High Purity Industrial Palmitic Acid
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3823194000 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3823192000 | 19.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2915700150 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2915700110 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1511100000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐งช High Purity Industrial Palmitic Acid (2026 Tariff & Classification Guide)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "High Purity Industrial Palmitic Acid"?
Palmitic Acid (Hexadecanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid widely used in the production of soaps, detergents, cosmetics, lubricants, and food additives. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its purity, source, and processing stage.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Points:
- If derived directly from palm oil refinement and considered a "refined oil/fraction," it may fall under Chapter 15. - If considered a specific chemical acid (C16) regardless of source, it falls under Chapter 29. - If used as a generic industrial fatty acid (broadly defined), it may fall under Chapter 38.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3823.19.40.00 |
Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, other | High-purity industrial palmitic acid classified as a generic industrial fatty acid | 20.7% |
3823.19.20.00 |
Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids (Palm-derived) | High-purity palmitic acid derived specifically from palm oil derivatives | 19.8% |
2915.70.01.50 |
Palmitic acid and salts/esters: Other | Classified under "Other" within the Palmitic Acid & Salts chapter | 40.0% |
2915.70.01.10 |
Palmitic acid and salts/esters | Classified directly under Palmitic Acid material specifics | 40.0% |
1511.10.00.00 |
Crude palm oil; Refined palm olein/stearin | Refining of palm fatty acids considered a fraction of palm oil | 17.5% |
๐ Critical Reminder:
- Chapter 38 (3823): Broad industrial fatty acids. Lower tariffs due to broader category. - Chapter 29 (2915): Specific chemical organic acids. Higher tariffs due to higher purity/chemical specificity. - Chapter 15 (1511): Oil fractions. Only applicable if deemed a direct refinery fraction of palm oil.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Post-2025 adjustments (including Section 301 and IEEPA measures)
๐ฏ 1. 3823.19.40.00 โโ Industrial Monocarboxylic Fatty Acids (General)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Additional tariff on industrial chemicals/fatty acids) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% (Special duty on certain Chinese industrial products) |
| Total Rate | 20.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 20.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable (Deny de minimis for Section 301/122 goods) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3823.19.40.00 โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- This classification treats Palmitic Acid as a general industrial chemical. - The 20.7% total is the most competitive rate among chemical classifications but requires proving it's not a specific "chemical grade" acid.
๐ฏ 2. 3823.19.20.00 โโ Industrial Monocarboxylic Fatty Acids (Palm-Derived)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 19.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 19.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3823.19.20.00 โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Note:
- Lowest total tariff (19.8%) if the product can be definitively linked to palm oil derivatives. - Requires documentation proving origin from palm oil refining processes.
๐ฏ 3. 2915.70.01.50 & 2915.70.01.10 โโ Palmitic Acid (Chemical Specific)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (High surtax for specific organic chemicals) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:2915.70.01.xx โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Warning:
- 40.0% is significantly higher. This applies if customs determines the product is a specific chemical reagent or high-purity acid under Chapter 29. - Avoid this classification unless required by specific chemical purity standards.
๐ฏ 4. 1511.10.00.00 โโ Refined Palm Oil Fractions
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:1511.10.00.00 โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Strategy:
- Lowest Total Rate (17.5%). - Only applicable if the product is legally defined as a fraction of palm oil (e.g., stearin/olein mix) rather than pure palmitic acid. - High risk of customs rejection if purity is >99% and clearly defined as "Palmitic Acid" in specs.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must specify purity (%), melting point, source (palm/vegetable), and intended use. |
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Proves chemical composition. Essential for Chapter 29 vs. 38 differentiation. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly state: "High Purity Industrial Palmitic Acid" + HS Code + Country of Origin. |
| โ Bill of Lading | โ๏ธ | Ensure weight and volume match invoice. |
| โ Supply Chain Proof | โ๏ธ | For 3823.19.20.00 (19.8%), provide proof of palm oil derivation. |
| โ Pre-Ruling Request | โ๏ธ | Highly Recommended to avoid 40% vs. 17.5% disputes. |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
๐ฅ "Clarify Source, Prove Purity, Choose Chapter Wisely!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Industrial Fatty Acid | 3823.19.40.00 (20.7%) |
Low Risk. Broad definition. |
| Palm-Derived Fatty Acid | 3823.19.20.00 (19.8%) |
Medium Risk. Requires proof of palm origin. |
| High-Purity Chemical Reagent | 2915.70.01.10/50 (40.0%) |
High Tax. Only if specified as chemical grade. |
| Palm Oil Fraction (Stearin) | 1511.10.00.00 (17.5%) |
High Risk. If purity is too high, customs may reclassify to Ch 29/38. |
โ 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Purity >99% | Customs may lean towards Chapter 29. Ensure invoice does not over-emphasize "Chemical Reagent" if you want Chapter 38/15. |
| Mixed Source (Palm + Synthetic) | Stick to Chapter 38 (3823.19.40.00) to avoid detailed origin verification for Chapter 29. |
| Small Sample Shipments | Still subject to full tariffs. De Minimis does not apply for Section 301/122 goods. |
| OEM/White Label | Provide manufacturerโs spec sheet to prove classification consistency. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 1511.10.00.00 or 3823.19.20.00 |
17.5% - 19.8% | Avoid Ch 29 (40%) if possible. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 2915.70.01.00 |
~5-10% | Lower base tariffs, no Section 301. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 2915.70.90 |
~6.5% | No major surtaxes on fatty acids. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 2915.70.00 |
~7.5% | Check anti-dumping duties. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most costly market due to Section 301 and IEEPA duties. - Optimization Goal: Aim for 17.5% (1511.10.00.00) or 19.8% (3823.19.20.00) to save ~20% compared to Ch 29 classification.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring as "Chemical Raw Material" (Ch 29) without justification
๐ Result: 40% tax.
๐ Fix: Provide industrial application proof (soap/detergent use) to support Ch 38.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring "Section 122" duty
๐ Result: Underpayment of 10% + penalties.
๐ Fix: Always include Section 122 in cost calculations.
โ Mistake 3: Using vague description "Fatty Acid"
๐ Result: Customs delay for classification.
๐ Fix: Use specific term "Palmitic Acid" + Purity % + Source.
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Optimize Your Tariff Strategy
๐ฏ Remember:
๐น "Palm Origin = 19.8% | Industrial Grade = 20.7% | Chemical Grade = 40.0% | Oil Fraction = 17.5%"
๐น "Chapter 15 & 38 are your friends; Chapter 29 is expensive!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your product is >90% pure palmitic acid but derived from palm oil, consider negotiating with customs for
3823.19.20.00(19.8%) or even1511.10.00.00(17.5%) if it can be framed as a palm refinery fraction. Request an Advance Ruling to lock in the lower rate.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult a licensed customs broker.
๐ Prepare COA (Certificate of Analysis) and Supply Chain Documentation.
๐ Minimize tax burden through precise classification!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
๐ผ Every Percentage Point Saved is Pure Profit!
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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) 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.