mixed alkylbenzene
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๐ข๏ธ Mixed Alkylbenzenes (MABs) โ The Backbone of Detergent Industry
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Structure | Professional Compliance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Mixed Alkylbenzene"?
Mixed Alkylbenzenes (MABs) are a complex mixture of liquid organic compounds used primarily as intermediates in the production of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA), which is a key ingredient in detergents, soaps, and surfactants.
They are not a single chemical but a mixture consisting mainly of: 1. Normal Alkylbenzenes (NABs): Specifically, Linear Alkylbenzenes (LABs) with carbon chain lengths typically ranging from C9 to C15. 2. Isomers: Various branched isomers of alkylbenzenes. 3. Byproducts: Trace amounts of xylenes, toluene, and other aromatics.
โ ๏ธ Key Classification Distinction:
- Pure Single Components (e.g., pure Toluene, pure Xylene, pure Benzene) โ Classified under separate headings (2707).
- The Mixture (The actual "Mixed Alkylbenzene" product shipped) โ Classified under 2707.99.
- Critical Note: If the mixture is predominantly one specific aromatic (e.g., >95% Benzene), it might be classified as Benzene, but commercial MABs are mixtures by definition.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application | Composition Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2707.99.00.00 | Other aromatic hydrocarbons (includes Mixed Alkylbenzenes) | Raw material for detergents, solvents, chemical intermediates | โ Mixture of Alkylbenzenes (C9-C15) |
| 2707.30.00.00 | M-xylene | Solvent, polymerization initiator | โ Pure Isomer |
| 2707.40.00.00 | O-xylene | Solvent, chemical intermediate | โ Pure Isomer |
| 2707.50.00.00 | P-xylene | PET plastic precursor | โ Pure Isomer |
| 2707.20.00.00 | Cymenes | Solvent, fragrance | โ Specific Aromatic |
๐ Critical Reminder:
- Do NOT classify MABs under 2902 (Organic Chemicals) as pure substances. MABs are defined as petroleum-derived mixtures of aromatic hydrocarbons.
- The correct heading is Chapter 27 (Mineral Fuels, Oils, Distillation Products), specifically 2707.99.00.00.
- If the product is Hydrogenated MAB (i.e., Linear Alkylbenzene, LAB, which is saturated), it may fall under 2902.90.00.00. Ensure you distinguish between "MAB" (unsaturated/aromatic) and "LAB" (saturated).
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties & Policies)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 2707.99.00.00 โโ Mixed Alkylbenzenes (MABs)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 / Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (for China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 40.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 40.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 โ IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:2707.99.00.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- The 25% USITC duty applies to Section 301 items, which includes many chemical intermediates from China.
- The 10% IEEPA duty is an additional levy on Chinese aromatic hydrocarbons under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total burden: 40.7%. This is a significant cost driver.
- De Minimis (Section 321): Explicitly denied for this HS code. Imports must be formally entered.โ ๏ธ Crucial Distinction: MAB vs. LAB
- If your product is Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) (saturated), it is often classified under 2902.90.00.00.
- LAB Tariff: Base 5.7% + 25% (Section 301) + 10% (IEEPA) = 40.7%.
- Note: Both MAB and LAB face the same total duty rate, but the HS code difference affects regulatory requirements (e.g., TSCA vs. Section 301 nuances).
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Must show % composition of alkylbenzenes, total aromatics, and lack of heavy metals. |
| โ Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | โ๏ธ | Confirm it is a mixture (not a pure substance). |
| โ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | โ๏ธ | Classify as Flammable Liquid (Class 3). UN Number: UN1993. |
| โ Bill of Lading | โ๏ธ | Ship as "Mixed Alkylbenzenes" or "Alkylbenzene Mixture". Avoid vague terms like "Chemical". |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly state HS Code 2707.99.00.00 and Country of Origin. |
| โ TSCA Certification | โ๏ธ | Required under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Must certify chemical compliance. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Do Not Call It 'Benzene', Do Not Call It 'Pure'! It's a Mixture!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| MAB (Unsaturated) | HS 2707.99.00.00 | Misclassify as 2902 (Organic Chemicals) โ Audit risk |
| LAB (Saturated) | HS 2902.90.00.00 | Misclassify as 2707 โ Penalty for incorrect origin/method |
| Mixed with Solvents | Check % threshold | If >50% solvent, may fall under 3814 โ Different rates |
| Small Quantity Samples | Formal Entry | Try De Minimis โ Shipment seized or returned |
โ 3. Special Handling Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Transshipment via Vietnam/Thailand | Ensure Origin Rule is met. If merely transshipped, US Customs will trace back to China and apply 40.7% + penalties. |
| LAB vs. MAB Confusion | Provide NMR Spectra or COA to prove saturation level. LAB is hydrogenated; MAB is not. |
| Bulk Vessel vs. Container | For bulk, ensure ISM Code compliance for flammable liquids. For containers, secure packaging for UN1993. |
| Re-export from Duty-Free Zone | If entered into a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), duty can be deferred until goods leave the zone. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 2707.99.00.00 |
40.7% | TSCA + EPA | High barrier due to Section 301 & IEEPA |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 2707.99.00.00 |
5.0% | None | Domestic production hub |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 2707.99 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | Must register with ECHA for volumes >1 ton/year |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 2707.99.90 |
7.5% | BIS Standards | Import license may be required |
| ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico | 2707.99.01 |
0% (under USMCA if origin met) | NOM Certifications | Benefit if produced in NAFTA region |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive for Chinese MABs due to the 40.7% combined duty.
- EU requires REACH registration, which can take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Mexico offers a potential duty-free route if the product meets USMCA rules of origin (not applicable to Chinese-origin goods unless processed significantly).
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Classifying MAB as 2902.90 (Organic Chemicals)
๐ Consequence: If itโs not fully hydrogenated, customs will reclassify to 2707, demand back duties, and impose penalties.
โ Mistake 2: Declaring De Minimis (Under $800)
๐ Consequence: Shipment rejected. Section 321 explicitly excludes aromatic hydrocarbons from Section 301 lists.
โ Mistake 3: Using "Solvent" or "Chemical" as description
๐ Consequence: Increases scrutiny. Must specify "Mixed Alkylbenzenes, UN1993".
โ Mistake 4: Ignoring TSCA Compliance
๐ Consequence: FDA/Customs hold at port. Fines up to $10,000 per day.
โ Correct Declaration Example:
"Mixed Alkylbenzenes, CAS No. 85032-99-7, UN1993, Class 3 Flammable Liquid, HS 2707.99.00.00, Made in China"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs, Avoid Seizures!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "MAB is 2707, not 2902. Itโs a Mixture, not Pure. 40.7% Duty, De Minimis is Denied. TSCA is King, MSDS is King!"
๐น "HS Code determines destiny. A 20% error in classification can cost you 40% in duties and fines."
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) instead of MAB, ensure your supplier provides a Certificate of Hydrogenation to prove it falls under 2902.90.00.00. While the duty rate is similar, the regulatory pathway (TSCA vs. Chemical Product rules) differs.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact a licensed customs broker BEFORE shipment.
๐ Request COA and MSDS from supplier.
๐ Apply for TSCA certification in advance.
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Your profit margin depends on precise duty calculation!
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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) 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.