HS 290315 Ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane)
Quick Answer: HS code 290315 specifically covers Ethylene dichloride, also known as 1,2-dichloroethane. This is a colorless, oily liquid primarily used as an intermediate in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is then used to make PVC plastic. It also finds applications as a solvent and in the manufacture of other organic chemicals. For importers, standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are 5.5% ad valorem in the US and EU, and 4.00% in the UK. The US offers duty-free treatment under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, KR), significantly impacting landed costs for eligible goods. Importers should verify origin to leverage these benefits. Exporters should be aware of these varying duty structures when planning international shipments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903150000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903150000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903150000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2903.15?
Imports of Ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane) may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 290315 cover?
This subheading covers Ethylene dichloride (ISO), also known as 1,2-dichloroethane, which is a saturated chlorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons. Specifically, the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature for Heading 2903 details halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons, and subheading 2903.15 precisely identifies this specific chemical compound. It is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor, primarily used as an intermediate in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is then polymerized to polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Both the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system explicitly list "1,2-Dichloroethane (Ethylene dichloride)" under this eight-digit classification, confirming its scope.
What falls outside HS 290315?
The following products are excluded from HS 290315: other chlorinated ethanes, such as 1,1-dichloroethane (ethylidene dichloride), which would typically fall under HS 2903.19. Similarly, other halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons that are not 1,2-dichloroethane, such as trichloroethylene (HS 2903.22) or tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) (HS 2903.23), are distinctly classified elsewhere within Heading 2903 or subsequent headings. Furthermore, mixtures containing 1,2-dichloroethane but where it is not the essential character, or where it is combined with other substances to form a different chemical compound, would be classified according to the General Interpretive Rules (GRI) for the Harmonized System, potentially leading to classification under a different heading or chapter.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290315?
A common error is misclassifying other dichloroethanes, such as 1,1-dichloroethane, under HS 290315 due to a superficial understanding of the chemical name. While both are dichloroethanes, their molecular structures and specific applications differ, leading to distinct HS classifications. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures containing 1,2-dichloroethane without applying GRI 3(b), which dictates classification by the component giving the mixture its essential character. For instance, if 1,2-dichloroethane is merely a solvent in a preparation primarily designed for another purpose, the entire preparation might be classified under a different heading relevant to its primary function, rather than under 290315 for the pure chemical.
How should importers classify products under HS 290315?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290315 involves first confirming the chemical identity as pure 1,2-dichloroethane (Ethylene dichloride) through chemical analysis, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or Certificates of Analysis. Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review the product's chemical name, CAS number (107-06-2 for 1,2-dichloroethane), and molecular formula (C2H4Cl2) against the WCO HS Nomenclature, USITC HTS, or EU TARIC definitions for subheading 2903.15. If the product is a mixture, apply GRI 1 and GRI 3(b) to determine if 1,2-dichloroethane imparts the essential character. Always retain detailed documentation, including technical specifications and supplier declarations, to substantiate the classification decision during customs clearance and potential audits.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2903.15 (1,2-dichloroethane) in key markets?
The MFN import duty rates for HS code 2903.15 vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies a general MFN duty rate of 4.0% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff (CCT) rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a standard duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the current applicable rate with the official customs tariff of the destination country, such as the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for 1,2-dichloroethane (HS 2903.15) under free trade agreements or special programs?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are available for HS 2903.15 when imported from countries with which the importing nation has a free trade agreement or preferential trade program. For instance, in the United States, imports of 1,2-dichloroethane may qualify for duty-free treatment (indicated by 'Free' in the provided sample) if originating from countries such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) under respective FTAs. Eligibility requires strict adherence to the rules of origin for the specific agreement. Importers must ensure they possess valid certificates of origin (e.g., FTA certificates) to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for ensuring 1,2-dichloroethane is correctly classified under HS 2903.15?
HS code 2903.15 specifically covers 'Ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane)'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the product. It must be 1,2-dichloroethane, a saturated chlorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons. This falls under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Organic chemicals'. Within Chapter 29, Heading 2903 covers 'Halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons'. Subheading 2903.15 is precise for this specific isomer. Importers should ensure that the product's chemical name, CAS number (if available), and purity align with the description for 1,2-dichloroethane to avoid misclassification. Any mixtures or derivatives would likely fall under other subheadings.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of 1,2-dichloroethane (HS 2903.15)?
For the import of 1,2-dichloroethane under HS 2903.15, standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a certificate of analysis or product specification sheet to confirm its chemical identity and purity. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid certificate of origin (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, KORUS FTA Certificate) is mandatory. Due to its chemical nature, importers should also be prepared to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and comply with any national chemical control regulations, such as those under TSCA in the US or REACH in the EU, which may require specific declarations or registrations.