脂肪酸
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3823130020 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1518004000 | 25.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3823110000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1518002000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402311000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🧪 Fatty Acids & Derivatives: The Chemical Backbone of Industry
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Fatty Acids"?
Fatty acids are organic compounds that constitute the building blocks of fats and oils. In international trade, they are not a single monolithic category but are split based on their chemical state, source (animal, vegetable, or microbial), and degree of processing.
Misclassification is the #1 cause of customs delays and financial penalties in this sector. The core distinction lies in: 1. Primary Shape (Chemical Basis): Raw fatty acids extracted directly from fats/oils (Chapter 38 or 15). 2. Chemically Modified (Derivatives): Fats/oils that have been chemically altered (e.g., hydrogenated, esterified, sulfated) (Chapter 15). 3. Surface Agents (Salts/Surfactants): Fatty acids reacted to form soaps, detergents, or emulsifiers (Chapter 34).
⚠️ Critical Distinction Point:
- If it is a raw/primary fatty acid extracted from oil → Check 3823 or 1518 (depending on specific chemical nature).
- If it is a chemically modified fat/oil fraction → Check 1518.
- If it is a fatty acid salt (soap-like, surfactant) → Check 3402.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Identification Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
3823.13.00.20 |
Fatty acids, industrial single-chain carboxylic acids, primary form | Industrial soap making, lubricants, plasticizers | ✅ Primary shape, industrial single-chain |
1518.00.40.00 |
Chemical modifications of animal/vegetable/microbial fats/oils | Specialty chemicals, modified lubricants, resins | ✅ Chemically modified derivative of fat/oil |
3823.11.00.00 |
Single-chain carboxylic fatty acids, primary form | General industrial fatty acids (generic) | ✅ Primary form, general single-chain |
1518.00.20.00 |
Fractions of fats/oils & chemically modified products | Oil fractions, refined derivatives | ✅ Fraction/Modified product |
3402.31.10.00 |
Fatty acid salts (Anionic Surfactants) | Detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents | ✅ Salt/Surfactant form (ionic) |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- "Primary Form" (初级形态) means the fatty acid is essentially pure or nearly pure, extracted without significant chemical alteration of the chain structure. These fall under 3823.11 or 3823.13. - "Chemically Modified" (化学改性) means the fat/oil structure has been changed (e.g., hydrogenation, transesterification). These fall under 1518. - "Salts" (脂肪酸盐) indicate the acid has been neutralized (e.g., with sodium or potassium) to form soaps/surfactants. These fall under 3402.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Current US Trade Policy (Section 301 & IEEPA)
🎯 1. 3823.13.00.20 —— Fatty Acids, Industrial Single-Chain, Primary Form
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 20.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (High risk category) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:3823.13.00.20 → Section 301: Footnote 1 → IEEPA: Order 10456 |
📌 Explanation:
- This code targets specific industrial fatty acids. The total burden is 20.7%. - The 10% IEEPA surcharge is specifically applied to products meeting the "122 Clause" criteria (often linked to strategic material concerns or specific trade retaliation measures).
🎯 2. 1518.00.40.00 —— Chemically Modified Fats/Oils (Animal/Veg/Microbial)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:1518.00.40.00 → Section 301: Footnote 1 → IEEPA: Order 10456 |
📌 Note:
- This category covers derivatives where the base oil/fat has been chemically altered. - The higher base tariff (8.0%) compared to raw acids reflects the added processing value. - Total burden is 25.5%, making this a high-cost category for Chinese exports.
🎯 3. 3823.11.00.00 —— Single-Chain Carboxylic Fatty Acids, Primary Form
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1¢/kg + 3.8% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 2.1¢/kg + 3.8% + 7.5% + 10% |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight × 2.1¢) + (CIF × 3.8%) + Additional Surcharges |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:3823.11.00.00 → Section 301 → IEEPA |
📌 Detailed Breakdown:
- This code uses a mixed tariff: Specific Duty (per kg) + Ad Valorem (percentage). - Total Effective Rate: Approx. 21.3% + 2.1¢/kg. - This is often the most common code for generic stearic or palmitic acid. Be precise with weight declarations!
🎯 4. 1518.00.20.00 —— Fractions of Fats/Oils & Chemically Modified Products
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.3¢/kg |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 6.3¢/kg + 7.5% + 10% |
| Tax Calculation | (Weight × 6.3¢) + (CIF × 17.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:1518.00.20.00 → Section 301 → IEEPA |
📌 Warning:
- This code applies to fractions (e.g., distilled fatty acid fractions) or modified products not covered elsewhere. - The base is purely specific duty (6.3¢/kg) plus 17.5% ad valorem surcharges. - Ensure your product is not mistakenly declared here if it qualifies as a "primary acid" (3823), as the tax structures differ.
