol. Section 14 Transport Info |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Use exact chemical name: "High Purity C16-C18 Saturated Fatty Alcohol" |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Confirm purity and absence of fatty acid residues |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Match invoice description exactly |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βAlcohol vs Acid, Check the Group! Donβt Mix Up OH and COOH!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Fatty Alcohol (C16) | 2905.17.00.00 |
2916.15.10.00 (Oleic Acid) |
Fine + Delay (Wrong HS) |
| Mixed Fatty Alcohol | 2905.19.90.90 |
1515.90.21.00 (Vegetable Oil) |
Audit Risk |
| Industrial Prep (Non-Chemical) | 3823.19.40.00 |
2905.17.00.00 |
Underpayment (if acid code used for alcohol) |
| Oleic Acid (Actually Acid) | 2916.15.10.00 |
2905.17.00.00 |
Overpayment (41.5% vs 40%) + Audit |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Oleyl Alcohol (from Oleic Acid) | Classify under 2905.17.00.00 (Alcohol), NOT 2916.15.10.00. It is chemically an alcohol. |
| Blended Alcohols | Use 2905.19.90.90 if composition is undefined. |
| Low Purity (Industrial Grade) | Still 2905 if pure chemical. If mixed with solvents, may shift to 3823. |
| Plant-Derived vs Petrochemical | Both fall under 2905 if chemically identical. Origin affects Country of Origin Rules, not HS Code. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2905.17.00.00 |
40.0% | FDA (if cosmetic) | High tax due to Section 301 + IEEPA |
| πΊπΈ USA | 2905.19.90.90 |
38.7% | FDA (if cosmetic) | Slightly lower base tax |
| π¨π³ China | 2905.17.00.00 |
5.0% | CCC (if applicable) | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2905.17.00.00 |
4.0% | REACH | No Section 301 tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2905.17.00.00 |
5.0% | PSE (if electrical) | No additional tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Fatty Alcohols from China.
- EU and Japan are much more favorable (no 25% + 10% surcharges).
- Cost Optimization: Consider Vietnam, India, or Malaysia for sourcing if targeting the US market to avoid IEEPA/301 tariffs (if rules of origin are met).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Confusing Fatty Alcohol with Fatty Acid
π Consequence: Using 2916.15.10.00 (Oleic Acid) for Alcohol. Result: Misdeclaration, fines, or under/overpayment.
π Fix: Check the chemical group. Alcohol = -OH; Acid = -COOH.
β Mistake 2: Using 1515.90.21.00 (Vegetable Oil/Acid) for Pure Chemical Alcohol
π Consequence: Chapter 15 is for "Fats and Oils," Chapter 29 is for "Chemicals." Result: Incorrect Chapter classification.
π Fix: Pure chemical substances go to Chapter 29.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% Surtax
π Consequence: Budgeting only for 301 (25%) + Base. Result: Unexpected 40% total cost.
π Fix: Always calculate Base + 301 + IEEPA.
β Correct Practice:
"High Purity C16-C18 Fatty Alcohol, CAS No. [Insert CAS], Purified, For Surfactant Production"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Millions
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βAlcohol is OH, Acid is COOH. Donβt mix them up!β
πΉ βUSA Tax: 40% for Alcohols. Plan your supply chain!β
πΉ βChapter 29 for Pure Chemicals. Chapter 38 for Mixtures.β
π Pro Tip:
If your Fatty Alcohol is produced in Vietnam, India, or Indonesia, it may qualify for lower or zero IEEPA/301 tariffs under USMCA or other trade agreements.
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) before shipment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Provide CAS Number and Chemical Structure for pre-classification.
π Avoid 40% tariff shock with accurate HS Codes!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Chemistry!
πΌ Your cost efficiency depends on this detail!
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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.