Industrial Grade Fatty Acid (Refined)
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π Industrial Grade Fatty Acid (Refined)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Industrial Fatty Acid"?
Industrial Grade Fatty Acid (Refined) refers to the purified carboxylic acids derived from natural fats and oils (such as palm kernel oil, coconut oil, tall oil, or tallow) through hydrolysis and distillation. These are key raw materials for: - Surfactants & Soaps: Sodium laurate, sodium stearate. - Cosmetics & Personal Care: Emollients, emulsifiers. - Plastics & Lubricants: Metal stearates (e.g., calcium stearate for PVC stabilization). - Resins & Paints: Alkyd resins.
Key Distinction in Customs: The classification depends heavily on the saturation and source, but most refined industrial fatty acids fall under Chapter 15 (Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the acid is predominantly C16-C18 (Stearic/Palmitic), it usually falls under 1511 (if from palm) or 1515/1518 depending on exact composition and origin.
- If it is Lauric Acid (C12) from coconut/palm kernel, it is 1513.
- If it is Mixed/Unknown or Chemically Modified beyond simple hydrolysis/distillation, it may shift to Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) under 2915 (Acyclic monocarboxylic acids).
- Pure Refining Process = Chapter 15.
- Chemical Derivatization (e.g., Esterification) = Chapter 29.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1511.90.10.00 | Crude palm oil (if misdeclared) | β Avoid | Not for refined fatty acids. |
| 1511.90.90.00 | Palm oil derivatives (Refined Palm Fatty Acid) | Palm-derived industrial fatty acids (PFAD) | High stearic/palmitic content from palm |
| 1513.11.00.00 | Coconut palm kernel oil (Refined Fatty Acid) | Lauric acid derivatives from coconut | High lauric acid (C12) content |
| 1515.29.00.00 | Palm kernel olein / fractions | Specific fractions from palm kernel | Not typical "fatty acid" but often confused |
| 2915.21.00.00 | Acetic acid and its salts; acetic anhydride | β Not applicable | Incorrect for long-chain fatty acids |
| 2915.39.00.00 | Other acyclic saturated monocarboxylic acids | Most Common for Mixed/General Industrial FA | Stearic, Palmitic, Myristic, or mixed acids from various sources |
| 2915.90.00.00 | Other acyclic monocarboxylic acids | Rare/Custom Synthesized Acids | If not covered by specific C-number codes |
π ιηΉζι (Critical Note):
- Most pure Stearic Acid (C18) or Palmitic Acid (C16) from tallow or mixed sources are classified under 2915.39.00.00 (Other acyclic saturated monocarboxylic acids) if they are not specifically listed as "Stearic Acid" under 2915.31 (which often excludes natural mixtures) or if the customs authority treats them as general organic chemicals.
- Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) specifically may fall under 1511.90.90.00 or 1511.90.10.00 depending on refinement level.
- Lauric Acid from coconut/palm kernel oil is often classified under 1513.11.00.00 or 2915.39.00.00 depending on purity and local customs interpretation.
- US Customs (CBP) tends to classify pure Stearic Acid (C18) under 2915.39.00.00 when it is a defined chemical substance, not just a crude oil fraction.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 2915.39.00.00 ββ Acyclic Saturated Monocarboxylic Acids (General Industrial Fatty Acids)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surtax | +25% (Footnote 9903.01.24) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (For China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.7% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 40.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2915.39.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- "Section 301 Surtax 25%" is from the U.S. Trade Act Section 301 actions against China.
- "IEEPA 10%" is the new emergency surtax on Chinese goods.
- Combined Rate: 40.7%. This is a high tariff, making cost control critical.
π― 2. 1511.90.90.00 ββ Refined Palm Fatty Acid (If applicable)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.1% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 43.1% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 43.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1511.90.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- If your product is Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD), it may fall here.
- Rate is slightly higher than 2915.39 due to a higher base rate.
π― 3. 1513.11.00.00 ββ Coconut/Palm Kernel Fatty Acid (Lauric)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.1% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 43.1% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 43.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
π Note:
- Lauric acid from coconut/palm kernel is often grouped with coconut palm kernel oil derivatives.
