Industrial Grade Fatty Alcohol Derivatives
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3823702000 | 22.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2905170000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2905199090 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994190 | 39.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999320 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Industrial Grade Fatty Alcohol Derivatives: HS Code Classification & 2026 Tariff Breakdown
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Fatty Alcohol Derivatives"?
"Industrial Grade Fatty Alcohol Derivatives" is a broad term covering various chemical substances derived from natural fats/oils or synthetic processes, primarily used as surfactants, plasticizers, cosmetics raw materials, and industrial solvents. In international trade, due to differences in chemical structure (saturated/unsaturated), hydroxyl group count, and final application, they are classified into different HS codes with significantly different tax burdens.
The key to accurate classification lies in distinguishing whether the product is: 1. A specific organic chemical compound (e.g., Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol) β Usually Chapter 29. 2. A mixture, preparation, or less refined fat-derived substance β Usually Chapter 38.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If the product is a pure, single-component saturated mono-hydric alcohol (e.g., C16-C18 fatty alcohols) βε½η±»θ³ Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals).
- If the product is a mixture, industrial preparation, or contains other chemical additives not meeting Chapter 29 purity definitions βε½η±»θ³ Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 specific HS codes and their corresponding classifications for "Industrial Grade Fatty Alcohol Derivatives":
| HS Code | Product Summary / Chemical Attribute | Applicable Scenario | Tax Burden (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
3823.70.20.00 |
Industrial Fatty Alcohols, matched with industrial fat alcohol material & use | Industrial surfactants, generic industrial fatty alcohol mixtures | 22.6% |
2905.17.00.00 |
Industrial Fatty Alcohols, matched with saturated mono-hydric alcohols material & chemical properties | Pure C16/C18 Stearyl/Cetyl alcohol, high-purity chemical raw materials | 40.0% |
2905.19.90.90 |
Industrial Fatty Alcohols, matched with other saturated mono-hydric alcohols material & chemical raw material attributes | Other specific saturated fatty alcohols not covered under 2905.17 | 38.7% |
3824.99.41.90 |
Industrial Fatty Alcohols, matched with animal/vegetable source fat substances & other chemical preparations | Crude fatty alcohol mixtures, fat-derived preparations containing impurities | 39.6% |
3824.99.93.20 |
Industrial Fatty Alcohols, matched with non-cyclic mono-hydric alcohols material & chemical industry preparation uses | Non-cyclic fatty alcohol mixtures, industrial chemical preparations | 40.0% |
π Key Reminder:
- Chapter 29 (2905.17 / 2905.19): Applies to pure, defined organic chemicals. If your product is a specific saturated fatty alcohol (like Cetyl Alcohol or Stearyl Alcohol) with high purity, it likely falls here. However, note the high tax burden (~40%).
- Chapter 38 (3823.70 / 3824.99): Applies to mixtures, preparations, or less refined substances. If the product is a mixture of fatty alcohols derived directly from fat splitting or contains other chemical additives, it may fall here. HS Code3823.70.20.00offers the lowest tax rate (22.6%), making it crucial to verify if your product qualifies as an "industrial fatty alcohol" mixture rather than a pure chemical.
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: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3823.70.20.00 ββ Industrial Fatty Alcohols (Mixture/Preparation)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.1% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Due to Section 301/122 surcharges) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3823.70.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Explanation:
- This is the lowest tax rate among the provided options.
- Suitable for products classified as industrial fatty alcohol mixtures rather than pure chemical compounds.
- Must ensure the product description matches "industrial fatty alcohol" and not a specific pure chemical to avoid misclassification.
π― 2. 2905.17.00.00 ββ Saturated Mono-hydric Alcohols (Pure Chemical)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2905.17.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Explanation:
- High tax burden due to the 25% Section 301 surcharge on organic chemicals.
- Applies to pure saturated mono-hydric alcohols (e.g., Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol).
- Misclassifying a pure chemical here as a mixture to get 22.6% is a high-risk customs evasion.
π― 3. 2905.19.90.90 ββ Other Saturated Mono-hydric Alcohols
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2905.19.90.90 β FOOTNOTE:301 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Note:
- Slightly lower than2905.17.00.00due to a lower base tariff (3.7% vs 5.0%).
- Still subject to the heavy 25% + 10% surcharges.
- Applies to saturated mono-hydric alcohols not specifically listed in 2905.17.
π― 4. 3824.99.41.90 ββ Animal/Vegetable Fat-Derived Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.6% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3824.99.41.90 β FOOTNOTE:301 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Explanation:
- For products derived from animal or vegetable fats that are classified as preparations (not pure chemicals).
- High surcharge applies. Ensure the product is not a pure alcohol, which would fall under Chapter 29.
