山梨醇醚类
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340290 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 290545 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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🧪 Sorbitan Ethers & Non-Ionic Surfactants (山梨醇醚类)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
📌 1. Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly Are "Sorbitan Ethers"?
Sorbitan ethers, commonly known in the industry as Spans, are a class of non-ionic surface-active agents. They are derived from sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) and fatty acids. In international trade, their classification depends strictly on whether they are sold as pure chemical substances or as industrial preparations/formulations.
⚠️ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a pure chemical compound (defined by its molecular structure, containing hydroxyl groups and ethoxylated/propoxylated chains) → It is classified under Chapter 29.
- If the product is a preparation designed specifically for detergency, wetting, or emulsifying in industrial applications → It is classified under Chapter 34.
📦 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Classification Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
2905.45 |
Polyhydric alcohols containing more than one hydroxyl group per acyclic chain; specifically sorbitol and its derivatives (including Sorbitan Ethers) when classified by chemical composition. | Raw chemical material, pure Sorbitan monostearate, pure Sorbitan oleate, chemical synthesis intermediates. | ✅ Chemical Composition: Classified as a specific organic chemical compound. |
3402.90 |
Non-ionic surface-active agents, preparations, and products used as detergents, wetting, or emulsifying agents in industrial applications. | Industrial cleaners, emulsifiers for textile processing, wetting agents for pesticides, formulated surfactant mixtures. | ✅ Function: Classified by its use as a surface-active agent/preparation. |
🔍 Crucial Reminder:
- If you are importing a pure chemical grade Sorbitan Ether for further chemical synthesis, declare under 2905.45.
- If you are importing a technical grade or formulated product intended for use as a detergent, wetting agent, or emulsifier in manufacturing, declare under 3402.90.
- Do not confuse "Sorbitan Ethers" with "Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Esters" (Tweens), which often fall under similar subheadings but may have different specific duty rates depending on the exact ethoxylation degree.
💰 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Supplementary Taxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 2905.45 —— Polyhydric Alcohols (Pure Sorbitol Derivatives)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.6% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Supplementary Tax | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01, Section 301) |
| IEEPA Supplementary Tax | +10% (Against China/Hong Kong products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 40.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:2905.45 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation:
- The 25% USITC tax is applied under the Section 301 investigation for specific chemical products.
- The 10% IEEPA tax is the additional tariff imposed on Chinese-origin goods.
- Total 40.6% is a significant cost burden for pure chemical imports. Ensure your supplier provides accurate HS code confirmation to avoid misclassification penalties.
🎯 2. 3402.90 —— Non-Ionic Surface-Active Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.6% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Supplementary Tax | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01, Section 301) |
| IEEPA Supplementary Tax | +10% (Against China/Hong Kong products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 40.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 → IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3402.90 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Note:
- Despite being a "preparation," Chapter 34 goods of Chinese origin are also subject to the same 301 and IEEPA supplementary tariffs.
- The total rate remains 40.6%.
- Critical Point: If the product is not strictly a "surface-active agent" (e.g., if it is a finished cosmetic formulation), it might fall under Chapter 33 or 30, which could have different tax implications. However, for industrial Sorbitan Ethers used as emulsifiers, 3402.90 is the standard.
