High Purity Stearic Acid
CN → US| HS编码 | 关税税率 | 原产国 | 目的国 | 文档 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1515902100 | 17.5% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 3823194000 | 20.7% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 3823120000 | 0.0% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 2916155100 | 39.4% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 1515908190 | 20.7% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
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AI分析
🧪 High Purity Stearic Acid: HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Strategy
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "High Purity Stearic Acid"?
High Purity Stearic Acid (HPSA) is a long-chain saturated fatty acid ($C_{18}H_{36}O_{2}$), typically derived from vegetable oils (palm, coconut) or animal fats. In international trade, its classification is critical because "High Purity" implies specific chemical characteristics that can shift its classification between "Edible/Food-Grade Fats" (Chapter 15) and "Industrial Chemicals" (Chapter 38/29).
Key Distinction Factors: * Industrial Grade (Technical): Used in plastics, lubricants, or cosmetics. Often falls under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products) or Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). * Food/Pharma Grade: Used in food additives or pharmaceuticals. Falls under Chapter 15 (Animal/Vegetable Fats & Oils). * Chemical Structure: Is it a simple fatty acid (Chapter 29) or a mixed/technical preparation (Chapter 38)?
⚠️ Critical Note:
- If the product is pure stearic acid with high purity (>90%), it often leans towards Chapter 29 or Chapter 15.
- If it is a technical grade mixture with impurities, it may fall under Chapter 38.
- Misclassification risk: Declaring industrial-grade stearic acid as a food ingredient to avoid tariffs is a major red flag for customs.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Attribute | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
1515.90.21.00 |
High purity stearic acid as a fatty acid derivative | Fixed vegetable/microbial fat & oil derivative | Food/pharma grade, high purity fatty acid |
3823.19.40.00 |
Industrial-grade single carboxylic fatty acid | "Other" industrial raw material | Technical grade, general industrial use |
3823.12.00.00 |
Stearic acid matching industrial single carboxylic definition | Industrial single carboxylic fatty acid | Pure industrial stearic acid, specific regulatory category |
2916.15.51.00 |
Core stearic acid material (Unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid derivative) | Organic chemical (Monocarboxylic acid) | High-purity chemical intermediate, strict organic chemistry definition |
1515.90.81.90 |
Fatty acid oil derivative (General "Other" category) | Fixed vegetable/microbial fat & oil (Fallback) | General fatty acid oil products not specified elsewhere |
🔍 Important Clarification:
- Chapter 15 (1515.90.xx): Best for food/pharma grade or high-purity natural fats. Lower base tariffs but subject to specific 122/Section 301 rules.
- Chapter 38 (3823.xx): Best for technical/industrial grade. Often incurs specific unit taxes + ad valorem.
- Chapter 29 (2916.15): Best for high-purity organic chemicals. Generally has the highest tariff burden due to stricter chemical definitions and higher base rates.
💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Levies)
✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Post-Trade War Adjustments)
🎯 1. 1515.90.21.00 —— Stearic Acid (Fatty Acid Category)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (China-specific) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific chemical/fat levy) |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible (Commercial shipment) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:1515.90.21 + USITC Footnote: Section 301 + Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- This is a favorable rate for high-purity stearic acid if classified as a natural fat derivative.
- No base tariff, only surcharges apply.
- Risk: Must prove "natural origin" and purity level to avoid being moved to Chapter 29.
🎯 2. 3823.19.40.00 —— Industrial Single Carboxylic Fatty Acid ("Other")
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 20.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3823.19.40 + Section 301 + Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- Standard industrial grade classification.
- Base tariff of 3.2% makes it slightly more expensive than Chapter 15.
- Commonly used for plastics, lubricants, and cosmetic bases.
🎯 3. 3823.12.00.00 —— Industrial Stearic Acid (Specific Subheading)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1¢/kg + 3.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 2.1¢/kg + 20.7% (Effective) |
| Calculation | (Weight × 2.1¢) + (CIF × 20.7%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3823.12.00 + Section 301 + Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- Complex calculation: Includes a specific duty (per kg) plus ad valorem.
- Heavy Weight Penalty: For high-density shipments, the 2.1¢/kg adds up significantly.
- Best for: Medium-weight industrial shipments where per-unit value is lower.
🎯 4. 2916.15.51.00 —— High-Purity Organic Monocarboxylic Acid
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.4% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Escalated Rate) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.4% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 39.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:2916.15.51 + Section 301 (High Rate) + Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- Highest Tax Burden: This classification triggers the maximum Section 301 rate (25%) due to being classified as a "organic chemical" rather than a "fat/oil."
- Avoid if possible: Unless your product is strictly defined as a pure organic chemical intermediate, do not use this HS code unless mandated by regulatory requirements for chemical purity.
- Warning: 39.4% is extremely high and may erode profit margins.
🎯 5. 1515.90.81.90 —— Fatty Acid Oils (General "Other")
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 20.7% |
| Calculation | CIF Value × 20.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:1515.90.81.90 + Section 301 + Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- Fallback Category: Used when the specific "21.00" subheading does not apply.
- Same tax rate as3823.19.40.00(20.7%).
