Linoleic Alcohol
CN β USAI Analysis
π§ͺ Linoleic Alcohol (2-Octadecen-1-ol)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Chemical Profile: What is "Linoleic Alcohol"?
Linoleic Alcohol, chemically known as 2-Octadecen-1-ol ($C_{18}H_{36}O$), is a long-chain unsaturated fatty alcohol derived from linoleic acid. It is a colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid with a mild odor.
In international trade, it is primarily classified as a surfactant raw material, cosmetic ingredient, or plasticizer intermediate. Its key chemical feature is the double bond at the C9 position (cis/trans isomers may exist, but cis-9-octadecen-1-ol is common in natural sources, though "Linoleic" strictly implies two double bonds: 2,4-Octadecadien-1-ol).
β οΈ Critical Clarification:
- "Linoleic Alcohol" usually refers to 2,4-Octadecadien-1-ol (derived from linoleic acid).
- "Oleic Alcohol" refers to 2-Octadecen-1-ol (derived from oleic acid).
- If the user input is strictly "Linoleic Alcohol," we assume the di-unsaturated form. However, in many generic trade contexts, confusion with Oleic Alcohol exists. We will provide classification for the generic fatty alcohol category, which is the most common trade practice unless specific purity/isomer data is provided.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Standards)
The classification depends on chemical purity and derivative status.
1. Primary Classification: Fatty Alcohols (Chlorinated, Sulphonated, etc.)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Saturation Level |
|---|---|---|---|
1505.00.90.00 |
Wool Grease and Other Fats and Oils (Including Lanolin)...: Fatty Alcohols | Generic unsaturated fatty alcohols (including Linoleic/Oleic) | β Unsaturated |
2905.16.00.00 |
Acyclic Alcohols...: Octadecanol and its isomers | If considered a pure acyclic alcohol under Chapter 29 (less common for technical grade) | β Acyclic |
3823.60.00.00 |
Fatty Acids...; Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils, Fractionated...: Technical Monocarboxylic Fatty Acids; Fatty Acid Alcohols | If mixed with other components or technical grade blends | β Blended |
π Key Distinction:
- Chapter 15 (1505) is the most common classification for pure fatty alcohols like Linoleic Alcohol when used as surfactant ingredients.
- Chapter 29 (2905) may apply if it is a pure, isolated chemical substance for pharmaceutical or high-purity lab use, but customs often default to Ch. 15 for bulk industrial alcohols.
- Chapter 38 (3823) applies if it is a mixture or technical grade not meeting purity standards for Ch. 15/29.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 1505.00.90.00 ββ Fatty Alcohols (General)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharges | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharges | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Duty Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:1505.00.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- USITC 25%: Under Section 301 of the Trade Act, most chemical intermediates from China face a 25% surcharge.
- IEEPA 10%: The International Emergency Economic Powers Act imposes an additional 10% on certain chemical products from China.
- Total 35%: This is a high-duty category. Cost planning must include this 35% burden on the CIF value.
π― 2. 2905.16.00.00 ββ Acyclic Alcohols (Octadecanol)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.7% |
| USITC Surcharges | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharges | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 40.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2905.16.00.00 |
π Note:
- If customs classifies Linoleic Alcohol as an "acyclic alcohol" under Ch. 29, the base rate is higher (5.7%), leading to a higher total duty (40.7%).
- Recommendation: Fight for classification under 1505.00.90.00 (0% base) to save 5.7% base duty.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must show purity %, chemical name, and saturation level (e.g., % cis/trans). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous goods classification (Flammable Liquid, Category 3). |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clarify if it is technical grade or pharmaceutical grade. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Linoleic Alcohol, C18, Unsaturated Fatty Alcohol" |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, to avoid IEEPA/301 tariffs. |
| β Fumigation Certificate | β | Not required (synthetic/chemical), but if packed in wood, required. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Unsaturated Alcohol, Ch. 15 Prefer; Purity High, Ch. 29 May Defer. Name Specific, Avoid 'Fatty Alcohol' Alone!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Grade Linoleic Alcohol | 1505.00.90.00 - "Technical Fatty Alcohol" |
Declaring as "Cosmetic Ingredient" β Audit Risk |
| Pure Linoleic Alcohol (>99%) | 2905.16.00.00 OR 1505.00.90.00 |
Declaring as "Essential Oil" β Wrong Chapter |
| Mixture with Solvents | 3823.60.00.00 |
Declaring as Pure Alcohol β Customs Rejection |
| Small Sample for Testing | 1505.00.90.00 |
Using De Minimis ($800) β Illegal if value >$800 |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Provide brand authorization to avoid IPR issues. |
| Used as Surfactant | Emphasize "Industrial Surfactant Raw Material" in description. |
| Pharmaceutical Grade | Must provide FDA registration number if applicable; higher scrutiny. |
| Flammable Nature | Declare as Class 3 Flammable Liquid (UN1993) for shipping; customs may require hazardous cargo declaration. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1505.00.90.00 |
35% (China) | MSDS + TSCA | 301 + IEEPA applies |
| π¨π³ China | 1505.00.90.00 |
5% | None | Low import duty |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1505.00 |
0% | REACH Registration | Free trade if origin compliant |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 1505.00 |
5% | NICNAS | Standard duty |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1505.00 |
3.2% | Fertilizer Law (if applicable) | Low duty |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to 35% total tariffs on Chinese origin.
- EU and Japan are favorable with low or zero duties (if REACH/origin rules met).
- Cost Advantage: Sourcing from Vietnam/Malaysia may allow IEEPA exemption (0-5% duty).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Essential Oil"
π Consequence: Wrong chapter (33.01), leads to rejection + penalty. Linoleic Alcohol is not an essential oil.
β Error 2: Ignoring Flammable Classification
π Consequence: Shipping denial or customs seizure for undeclared hazardous goods.
β Error 3: Using "Fatty Alcohol" without specifying Saturation
π Consequence: Customs may downgrade to 3823 (technical) or 2905 (chemical), increasing duty to 40.7%.
β Error 4: Using De Minimis for Bulk Shipment
π Consequence: Seizure for undervaluation/false de minimis claim. Linoleic Alcohol is excluded from de minimis if value >$800.
β Correct Practice:
"Linoleic Alcohol, 2,4-Octadecadien-1-ol, C18H36O, Technical Grade, 95% Purity, UN1993 Flammable Liquid, For Surfactant Manufacturing"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Unsaturated, Ch. 15 is Best; 35% Total Duty, Don't Be Pest."
πΉ "Name Specific, Purity Clear, Avoid 40% Mistake, Stay Near."
π Pro Tip:
- If your Linoleic Alcohol is sourced from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, apply for Certificate of Origin to avoid IEEPA 10% surcharge.
- Request an Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to lock in 1505.00.90.00 classification.
- Always provide MSDS to prove non-restricted status (except flammability).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with COA + MSDS.
π Verify HS Code 1505.00.90.00 before shipping.
πΌ Minimize Duty Burden with accurate classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precision!
πΌ Every Dollar 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) 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.