🛠️ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All are Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must include CAS number (for 2905.45), purity %, molecular structure, and intended industrial use. |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Non-ionic surfactant" or "Polyhydric alcohol." |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | For 2905.45, COA proving purity and chemical identity is critical to avoid reclassification. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly describe the product as "Sorbitan Ester" or "Sorbitan Ether" and specify HS Code. |
| ✅ Usage Declaration | ✔️ | For 3402.90, declare if used as detergent, wetting, or emulsifying agent in specific industries (e.g., textile, paint). |
| ✅ Origin Certificate (CO) | ✔️ | If claiming preferential treatment under other FTAs (unlikely for China-US direct trade, but relevant for transshipment checks). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Chemical Name for 29, Function for 34; Purity Matters, Use Defines It!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Method | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Sorbitan Monostearate (90%+ purity) | 2905.45 + "Sorbitan Monostearate, Pure Chemical" |
Reporting as "Surfactant" → 3402.90 (Risk of audit) |
| Technical Grade Sorbitan Ether (Mixed) | 3402.90 + "Non-ionic Surfactant Preparation for Emulsification" |
Reporting as 2905.45 → Risk of penalty if impurities >5% |
| Sorbitan Ether in Cosmetic Cream | Likely Chapter 33 (Not covered in DATA, but common) | Forcing 3402.90 → Incorrect if final product is a cosmetic |
| Sorbitan Ether as Active Ingredient in Pesticide | Chapter 38 (Pesticides) or 3402.90 depending on formulation |
Incorrect HS Code → Delays and seizures |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Provide formulation details if possible. If purity is high, lean toward 2905.45. If it's a mixture, lean toward 3402.90. |
| Mixed with Other Surfactants | If it is a complex mixture, 3402.90 is safer. Pure substances go to 2905.45. |
| High Purity (>95%) | Strongly consider 2905.45 to align with chemical tariff lines, but verify with customs broker. |
| Low Purity/Formulated | Must use 3402.90. Do not attempt to classify a formulated product as a pure chemical. |
🌍 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2905.45 or 3402.90 |
40.6% (Total) | SDS, CAS, Pesticide/Drug Registration (if applicable) | High duty burden. Pre-clearance ruling recommended. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2905.45 or 3402.90 |
5.6% | CCC (if listed), GB Standards | No supplementary tariffs for domestic import/export balance. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2905.45 or 3402.90 |
~5-6% | REACH Registration (Critical for chemicals) | REACH compliance is mandatory for chemical imports into EU. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2905.45 or 3402.90 |
5% | AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme) | AICIS registration required before import. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 2905.45 or 3402.90 |
5.6% | CSCL (Chemical Substance Control Law) | Notification required for new chemicals. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA has the highest barrier due to 40.6% combined tariffs.
- EU and Australia have stricter chemical regulations (REACH/AICIS) than tariffs. Compliance costs may exceed tariff costs.
- China remains the primary manufacturing hub, but exporters must ensure accurate HS classification to avoid US customs seizures.
📌 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Classifying a formulated industrial cleaner as a pure chemical (2905.45)
👉 Consequence: Customs may reject, demand reclassification, and impose 25-50% penalties.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the 301 Supplementary Tax for Chapter 29/34 goods
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of 25% + 10% → Back taxes + Interest.
❌ Mistake 3: Providing vague descriptions like "Surfactant" without specifying chemical nature
👉 Consequence: Customs request for samples and lab tests → 30+ day delay.
❌ Mistake 4: Assuming "Natural" or "Organic" Sorbitan Ethers are exempt from tariffs
👉 Consequence: No exemption exists under current IEEPA/301 rules for China-origin goods.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Sorbitan Monostearate, 90% Purity, CAS No. 123-94-4, Used as Food Emulsifier, HS Code 2905.45.00"
OR
"Non-Ionic Surfactant Preparation Based on Sorbitan Esters, For Textile Wetting, HS Code 3402.90.00"
🎯 7. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Purity to 29, Function to 34; 40.6% is the Price, Don't Ignore the Fee!"
🔹 "SDS and CAS are Your Best Friends, Avoid Audit Traps and Delays!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your product is exported from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia (with sufficient local content transformation), you may be eligible for IEEPA/301 exemptions under the respective FTAs.
Recommend Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) before shipping high-volume containers.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact your customs broker + Provide SDS/COA + Apply for CBP Ruling
🚀 Ensure your Sorbitan Ethers clear customs smoothly, minimize tax liability, and maximize profit!
✨ Professional Classification Starts with Accuracy!
💼 Every cent of duty is a cent of your margin!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.