- Safe Harbor: If you cannot prove "industrial single carboxylic" status, this Chapter 15 fallback is safer than Chapter 29.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
✅ 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | Crucial: Must show purity level (e.g., ≥99%), melting point, and acid value. Proves "High Purity" for Chapter 15 vs. Chapter 38. |
| ✅ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | ✔️ | Confirms chemical composition and safety handling. |
| ✅ Composition Breakdown | ✔️ | Detailed list of fatty acids (Stearic, Palmitic, Oleic, etc.). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state: "High Purity Stearic Acid, Fatty Acid Derivative, HS Code XXXX" |
| ✅ Bill of Lading | ✔️ | Clean on-board bill, indicating proper container type. |
| ✅ Origin Certificate (if applicable) | ✔️ | If sourced from non-China countries (e.g., Malaysia, Indonesia), may qualify for lower tariffs. |
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Purity Dictates Chapter, Chapter Dictates Tax!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Food/Pharma Grade (>99% Pure) | 1515.90.21.00 |
Qualifies as "fat/oil derivative," lowest base tariff (0%). |
| Industrial Grade (Technical Use) | 3823.19.40.00 or 3823.12.00.00 |
Standard industrial classification. Avoid Chapter 29 unless chemically mandated. |
| Chemical Intermediate (Strict Orgo Chem) | 2916.15.51.00 |
Avoid unless required for regulatory reasons. Tax is 39.4% (too high). |
| Mixture/Impure | 1515.90.81.90 |
Safe fallback if purity cannot be strictly verified as "fatty acid." |
📌 Pro Tip:
- Do NOT declare as "Chemical Raw Material" if it can be classified as "Fat/Oil Derivative."
- Do NOT split shipments to avoid thresholds (customs will consolidate and penalize).
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Provide COA from manufacturer to prove purity. Do not rely on buyer’s description. |
| Blended Stearic Acid | If mixed with other fatty acids, declare as "Fatty Acid Mixture" under 1515.90.81.90 or 3823.19.40.00. |
| Solid vs. Liquid Form | Stearic acid is solid at room temperature. Ensure packaging is moisture-proof. |
| US-Made vs. China-Made | If sourced from Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, check for de minimis or FTA benefits. China-origin is heavily taxed. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 1515.90.21.00 |
17.5% | FDA (if food), TSCA (if chemical) | Highest scrutiny. Must prove purity. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2916.15.51.00 |
~5-13% | None (Imported) | Lower tax, but high domestic competition. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2916.15.90 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | REACH compliance mandatory. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 2916.15.00 |
7.5% | BIS Certification | Anti-dumping duties may apply. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 2916.15.90 |
6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
📌 Key Insight:
- USA: Focus on Chapter 15 to minimize tariffs (17.5% vs. 39.4%).
- EU/UK: REACH Registration is a bottleneck, not just tax.
- Other Markets: Check for anti-dumping duties on Chinese fatty acids.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring high-purity stearic acid as 2916.15.51.00
👉 Result: 39.4% tariff instead of 17.5%. Loss of 21.9% profit margin.
👉 Fix: Provide COA showing it is a fatty acid derivative, not just an organic chemical.
❌ Error 2: Missing Section 301 Surtax in calculation
👉 Result: Underpayment, leading to penalties and delayed release.
👉 Fix: Always add 7.5% (Section 301) + 10% (Section 122) to base rates for China-origin goods.
❌ Error 3: Using "Stearic Acid" without specifying "High Purity"
👉 Result: Customs may classify as industrial grade (3823.xx) or demand additional testing.
👉 Fix: Clearly state "High Purity ≥99%" in commercial invoice and COA.
❌ Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
👉 Result: Customs assessment includes a hidden 10% levy on specific chemical/fat categories.
👉 Fix: Budget for Section 122 (10%) in all cost models.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"High Purity Stearic Acid (≥99%), Fatty Acid Derivative, Solid, HS Code 1515.90.21.00, Origin: China, Net Weight: 1,000 KG"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Optimize Classification, Maximize Profit!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Purity is King, Chapter 15 is King's Path."
🔹 "Avoid Chapter 29, Save 22% in Taxes."
🔹 "Always Add 17.5% for China-to-US Shipments."
📌 Pro Tip:
If your stearic acid is sourced from Southeast Asia (Malaysia/Indonesia), you may qualify for lower Section 301 rates or de minimis exemptions (if under $800).
Recommendation: Apply for an Advance Ruling from US Customs if unsure about Chapter 15 vs. Chapter 29 classification.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
📄 Provide COA + MSDS
🔍 Request Pre-Ruling for HS Code 1515.90.21.00
🚀 Clear Customs, Lower Taxes, Boost Profits!
✨ Professional Classification Starts with Precision!
💼 Every Percentage Point Matters in Global Trade!
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关于 HS 编码归类
协调制度（HS）是由世界海关组织（WCO）制定的国际贸易商品分类标准。全球 200 多个国家采用 HS 系统作为海关关税、贸易统计和进出口监管的基础。
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从CN进口到US时，适用的关税税率可能包括：
- 最惠国（MFN）税率——适用于 WTO 成员国的标准关税税率
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