de colored fatty acid
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402429000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402905050 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994190 | 39.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1518004000 | 25.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1518002000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐งช De-colored Fatty Acid (Deodorized/Refined Fatty Acids)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy ๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "De-colored Fatty Acid"?
"De-colored Fatty Acid" typically refers to vegetable or animal fats/oils that have undergone chemical modification, specifically oxidation, dehydration, sulfurization, blowing, polymerization by heat in vacuum or inert gas, or other chemical modifications. The term "De-colored" usually implies the removal of impurities and colorants through refining or chemical processes, resulting in a chemically modified product distinct from raw fats.
In international trade, these are not classified as simple edible oils (Chapter 15) or surface-active agents (Chapter 34) unless they meet specific functional criteria (e.g., being surface-active preparations). Instead, they fall under Chapter 15 (Animal/Vegetable Fats) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products) depending on their specific chemical state and end-use.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Points: - If the product is chemically modified (boiled, oxidized, polymerized, etc.) and not specified elsewhere โ HS Code 1518. - If it is a surface-active agent (non-ionic) used in cleaning/washing โ HS Code 3402. - If it is a preparation (mixture with other chemicals) for industrial binders โ HS Code 3824.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific classifications for "De-colored Fatty Acid" variants:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Chemical State |
|---|---|---|---|
1518.00.40.00 |
Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils... chemically modified; Other | General chemically modified fatty acids (e.g., oxidized or polymerized oils not specified below) | โ Chemically Modified |
1518.00.20.00 |
... Of linseed or flaxseed oil | Specific fatty acids derived from linseed/flaxseed that have been chemically modified | โ Chemically Modified (Linseed-specific) |
3402.42.90.00 |
Organic surface-active agents (other than soap)... Non-ionic: Other: Other | Fatty acid derivatives used as non-ionic surfactants (e.g., ethoxylated fatty alcohols/acids) in cleaning preparations | โ Surface-Active Agent |
3824.99.41.90 |
Prepared binders for foundry molds or cores... Fatty substances of animal or vegetable origin and mixtures thereof | Industrial mixtures containing fatty acids used as binders in foundry/casting processes | โ Industrial Preparation |
3402.90.50.50 |
Organic surface-active agents... Other: Other: Other Other | Other surface-active preparations not specifically listed as non-ionic or soap-based | โ Surface-Active Preparation |
๐ Critical Reminder: - "De-colored" alone is not an HS Code determinant. You must determine the chemical function and end-use. - If the fatty acid is purely chemically modified (no surfactant properties), it goes to 1518. - If it acts as a surfactant (cleaning/emulsifying), it goes to 3402. - If it is part of a binders mixture for industrial use, it may fall under 3824.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US) โ Country of Origin: China (CN) โ Effective Time: 2025/2026 Import Period
๐ฏ 1. 1518.00.40.00 & 1518.00.20.00 โโ Chemically Modified Fatty Acids
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Yes (if applicable under de minimis rules) |
| Legal Basis | Standard HTSUS Chapter 15 entries |
๐ Explanation: - Chemically modified fats/oils (Heading 1518) generally enjoy zero basic duty. - Crucially, these specific subheadings do not carry the 25% Section 301 tariffs often applied to other chemical products. This makes them highly competitive for import into the US.
๐ฏ 2. 3402.42.90.00 โโ Non-Ionic Surface-Active Agents (Fatty Acid Derivatives)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | (Not explicitly listed in data, assume covered in "Total") |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 28.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No (High tariff items often exempt from de minimis) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 9903.88.01 โ USITC: 3402.42.90.00 |
๐ Explanation: - Non-ionic surfactants derived from fatty acids are classified under 3402. - They are subject to a high total tariff of 28.7% (3.7% base + 25% trade war tariff). - Cost Impact: Significant increase in landed cost. Must be factored into pricing strategies.
๐ฏ 3. 3402.90.50.50 โโ Other Surface-Active Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Yes |
| Legal Basis | Standard HTSUS Chapter 34 entries |
๐ Explanation: - If the product falls under "Other" surface-active preparations, it may enjoy 0% tariff. - Caution: Classification must be accurate. If itโs actually a non-ionic surfactant, it should be
3402.42.90.00(28.7%). Misclassification can lead to penalties.