- Same high tariff burden as palm fatty acids.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Risk Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation (All Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Specifies fatty acid composition (e.g., C12%, C16%, C18%), acid value, iodine value. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Physical state (solid/paste/liquid), color, odor, melting point. |
| β Process Description | βοΈ | Explain hydrolysis/distillation process to prove it is "Refined" and not a crude oil. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Refined Fatty Acid, Industrial Grade" and HS Code. |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure packaging is clean, food/industrial grade appropriate. |
| β Fumigation Certificate | βοΈ | If packed in wood pallets/crates. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | For preferential claims if shipped from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, Malaysia). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Pure Chemistry = 2915, Natural Oil Fraction = 1511/1513. Specify Composition, Avoid Misclassification!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Stearic/Palmitic Acid (Mixed) | 2915.39.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Fatty Oil" (1515) β 25% penalty risk |
| Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) | 1511.90.90.00 |
Declare as "Chemical" (2915) β May trigger extra scrutiny |
| Lauric Acid (Coconut) | 1513.11.00.00 or 2915.39.00.00 |
Inconsistent COA vs. HS Code β Customs hold |
| Industrial vs. Food Grade | Specify "Industrial Grade" | If food grade is claimed but not certified, FDA/USDA issues |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Blend | Provide detailed formula. If it contains >5% additives, it may shift to 3823 (Technical Fats). |
| Liquid vs. Solid | Ensure description matches physical state. "Fatty Acid" is often solid at room temp (Stearic). |
| Biodiesel Feedstock | If intended for biodiesel, ensure it is not classified as "Vegetable Oil" (1507-1515) incorrectly. |
| Recycled Fatty Acid | If from waste oil recycling, additional environmental disclosures may be required. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2915.39.00.00 |
40.7% | FDA (if food contact) | High 301 + IEEPA surtax |
| π¨π³ China | 2915.39.00.00 |
5% | N/A | Low base tariff |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2915.39.00 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | REACH is mandatory for chemical import |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2915.39.00 |
5% | AGRC (Agri-Quarantine) | Strict biosecurity |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2915.39.00 |
5% | JIS/ISO | No extra surtaxes |
π Conclusion:
- USA remains the highest cost market due to 40.7% effective tariff.
- EU requires REACH compliance for any chemical import, adding administrative cost.
- Vietnam/Malaysia/Indonesia origins may offer lower tariffs if they qualify under specific FTAs (e.g., RCEP, CPTPP), but must prove substantial transformation to avoid "China origin" attribution.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Fatty Acid" as "Vegetable Oil" (1507-1515) to avoid chemical scrutiny.
π Consequence: Customs will reject if COA shows high acid value (>5% free fatty acids). Delay + Fine.
β Mistake 2: Not specifying the chain length (C12, C16, C18) in the description.
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine the exact 8-digit code. Hold for Examination.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA Surtax (10%) effective Nov 10, 2025.
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties by 10%. Back taxes + Interest.
β Mistake 4: Using "Cosmetic Grade" label for Industrial Product.
π Consequence: If it meets cosmetic standards but is declared industrial, no major issue. But if itβs industrial with impurities and declared cosmetic, FDA violation.
β Correct Practice:
"Refined Stearic Acid (Industrial Grade), 99% Purity, C18 Chain, Hydrolyzed from Tallow, Used for Plastic Lubricants, HS: 2915.39.00.00, Made in China"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember These Rules:
πΉ "Pure Acid = 2915, Oil Fraction = 1511/1513"
πΉ "China Origin to US = 40.7% Minimum, Plan Cost Accordingly!"
πΉ "COA is King: Without Composition, You Are Blind!"
π Pro Tip:
If your fatty acids are originating from Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, apply for Form D (ASEAN-China FTA) or Form AK (RCEP) to potentially reduce the base tariff. However, Section 301/IEEPA surtaxes often still apply to Chinese-origin goods transshipped, so ensure genuine origin to claim benefits.
π Action Item:
π Contact a licensed customs broker.
π Prepare a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA).
π§ͺ Submit an Advance Ruling request if uncertain about2915.39vs.1511.90.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tariff Counts in Industrial Chemicals!
Customer Reviews
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.