Low temperature Biodiesel
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1518004000 | 25.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1518002000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2710201015 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2710201025 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π± Low Temperature Biodiesel β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Full Customs Compliance Breakdown
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Expert-Level Import Planning
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Is "Low Temperature Biodiesel"?
Low Temperature Biodiesel refers to biodiesel fuel specifically formulated or chemically modified to maintain fluidity and performance at sub-zero temperatures, preventing gelling, waxing, or filter clogging in cold climates.
It is typically derived from vegetable oils (e.g., rapeseed, soybean, palm) or animal fats, and may undergo esterification, transesterification, or other chemical modifications to improve cold flow properties.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the biodiesel has improved cold flow properties (e.g., low pour point, high cetane number, low cloud point) and is not waste oil-based, it falls under Chapter 27 as a renewable fuel. - Must not be blended with crude petroleum or classified as "waste oils" β otherwise, different rules apply.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Updated Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Features | Duty Applicable? |
|---|---|---|---|
1518.00.40.00 |
Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their fractions, chemically modified (boiled, oxidized, polymerized, etc.), not elsewhere specified or included; inedible mixtures or preparations of fats/oils | General category for non-edible, chemically modified fats/oils, excluding linseed oil | β Yes |
1518.00.20.00 |
Same as above, but specifically for linseed or flaxseed oil | Used in industrial coatings, paints, and resins; not for fuel | β Yes |
2710.20.10.15 |
Petroleum oils & bituminous minerals (non-crude), containing biodiesel, β₯70% petroleum oils, testing β₯25Β° A.P.I., Saybolt viscosity 45β125 sec at 37.8Β°C, β€500 ppm sulfur | Low-sulfur No. 4 fuel oil with biodiesel blend β ideal for cold-weather use | β Yes |
2710.20.10.25 |
Same as above, but >500 ppm sulfur | Higher sulfur content β not suitable for low-temperature biodiesel blends in clean fuel zones | β Yes |
π Critical Insight:
- Low temperature biodiesel is not a standalone HS code β it is classified based on chemical composition, sulfur content, and blending base. - Only blends meeting specific viscosity, API gravity, and sulfur limits qualify for2710.20.10.15.
π° III. 2026 Tariff & Duty Breakdown (US Focus, China Origin)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (inclusive)
π― 1. 1518.00.40.00 β General Chemically Modified Fats/Oils (Non-Linseed)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes (if value < $800, duty-free) |
| Legal Basis | No USITC/IEEPA footnotes apply |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to inedible, chemically modified fats/oils used in industrial applications (e.g., lubricants, resins, coatings), not fuel. - Low temperature biodiesel is NOT classified here unless it's used as a raw material (e.g., for making surfactants). - No additional tariffs β but must prove non-fuel use to avoid misclassification.
π― 2. 1518.00.20.00 β Linseed/Flaxseed Oil, Chemically Modified
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.3Β’ per kg |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% (on top of base) |
| Total Duty | 6.3Β’/kg + 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | (6.3Β’/kg) + (7.5% Γ CIF value) |
| De Minimis Threshold | β No (excluded from de minimis) |
| Legal Basis | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 (Section 301) |
π Explanation:
- Linseed oil is not used for biodiesel fuel β itβs used in paints, varnishes, and industrial coatings. - Low temperature biodiesel is NOT classified here unless linseed oil is the primary feedstock (rare). - High effective duty due to per-kilogram + percentage structure.
π― 3. 2710.20.10.15 β Low-Sulfur No. 4 Fuel Oil with Biodiesel (β€500 ppm S)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 10.5Β’ per barrel (bbl) |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% (on top of base) |
| Total Duty | 10.5Β’/bbl + 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | (10.5Β’/bbl) + (25.0% Γ CIF value) |
| De Minimis Threshold | β No (excluded) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) + USITC 301 Tariff |
π Explanation:
- This is the correct HS code for low temperature biodiesel blends that meet API β₯25Β°, viscosity 45β125 sec, β€500 ppm sulfur. - Biodiesel is treated as a fuel additive β subject to heavy fuel duties. - 25% additional tariff applies under Section 301 (China-specific). - Per-barrel duty makes it costly for bulk shipments.