๐ฏ 4. 3824.99.41.90 โโ Prepared Binders (Fatty Substances)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 4.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 29.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 29.6% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ No |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 9903.88.01 โ USITC: 3824.99.41.90 |
๐ Explanation: - If the de-colored fatty acid is mixed with other chemicals to form a binder for foundry molds, it is classified under 3824. - Subject to 29.6% total tariff. - Requires proof of industrial use (foundry/casting) to justify this classification.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state chemical composition, modification process (e.g., "oxidized," "polymerized"), and CAS number. |
| โ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | โ๏ธ | Essential for chemical products. Must classify under HCS (Hazard Communication Standard). |
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Proves purity, acid value, iodine value, and color rating ("de-colored"). |
| โ Bill of Lading & Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must match product description exactly (e.g., "Chemically Modified Linseed Oil" vs. "Fatty Acid Mix"). |
| โ Original Certificate of Origin | โ๏ธ | To prove Country of Origin (China) and apply correct Section 301 rates. |
โ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ โChemically Modified = 1518 (0%), Surfactant = 3402 (28.7%), Binder = 3824 (29.6%)โ
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Practice | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure oxidized/polymerized oil (no cleaning use) | 1518.00.40.00 |
Misclassify as Surfactant (3402) |
Overpay by 28.7% |
| Fatty acid ester used as detergent additive | 3402.42.90.00 |
Misclassify as Fat (1518) |
Underpay by 28.7% โ Penalties |
| Mixture for sand casting binders | 3824.99.41.90 |
Misclassify as Pure Fat (1518) |
Underpay by 29.6% โ Penalties |
| Other surface-active mix | 3402.90.50.50 |
Misclassify as Non-ionic (3402.42) |
Overpay by 0% vs 28.7% (if actually 0%) |
โ 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "De-colored" vs. "Refined" | Ensure the product is chemically modified (oxidized, etc.) to qualify for 1518. Simple refining may still fall under 1516 or 1515, which have different tariffs. |
| Mixed Shipments | If shipping fatty acids and surfactants together, split the entries on the commercial invoice. Do not blend classifications. |
| Foundry Binder Use | Provide a letter of undertaking from the end-user stating the product is used as a binder for molds/cores to justify 3824.99.41.90. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirement | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 1518.00.40.00 |
0.0% | None specific | Zero duty advantage |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 1518.00.40.00 |
~0-5% | None | Low import duty |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 1518.00.00 |
~0% | REACH Registration | REACH compliance critical |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 1518.00.00 |
~7.5% | BIS Certification | Check current SPS measures |
๐ Conclusion: - USA offers 0% duty for chemically modified fats (1518), making it the most cost-effective market for pure modified fatty acids. - Surfactant applications (3402) are heavily taxed (28.7%) in the US. Consider restructuring supply chain if end-use is cleaning. - EU requires REACH registration for all chemical substances, regardless of tariff. Factor this into compliance costs.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Classifying "De-colored Fatty Acid" as "Soap" (3401) ๐ Consequence: Incorrect heading. Soaps are defined by specific salt structures. Fatty acids are not soaps. Risk of rejection or misclassification.
โ Error 2: Assuming all "Fatty Acids" are 0% tariff ๐ Consequence: If the product is a surface-active agent (3402) or preparation (3824), the tariff jumps to 28-30%. Always check the functional use.
โ Error 3: Ignoring "Chemical Modification" status ๐ Consequence: If the product is just "refined" but not "chemically modified" (oxidized, polymerized, etc.), it may fall under 1515/1516, not 1518. 1518 has specific zero-duty advantages in some contexts.
โ Error 4: Incomplete Chemical Description ๐ Consequence: Customs may detain goods for further examination due to ambiguous descriptions like "Fatty Acid Mix." Use precise terms: "Oxidized Linseed Oil, Chemically Modified."
โ Correct Practice:
"Chemically Modified Linseed Oil (Oxidized), De-colored, For Industrial Lubricant Base, CAS No. XXXX-XX-X"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Cost!
๐ฏ Remember the Mnemonic:
๐น "Modified Fat = 1518 (0%), Surfactant = 3402 (28.7%), Binder = 3824 (29.6%)" ๐น "De-colored alone is not enough; function is king!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your de-colored fatty acid is used in food or cosmetic applications, ensure it meets FDA GRAS or EU Cosmetic Regulation standards, even if the tariff is low. Compliance costs can outweigh tariff savings.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult with a customs broker before shipment. ๐ Provide TDS and SDS for accurate classification. ๐ Save 28-30% in tariffs by correctly classifying as
1518instead of3402or3824where applicable!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification! ๐ผ Every penny saved in tariffs is pure profit!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.