Sorbitol (Industrial Grade)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2905440000 | 22.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2905494000 | 40.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ͺ Sorbitol (Industrial Grade)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Sorbitol"?
Sorbitol (also known as D-Glucitol), a sugar alcohol derived from glucose, is a versatile chemical used in pharmaceuticals, food processing, cosmetics, and industrial applications. In international trade, it is categorized based on its specificity and purity:
D-Glucitol (Sorbitol): The specific, widely recognized form of sorbitol.
Other Polyhydric Alcohols Derived from Sugars: Includes sorbitol derivatives or mixed sugar alcohols that do not fall under the specific "D-Glucitol" description.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is explicitly identified as "D-Glucitol" or "Sorbitol" (whether for food or industrial use), it falls under 2905.44.00.00.
- If the product is a mixed polyhydric alcohol derived from sugars but not specifically D-Glucitol, it falls under 2905.49.40.00.
- Industrial Grade does not change the HS code if it is still pure D-Glucitol; it only affects purity specifications in documentation.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
2905.44.00.00 |
D-Glucitol (Sorbitol) | Pure sorbitol, regardless of grade (Food/Industrial/Pharma) | β Specific chemical name: D-Glucitol |
2905.49.40.00 |
Other Polyhydric Alcohols Derived from Sugars | Mixed sugar alcohols, non-specific sorbitol blends, or derivatives | β Not specifically D-Glucitol |
π Key Reminder:
- "Industrial Grade" sorbitol is still chemically D-Glucitol. Therefore, it should primarily be classified under 2905.44.00.00 unless it is a mixture containing other sugar alcohols.
- Misclassifying pure Sorbitol as "Other" (2905.49.40.00) may lead to customs queries, although both codes currently have the same tax rate in this dataset.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Tariff Structure
π― 1. 2905.44.00.00 ββ D-Glucitol (Sorbitol)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If applicable under current de minimis rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:2905.44.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- D-Glucitol (Sorbitol) is currently subject to 0% duty in the provided dataset.
- There are no additional Section 301 or IEEPA tariffs applied to this specific code in the data provided.
- This makes Sorbitol (Industrial Grade) a tax-efficient import item compared to many other chemical products.
π― 2. 2905.49.40.00 ββ Other Polyhydric Alcohols Derived from Sugars
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If applicable under current de minimis rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:2905.49.40.00 |
π Note:
- This code also enjoys a 0% duty rate.
- However, using this code for pure Sorbitol is technically incorrect. Customs may request proof of chemical composition (COA) to verify if it is indeed "Other" rather than "D-Glucitol."
π οΈ 4. Practical Customs Clearance Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential for Smooth Clearance)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must confirm chemical identity: "D-Glucitol" or "Sorbitol" |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Sorbitol (Industrial Grade), HS Code 2905.44.00.00" |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Ensure weight and quantity match invoice |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical imports, even if non-hazardous |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail packaging type (e.g., Jumbo Bags, Drums) |
β οΈ Critical Tip:
- Do not use vague terms like "Sugar Alcohol" or "Sweetener" on the invoice.
- Use the precise chemical name: "D-Glucitol" or "Sorbitol" to align with HS Code 2905.44.00.00.
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Name it Right, Code it Right, Tax is Zero!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Industrial Sorbitol | 2905.44.00.00 β "D-Glucitol (Sorbitol)" |
"Other Sugar Alcohol" β 2905.49.40.00 (Risk of misclassification) |
| Sorbitol Syrup (Liquid) | Still 2905.44.00.00 (if pure) |
"Food Ingredient" β May trigger FDA/USDA scrutiny |
| Mixed Sugar Alcohols | 2905.49.40.00 |
"Sorbitol" β Misdeclaration |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Industrial vs. Food Grade | Same HS Code (2905.44.00.00), but Industrial Grade may require SDS and less stringent FDA documentation |
| Bulk vs. Packaged | No difference in HS Code, but bulk shipments may have different handling fees |
| Chemical Verification | Customs may request a COA to confirm purity. Ensure your supplier provides it |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2905.44.00.00 |
0% | SDS, COA | No additional Section 301 tariff |
| π¨π³ China | 2905.44.00.00 |
5.0% | None | Base tariff applies |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2905.44.00.00 |
6.5% | REACH Compliance | Standard EU duty |
| π¬π§ UK | 2905.44.00.00 |
6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2905.44.00.00 |
5.5% | None | Standard MFN rate |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers the best tariff advantage (0%) for Sorbitol imports from China under the provided data.
- Industrial Grade is fully eligible for this zero-treatment as long as it is correctly identified as D-Glucitol.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Food Sweetener"
π Consequence: May trigger FDA review, even if industrial grade.
β
Fix: Use "Chemical Raw Material: D-Glucitol" for industrial imports.
β Mistake 2: Using 2905.49.40.00 for pure Sorbitol
π Consequence: Unnecessary scrutiny, potential correction fees.
β
Fix: Use 2905.44.00.00 for pure D-Glucitol.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description "Sugar Alcohol"
π Consequence: Customs may assign a higher general rate or delay clearance.
β
Fix: Be specific: "D-Glucitol (Sorbitol), Industrial Grade, Min 95% Purity"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Zero Duty, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "D-Glucitol is King, Code 44 is Spring (0% Tax)!"
πΉ "Industrial Grade is Still Sorbitol, Don't Use 49, or You'll Lose Time, Not Just Money!"
π Pro Tip:
- Ensure your Certificate of Analysis (COA) explicitly states "D-Glucitol" to justify HS Code 2905.44.00.00.
- Keep SDS readily available for customs inspections.
- Even though the tax is 0%, accurate declaration prevents audits and delays.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Prepare COA and SDS
π¦ Declare as "D-Glucitol (Sorbitol), Industrial Grade"
π Enjoy 0% Duty and Fast Clearance!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar Counts, Even When Tax is Zero!
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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.