π― 4. 2710.20.10.25 β High-Sulfur No. 4 Fuel Oil with Biodiesel (>500 ppm S)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes |
| Legal Basis | No tariffs applied β but restricted for environmental use |
π Explanation:
- High sulfur content (>500 ppm) makes this fuel unsuitable for modern engines and banned in many regions (e.g., EU, US EPA). - No tariffs, but may be rejected at port due to environmental compliance issues. - Low temperature biodiesel should NOT be classified here β it must meet low-sulfur standards.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips for Importers)
β 1. Required Documentation (MUST Provide)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Biodiesel blend, low temperature, β€500 ppm sulfur, API β₯25Β°" |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include: Cetane number, cloud point, pour point, sulfur content, viscosity |
| β Lab Test Report (ASTM D6751 / EN 14214) | βοΈ | Prove compliance with biodiesel standards |
| β MSDS / Safety Data Sheet | βοΈ | Required for hazardous material declaration |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If from China, may trigger 301 tariffs |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Full shipment details |
| β Import License (if applicable) | βοΈ | For fuel imports, some states require permits |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Rules of Thumb)
π₯ βFuel is fuel, but low temp = high duty. Prove specs, or pay 25%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Biodiesel blend, β€500 ppm sulfur, API β₯25Β° | 2710.20.10.15 |
Misclassified as 1518.00.40.00 β duty evasion risk |
| Biodiesel with high sulfur (>500 ppm) | 2710.20.10.25 |
Claimed as "low temp" β rejected by EPA/Customs |
| Linseed oil-based biodiesel | 1518.00.20.00 |
Only if used in coatings, not fuel |
| Pure biodiesel (no petroleum base) | Not eligible for 2710.20.10.15 β must be β₯70% petroleum oil |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Low temperature biodiesel from Vietnam/Mexico | Apply for IEEPA exemption β 0% tariff if origin is non-China |
| Biodiesel used in marine engines | Declare under 2710.20.10.15 β must meet sulfur limits |
| Biodiesel blend with >500 ppm sulfur | Do NOT declare as low temperature β risk of seizure or fines |
| Biodiesel from waste oils | Not eligible for these codes β must use different HS code (e.g., 2710.00.90) |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2710.20.10.15 |
10.5Β’/bbl + 25% | ASTM D6751, EPA Compliance | High tariff if from China |
| π¨π³ China | 2710.20.10.15 |
5% | GB/T 20890 | No 301 tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2710.20.10.15 |
0% (if compliant) | EN 14214, Emissions Cert | Strict sulfur limits |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2710.20.10.15 |
5% | RCM | No additional tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2710.20.10.15 |
0% | JIS K 2272 | No 301 tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest duty on low temperature biodiesel from China. - Non-China origin (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) can avoid 25% tariff. - Always verify sulfur and API specs before shipment.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Risk Warnings (Avoid These!)
β Mistake 1: Classifying low temperature biodiesel as 1518.00.40.00 (general fats)
π Result: Duty evasion β fines, seizure, penalties
β Mistake 2: Using 2710.20.10.25 for low sulfur biodiesel
π Result: Incorrect classification β delayed release, reclassification, extra fees
β Mistake 3: Not providing lab reports or sulfur data
π Result: Customs holds cargo until verification β delays, demurrage
β Mistake 4: Declaring biodiesel as "fuel" without API/sulfur proof
π Result: Refused entry under EPA/Customs regulations
β Correct Declaration Phrase:
"Low temperature biodiesel blend, 10% biodiesel, 90% No. 4 fuel oil, API β₯25Β°, Saybolt viscosity 45β125 sec, sulfur β€500 ppm, ASTM D6751 compliant, for cold climate use."
π― VII. Final Verdict: Master Your Biodiesel Import Game
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ βIf itβs fuel, itβs taxed. If itβs low temp, itβs taxed HARD. Prove specs, or pay 25%!β
πΉ βHS Code = Destiny. Misclassify once, pay 2x.β
π Pro Tip:
π Apply for an Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) from U.S. Customs before shipment β especially for China-origin biodiesel. π Work with a customs broker experienced in fuel imports β they can help avoid 301 tariffs via origin restructuring.
π£ Take Action Now!
π Contact a specialized customs broker
π Submit product specs + lab reports
π Get HS Code pre-approval and tariff forecast
β¨ Professional Customs Starts with Precision.
πΌ Your biodiesel shipment deserves the best β not a gamble.
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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.