🎯 5. 3402.31.10.00 —— Fatty Acid Salts (Anionic Surfactants)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (122 Clause) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:3402.31.10.00 → Section 301 → IEEPA |
📌 Critical Alert:
- Highest Tariff Category! If your product is a salt (e.g., Sodium Stearate) or a surfactant, you face a 41.5% total tax rate. - This is due to the high 25% Section 301 surcharge applied to many chemical surface agents. - Do not misdeclare a surfactant as a raw fatty acid to avoid this. Customs will check SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and pH levels.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Missing Items = Delays)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | Mandatory. Must show pH, composition, and whether it's a "Salt" or "Acid". |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | Shows purity, chain length distribution, and melting point. |
| ✅ Formula/Composition | ✔️ | Precise chemical name (e.g., "Stearic Acid" vs. "Sodium Stearate"). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Fatty Acid" or "Fatty Acid Salt", NOT generic "Chemical". |
| ✅ Manufacturing Process Description | ✔️ | Explain if it is "Primary Extraction" or "Chemical Modification". |
| ✅ Packaging Details | ✔️ | Net weight/gross weight (critical for specific duty codes like 3823.11). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Acid vs. Salt: Check the pH! Primary vs. Modified: Check the Process!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Stearic Acid (Pure) | 3823.11.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 1518 → 25.5% vs 21.3% |
| Sodium Stearate (Soap/Detergent) | 3402.31.10.00 |
Misdeclare as 3823 → 41.5% vs 21% (Huge Risk!) |
| Hydrogenated Tallow | 1518.00.40.00 |
Misdeclare as 1518.00.20 → Different tax base |
| Fatty Acid Mixture (Industrial) | 3823.13.00.20 |
Generic "Fatty Acid" → Classification Error |
✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixture of Acid & Salt | Declare separately or classify based on predominant use. Do not mix in one line item. |
| Bio-based vs. Petrochemical | Bio-based may have different documentation requirements but same HS codes. |
| Solid vs. Liquid | Physical state does not change HS code, but affects specific duty calculation (weight). |
| Sample vs. Commercial | Samples still subject to full tariffs if value > $800 (if not using de minimis, which is denied here). |
🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Req. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3823.11.00.00 / 3402.31.10.00 |
20.7% – 41.5% | SDS, COA | High Surcharge (301 + IEEPA). Strict on surfactants. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3823.11.00.00 |
6.5% | None | Low import duty, no surcharges. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3823.70.00 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | EU requires REACH compliance for chemicals. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3823.70.00 |
6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit, UK REACH applies. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 3823.11.00 |
7.5% + IGST | BIS Standard | Check for anti-dumping duties. |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for fatty acids due to layered tariffs. - Misclassification of "Salts" (Surfactants) as "Acids" is the most common and costly error in the US market due to the 41.5% rate. - EU/UK focus heavily on REACH registration, which is a time-consuming pre-requisite.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
❌ Error 1: Declaring Sodium Stearate (a salt) as Stearic Acid
👉 Consequence: You save 20.8% in tariff, but Customs finds SDS showing pH > 7. Result: Penalty, Back-tariff, and Inspection.
❌ Error 2: Mixing Primary Fatty Acids with Modified Fats in one shipment
👉 Consequence: One HS code for the whole lot. If misclassified, the entire shipment is reassessed at the higher rate.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring Specific Duty components (2.1¢/kg or 6.3¢/kg)
👉 Consequence: Underpayment because only the ad valorem % was calculated. Result: Underpayment Penalty.
❌ Error 4: Using vague descriptions like "Chemical Powder"
👉 Consequence: Customs exam leads to delay. Result: Demurrage fees, Storage costs.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Stearic Acid (Technical Grade), CAS No. 57-11-4, Primary Form, Solid, 90% Purity"
OR
"Sodium Stearate, Anionic Surfactant, CAS No. 143-18-0, Powder"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Saving, Efficiency!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Acid Primary: 20.7%, Modified Fat: 25.5%, Salt/Surfactant: 41.5%!"
🔹 "Check SDS for pH! Salt vs Acid is the Key!"
🔹 "Specific Duty matters! Don't ignore the ¢/kg!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are exporting high-purity pharmaceutical-grade fatty acids, verify if any anti-dumping duties apply in specific markets. In the US, ensure you have the SDS ready for customs brokers to distinguish between "Industrial" (3823) and "Chemically Modified" (1518) clearly.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact your customs broker with SDS + COA
🚀 Get an Advance Ruling (Prelinary Ruling) if your product is a borderline case between Acid and Salt.
💼 Your margin depends on accurate HS Codes!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every Cent of Tax Savings 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) — 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.