HS 270730 Xylol (xylenes)

Import duty rates for Xylol (xylenes) under HS code 270730 can vary significantly based on the country of import and origin. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' (0.00% ad valorem) Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate to this subheading, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Similarly, the European Union's TARIC database often shows a 0.00% ad valorem MFN duty rate. However, some countries, depending on their specific tariff schedules and trade policies, may apply MFN rates such as 3.00% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most accurate and up-to-date duty rates applicable to their specific trade lane.

HS code 270730 specifically covers 'Xylol (xylenes)' within Chapter 27, which pertains to 'Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes.' Xylenes are aromatic hydrocarbons typically obtained from the distillation of coal tar or petroleum. The key classification criteria revolve around the chemical composition and origin. This subheading includes mixtures of xylene isomers (ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene). It's crucial that the product is primarily xylenes and meets the purity and distillation range specifications commonly associated with industrial-grade xylenes. Products that are highly purified individual xylene isomers might, in some cases, fall under more specific chemical headings in Chapter 29 if they meet the purity requirements for 'pure' compounds, but general industrial 'xylol' mixtures are typically classified here. Reference to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System for Chapter 27, specifically heading 27.07, provides further guidance on the scope of products covered.

Many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 270730, often resulting in a 0.00% ad valorem rate, provided the rules of origin are met. For example, imports into the United States from countries party to agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), or various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Korea or Australia, may qualify for duty-free treatment. Similarly, imports into the EU from FTA partners (e.g., Japan, Canada, UK) can benefit from preferential rates. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a valid Certificate of Origin or an Origin Declaration from the exporter, confirming that the xylenes meet the specific rules of origin criteria outlined in the respective trade agreement. This documentation is essential for customs authorities to verify eligibility for reduced or zero duties.

Beyond standard customs documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of Xylol (xylenes) under HS 270730 should be aware of potential additional regulatory requirements due to its nature as a chemical substance. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is almost always required for hazardous materials, providing critical information on handling, storage, and emergency procedures. Depending on the importing country, there may be specific chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU, K-REACH in Korea) that require pre-market notification, registration, or specific labeling. Importers should verify compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations in the destination country prior to shipment. For example, the EU's REACH regulation may require registration for certain volumes of imported chemicals.

In the context of HS code 270730, 'Xylol' and 'Xylenes' are generally used interchangeably to refer to the same group of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. 'Xylol' is an older, more traditional name, while 'xylenes' is the more chemically precise and commonly used term today. Both refer to the mixture of three isomers: ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene. The HS subheading 2707.30 explicitly uses 'Xylol (xylenes)' to ensure clarity and encompass both terminologies, confirming that the classification covers these mixed isomers as typically traded in industrial quantities. The key is that the product consists predominantly of these xylene isomers, regardless of the specific term used.