π― 5. 3824.99.93.20 ββ Non-Cyclic Mono-hydric Alcohol Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3824.99.93.20 β FOOTNOTE:301 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Note:
- For non-cyclic mono-hydric alcohols classified as chemical industry preparations.
- Matches the highest tax rate category. Misclassification as a pure chemical or vice versa can lead to severe penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battlefield Pit Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must include chemical composition, purity %, molecular structure, and physical state. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Critical for proving if the product is a pure compound (Chapter 29) or a mixture (Chapter 38). |
| β Chemical Structure Diagram | βοΈ | To distinguish between saturated/unsaturated and cyclic/non-cyclic alcohols. |
| β Usage Statement | βοΈ | Clearly state if it's for industrial surfactant, cosmetic, or plasticizer use. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the product according to the selected HS Code. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If not CN origin, may apply for preferential rates (but US tariffs are mostly global). |
β 2. Declaration Skills (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Pure Chemical, Chapter 29 High Tax; Mixture/Prep, Chapter 38 Lower Rate; Don't Misclassify, Avoid Huge Gap!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol | 2905.17.00.00 (40.0%) |
Misdeclare as 3823.70.20.00 β High Risk of Penalty & Back Taxes |
| Industrial Fatty Alcohol Mixture | 3823.70.20.00 (22.6%) |
Misdeclare as 2905.19.90.90 β Overpaying Tax |
| Fat-Derived Crude Mixture | 3824.99.41.90 (39.6%) |
Misdeclare as pure chemical β Customs Rejection |
| Non-Cyclic Alcohol Prep | 3824.99.93.20 (40.0%) |
Misdeclare as cyclic β Classification Error |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- The difference between3823.70.20.00(22.6%) and2905.17.00.00(40.0%) is 17.4%.
- Do not arbitrarily downgrade a pure chemical to a mixture to save tax. Customs will request chemical analysis. If proven misclassified, you will face back taxes + penalties + potential fraud charges.
- Recommendation: If your product is a mixture of fatty alcohols (e.g., C12-C18 mix) derived from natural fats and intended for industrial use, argue for3823.70.20.00with strong technical documentation. If it is a single, pure compound, you must use Chapter 29.
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Alcohols | Provide client specification sheets to prove exact chemical composition. |
| Biomass-Derived Alcohols | If derived from fermentation, check if they fall under bio-products (may have different rules, but currently still under these HS codes). |
| High Purity (>99%) | Likely Chapter 29. Ensure COA proves purity. |
| Industrial Grade (<95%) with Impurities | May qualify for Chapter 38 (Mixture/Preparation). Provide impurity analysis. |
π V. Global Major Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3823.70.20.00 (if mixture) |
22.6% (Section 301 + 122) | None (Basic Customs) | Highest Risk: 40% for pure chemicals. |
| π¨π³ China | 2905.17.00.00 |
~5% (Import Duty) | N/A | No Section 301 surcharges for exports. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2905.17.00.00 |
~5-6% (Import Duty) | REACH Registration | No Section 301/122 surcharges. |
| π¬π§ UK | 2905.17.00.00 |
~5% (Import Duty) | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with Section 301 and 122 surcharges, making classification critical.
- EU and UK do not have these punitive surcharges, so the tax burden is much lower (~5-6%).
- Strategy: For US imports, verify if your product can legally be classified as a mixture (3823.70.20.00) to save 17.4% in taxes. If it is a pure chemical, the cost is unavoidable.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring pure Cetyl Alcohol (2905.17.00.00) as Industrial Fatty Alcohol Mixture (3823.70.20.00)
π Consequence: Customs requests lab test. Result shows >99% purity. Back taxes + 25% penalty applied!
β Mistake 2: Not providing a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine purity. Product held at port for weeks, incurring demurrage fees.
β Mistake 3: Using generic "Fatty Alcohol" in invoice without specifying structure
π Consequence: Customs assigns highest possible duty rate or rejects declaration.
β Correct Practice:
"Fatty Alcohol Mixture, C12-C18, Industrial Grade, Derived from Palm Kernel Oil, Not a Pure Chemical Compound, Model XYZ"
Supporting Doc: COA showing composition range, not single peak.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Cut Costs!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Pure Chemical, Chapter 29, 40% Tax; Mixture, Chapter 38, 22.6% Tax; Prove it with COA, Avoid the Gap!"
πΉ "HS Code Defines Life, 17.4% Difference, One Step Wrong, Tax Bill Skyrockets!"
π Tip:
If your product is a mixture of fatty alcohols from natural sources and intended for industrial surfactant use, prioritize applying for 3823.70.20.00.
However, if it is a single, pure organic compound, you must declare under Chapter 29 (2905.17.00.00 or 2905.19.90.90).
Recommendation: Apply for a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) from US Customs (CBP) if the volume is large, to secure the correct classification and tax rate before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide COA + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Let your fatty alcohol derivatives pass customs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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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.