Jojoba Seed Oil
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1515906000 | 19.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1515908190 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3304995000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3304991000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3301905000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3301295150 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΏ Jojoba Seed Oil (Hydroxypolyalkadienoic Acid Esters)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Jojoba Oil"?
Jojoba oil is not a true triglyceride but a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub. It is renowned for its chemical stability, similarity to human sebum, and versatility in cosmetics and industrial lubricants.
In international trade, it is strictly categorized under Chapter 15: Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils.
Key Distinction: - Raw/Refined Oil: Falls under 1515 (Other fixed vegetable or microbial fats and oils). - Essential Oil (Steam Distilled): If the product is a terpeneless or not terpeneless essential oil obtained via distillation (rare for Jojoba, as itβs an oleoresin/wax, but possible in specific cosmetic extracts), it may fall under 3301. However, standard Jojoba Seed Oil is almost exclusively 1515.
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- Do NOT classify Jojoba Oil under "Essential Oils" (Chapter 33) unless it is a specific essential oil derivative explicitly stated as such by the manufacturer. Standard cold-pressed or refined Jojoba Oil is 1515. - Misclassification can lead to severe duty penalties (e.g., 25% vs. 7.5%).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Chemical Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1515.90.60.00 | Jojoba oil and its fractions | Refined or unrefined Jojoba oil; standard cosmetic/industrial grade | Wax Ester |
| 1515.90.81.90 | Other fixed vegetable oils (Other) | Non-Jojoba vegetable oils (e.g., Argan, Marula, etc.) | Triglyceride |
| 3304.99.50.00 | Beauty/Make-up Preparations | Formulated creams/serums containing Jojoba oil | Cosmetic Formulation |
| 3304.99.10.00 | Petroleum Jelly (Retail) | Not Jojoba Oil; confused due to texture | Mineral Derivative |
| 3301.90.50.00 | Essential Oils (Other) | Only if explicitly labeled as "Essential Oil" (rare for Jojoba) | Terpene/Extract |
| 3301.29.51.50 | Essential Oils (Non-Citrus) | Specific citrus/non-citrus essential oils | Terpene/Extract |
π Focus Note:
For pure Jojoba Seed Oil, the correct HS Code is 1515.90.60.00.
Codes like 3304 apply only if the oil is mixed with other ingredients to create a finished cosmetic product.
Codes like 3301 apply only if the product is technically an "essential oil" (volatile), which Jojoba is not (itβs a stable wax ester).
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Imports from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10+ (Section 301 / IEEPA)
π― 1. 1515.90.60.00 ββ Jojoba Oil and its Fractions
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% (From USITC List 4B / IEEPA) |
| Total Tax Rate | 9.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 9.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Value > $800 threshold usually triggers duty; small packages may still be scrutinized) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:1515.90.60.00 β USITC:List4B β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- Jojoba oil is listed in List 4B of the Section 301 tariffs, attracting a 7.5% additional duty on top of the base rate. - This is a moderate tariff compared to cosmetics (25%) or electronics (up to 45%). - No further IEEPA surcharge applies beyond the 7.5% for this specific code.
π― 2. 1515.90.81.90 ββ Other Fixed Vegetable Oils (Non-Jojoba)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.7% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:1515.90.81.90 β USITC:List4B |
π Note:
- If you mistakenly classify Argan oil or other non-Jojoba oils under this code, the rate is 10.7%. - Always ensure the Certificate of Analysis (COA) specifies Simmondsia chinensis to justify 1515.90.60.00.
π― 3. 3304.99.50.00 ββ Beauty Preparations (Formulated Products)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:3304.99.50.00 β USITC:List3 / List4A |
π Warning:
- If you import finished serums or creams containing Jojoba oil, they fall under Chapter 33. - These are subject to a 25% tariff, which is significantly higher than the 9.8% for raw oil. - Strategy: Import raw oil (1515) and formulate domestically if possible to save ~15.2% in duties.
π― 4. 3301.90.50.00 & 3301.29.51.50 ββ Essential Oils
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:3301.90.50.00 β USITC:List4A |
π Caution:
- Only use if the product is technically an essential oil (volatile, steam-distilled). Jojoba is a wax ester, so this code is incorrect for pure Jojoba oil. - Misclassification here could lead to customs audits and back-tariffs.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Must state China. If from Jordan/Israel, duty may be lower (FTA benefits). |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must specify Simmondsia chinensis seed oil. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Jojoba Oil (Wax Ester)", not "Essential Oil" or "Cosmetic Cream". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net/Gross weight, packaging type (drums, bottles). |
| β MSDS/SDS | βοΈ | Safety Data Sheet for hazardous materials compliance. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Pure Oil = 1515.60 (9.8%) | Formulated = 3304 (25%) | Essential = 3301 (7.5%)"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tariff Rate | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Pure Jojoba Oil (Refined/Unrefined) | 1515.90.60.00 | 9.8% | It is a fixed vegetable oil/wax ester. |
| Jojoba + Carrier Oil Blend | 1515.90.60.00 | 9.8% | If Jojoba is the primary ingredient. |
| Jojoba Serum/Cream (Mixed with water, preservatives, fragrances) | 3304.99.50.00 | 25.0% | It is a "preparation for care of skin". |
| Jojoba "Essential Oil" (Mislabelled) | 3301.90.50.00 | 7.5% | Risk: Customs may reclassify to 1515 and charge 9.8% + penalties. |
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Oil from Jordan/Israel | Check for FTA Benefits (e.g., US-Jordan FTA). Duty may be 0% even for 1515.90.60.00. |
| Small Samples (< $800) | May enter under Section 321 (De Minimis), but Section 301 tariffs still apply if the value exceeds the threshold or if deemed commercial. |
| Industrial Grade vs. Cosmetic Grade | Both fall under 1515. Cosmetic grade requires additional FDA compliance documents. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1515.90.60.00 | 9.8% | Includes 7.5% Section 301. |
| π¨π³ China | 1515.90.90.00 | 10-15% | Varies by origin; imports from ASEAN may be lower. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1515.90.90 | 6.5% | No additional tariffs for Jojoba. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1515.90.90 | 4.5% | Low duty, stable market. |
| π¬π§ UK | 1515.90.90 | 6.5% | Post-Brexit tariff schedule applies. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market for Jojoba oil due to Section 301 tariffs. - Consider sourcing from Jordan (worldβs largest producer) to leverage FTA benefits if importing to the US.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying Jojoba Oil as "Essential Oil" (3301)
π Consequence: Customs may reject the classification because Jojoba is a wax ester, not a volatile terpene.
π Result: Back-tariffs (9.8% vs 7.5%) + fines.
β Error 2: Classifying Finished Serum as Raw Oil (1515)
π Consequence: Under-declaration of value/tariff.
π Result: 25% tariff should have been paid. Penalties up to 100% of duties owed.
β Error 3: Using generic description "Vegetable Oil" on Invoice
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine correct HTS.
π Result: Inspection delay, potential seizure.
β Correct Practice:
"100% Pure Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis), Refined, for Cosmetic Use, CAS No. 61790-62-9"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Saving!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Pure Oil = 1515 (9.8%) | Cream = 3304 (25%) | Jordanian Origin = FTA (0%)"
πΉ "Don't call it Essential Oil if it's a Wax Ester!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes to the US, consider sourcing from Jordan to utilize the US-Jordan FTA, which may reduce duties to 0%.
Always request a Pre-Ruling from US Customs (CBP) if your product is on the border between "Oil" and "Preparation."
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the COA and Commercial Invoice.
π Clear the goods efficiently, avoid 25% penalties, and maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Per Unit is Calculated Precisely!
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.