HS 290110 Saturated

Quick Answer: HS code 290110 covers acyclic hydrocarbons that are "saturated," meaning they contain only single carbon-carbon bonds. This includes compounds like methane, ethane, propane, and butane, which are fundamental building blocks in the chemical industry, often used as fuels, refrigerants, or raw materials for plastics and other organic chemicals. For importers and exporters, the duty rates are generally favorable across major jurisdictions. The UK and EU apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. In the United States, all five tariff lines under 290110 are classified as "Free." This widespread duty-free status simplifies trade compliance, though specific product identification and safety regulations remain crucial for accurate classification and safe handling.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2901100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2901100000 0.00 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2901101000 Free — ["kg"]
2901104000 Free — ["kg"]
290110 — — —
2901103000 Free — ["kg"]
2901105000 Free — ["kg"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 290110 cover?

This subheading covers acyclic hydrocarbons which are saturated, meaning they contain only single carbon-carbon bonds and are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. This includes alkanes such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, and their isomers, provided they are in a chemically pure state or are mixtures of isomers of the same acyclic saturated hydrocarbon. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2901 explicitly define "saturated" in this context, and this definition is consistently applied by customs authorities globally, including the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC system for organic chemicals.

What falls outside HS 290110?

The following products are excluded from HS 290110: unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons, such as alkenes (e.g., ethylene, propylene) and alkynes (e.g., acetylene), which are classified under HS 2901.21 through 2901.29. Additionally, cyclic hydrocarbons, whether saturated or unsaturated (e.g., cyclohexane, benzene, toluene), are classified under HS 2902. Hydrocarbons that are not chemically pure, but rather fall under the definition of petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals, are generally classified in Chapter 27, even if they are predominantly saturated acyclic hydrocarbons, due to their primary use as fuels or lubricants rather than as distinct chemical compounds.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 290110?

A common error is misclassifying mixtures of saturated acyclic hydrocarbons that are not isomers of the same compound, or those that are clearly intended for fuel or energy purposes, into HS 290110. For instance, natural gas liquids (NGLs) or liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) that are complex mixtures of various alkanes, often with some unsaturated components, are typically classified in Chapter 27, even if predominantly saturated. Importers sometimes overlook General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) when a product could fall under both a specific chemical heading and a more general heading for mixtures, leading to incorrect classification if the essential character is not properly determined.

How should importers classify products under HS 290110?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290110 involves first confirming that the product is an acyclic hydrocarbon and then verifying its saturation status (i.e., no double or triple bonds). Importers must ensure the product meets the "chemically pure" standard for Chapter 29, or is a mixture of isomers of the same saturated acyclic hydrocarbon. It is crucial to review the product's chemical composition, purity level, and intended use. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2901 and relevant customs rulings from the USITC or EU TARIC can provide definitive guidance, especially for complex mixtures or novel chemical formulations, to ensure accurate duty assessment and compliance.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 290121 HS 290129 HS 290290 HS 292029 HS 290349 HS 290329

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for products classified under HS 2901.10 ('Saturated acyclic hydrocarbons') when importing into key markets?

For HS 2901.10, the MFN duty rates are generally very low or free in major trading blocs. For imports into the United States, the MFN (Normal Trade Relations - NTR) duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Similarly, for imports into the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK), the MFN duty rate is 'Free' (0.00% ad valorem) according to the EU TARIC and UK Trade Tariff, respectively. This indicates a global consensus on minimal tariff barriers for these basic chemical compounds.

What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2901.10, and what distinguishes them from other hydrocarbons?

HS 2901.10 specifically covers 'Saturated acyclic hydrocarbons.' The critical classification criteria are: 1. Saturated: Meaning they contain only single carbon-carbon bonds, with no double or triple bonds. This excludes alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. 2. Acyclic: Meaning they have an open-chain structure, not forming a ring. This distinguishes them from cyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane). 3. Hydrocarbons: Composed solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Common examples include methane, ethane, propane, butane, and their isomers. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provide further guidance, emphasizing that these are typically pure, defined chemical compounds, unlike mixtures of hydrocarbons found in Chapter 27 (e.g., petroleum oils).

Are there any significant preferential duty rates or trade agreements that impact the import of HS 2901.10, and what documentation is typically required to claim them?

Given that the MFN duty rates for HS 2901.10 are already 0.00% or 'Free' in many major economies, the impact of preferential trade agreements on duty rates is often negligible, as there is no duty to reduce further. However, claiming preferential origin under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), EU-Japan EPA, or UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) can still be important for other regulatory or statistical purposes, or to avoid potential future duties if MFN rates were to change. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a valid Certificate of Origin or an Origin Declaration (e.g., an invoice declaration) issued by the exporter, confirming that the goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria of the respective agreement. This documentation must be presented to customs authorities at the time of import.

What common documentation, beyond origin certificates, is generally required for the import of chemical products like those under HS 2901.10?

Beyond standard commercial documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), importers of chemical products under HS 2901.10 should be prepared to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). While saturated acyclic hydrocarbons are generally less hazardous than some other chemicals, an SDS is crucial for hazard communication, safe handling, storage, and emergency procedures. Depending on the specific compound and its end-use, additional documentation might be required by regulatory bodies, such as permits or declarations related to environmental protection (e.g., EPA in the US), chemical registration (e.g., REACH in the EU/UK), or specific industry standards. Customs brokers will often request these documents to ensure full compliance with all import regulations.