HS 290516 Octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof
Quick Answer: HS Code 2905.16 covers octanol (octyl alcohol) and its various isomeric forms, which are saturated acyclic monohydric alcohols with eight carbon atoms. These chemicals are widely used as intermediates in the production of plasticizers, surfactants, and other organic compounds. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. For example, the UK Trade Tariff shows rates such as 4.00% and 0.00%, while the EU TARIC system lists rates like 0.00% and 5.50%. In the United States, the general duty rate is 3.7% ad valorem, though many preferential trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL, KR, SG) allow for duty-free entry. A punitive 25% rate may also apply under specific trade measures. Accurate classification and awareness of origin rules are crucial to leverage preferential tariffs and ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905160000 | — | — | — |
| 2905168500 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2905162000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905162000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2905168500 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2905160000 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905160010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 29051600 | 3.7% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2905160050 | — | — | ["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 2905.16?
Imports of Octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof 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 290516 cover?
This subheading covers octanol (octyl alcohol) and its various isomers, which are acyclic alcohols containing eight carbon atoms. Specifically, it encompasses compounds like 1-octanol (n-octyl alcohol), 2-octanol, and other structural isomers of octanol, provided they are chemically defined organic compounds. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2905 clarify that this heading covers saturated acyclic monohydric alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. USITC and EU TARIC definitions for 2905.16.00 further confirm the scope for octanol and its isomers, emphasizing the chemical purity and specific molecular structure.
What falls outside HS 290516?
The following products are excluded from HS 290516: mixtures of octanol with other substances, which would typically be classified under Heading 3824 if they are not elsewhere specified or included, or under other specific headings if they form part of a preparation. For instance, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations containing octanol are classified in Chapter 33. Furthermore, cyclic alcohols, such as cyclohexanol, are excluded as they fall under different subheadings within Heading 2906. Unsaturated acyclic alcohols, like octenol, are also excluded, as they are specifically covered by other subheadings within Heading 2905, such as 2905.29. Additionally, crude octanol or octanol that is not a chemically defined compound would be excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290516?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures containing octanol as pure octanol. If octanol is present in a blend with other organic chemicals, and it is not a chemically defined compound on its own, it should generally be classified under a more specific heading for mixtures or preparations, often in Chapter 38, applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b). Another mistake involves confusing octanol with its unsaturated counterparts (octenol) or cyclic alcohols, which have distinct chemical structures and are classified elsewhere within Chapter 29. Importers sometimes also overlook the "chemically defined" requirement, attempting to classify technical-grade mixtures or impure forms under this specific subheading, which is incorrect.
How should importers classify products under HS 290516?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290516 involves first verifying that the product is indeed octanol or one of its isomers, and that it is a chemically defined organic compound. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly indicating the chemical name, CAS number, purity, and molecular structure. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with the "chemically defined" requirement of Chapter 29. If the product is a mixture, even if predominantly octanol, it must be evaluated under GRI 3 to determine if it should be classified as a preparation elsewhere, potentially in Chapter 38, or if the octanol component imparts the essential character. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2905 is also essential for precise interpretation.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 2905.16 (Octanol and isomers thereof) in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2905.16 vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies a rate of 3.7% ad valorem under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database often shows a MFN duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a MFN rate of 5.50% ad valorem. Other countries may have MFN rates such as 4.00% or 0.00%. It is crucial for importers to consult the specific tariff schedule of the country of importation, such as the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff, for the most accurate and current MFN duty rate.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for Octanol (HS 2905.16) under free trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, often 'Free' (0.00% ad valorem), are available for HS 2905.16 when imported from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade program. For example, in the United States, imports of Octanol and its isomers may be eligible for duty-free treatment under FTAs with 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), provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Similar preferential rates exist in the EU and UK for goods originating from their respective FTA partners. Importers must ensure they have the correct documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'Octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof' under HS 2905.16?
HS code 2905.16 specifically covers acyclic alcohols with eight carbon atoms (octanol) and their various isomeric forms. The primary classification criterion is the chemical structure, confirming the presence of an eight-carbon chain and a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group. This heading includes common isomers like 1-octanol (n-octyl alcohol), 2-octanol, and isooctyl alcohol. It is critical to ensure the product is a pure or commercially pure octyl alcohol or one of its isomers, and not a mixture where octanol is merely a component, nor an alcohol with a different carbon chain length. Products falling under this heading are typically primary, secondary, or tertiary octyl alcohols. Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provides further guidance on the scope of 'alcohols' and 'isomers' within this chapter.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 2905.16?
Standard import documentation is required for HS 2905.16, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. For chemical products like octanol, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is often requested by customs or regulatory agencies to verify the chemical composition, purity, and specifications. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, EUR.1, or self-certification by the exporter) is mandatory. Additionally, depending on the end-use and specific regulations of the importing country, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) may be required for hazard communication purposes, and compliance with chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU) may necessitate specific declarations or registrations.
Are there any specific trade remedies or additional duties that might apply to Octanol (HS 2905.16) imports?
While not universally applied, specific trade remedies such as anti-dumping duties (ADD) or countervailing duties (CVD) could potentially be levied on products classified under HS 2905.16 if an importing country determines that octanol is being dumped or unfairly subsidized by a particular exporting country, causing material injury to its domestic industry. For example, the United States has previously imposed Section 301 tariffs on certain goods originating from China, which could potentially impact octanol if it were on such a list (e.g., 25% additional duty). Importers should regularly check the official trade remedy databases of the importing country (e.g., US Department of Commerce, EU Commission, UK Trade Remedies Authority) to ascertain if any such measures are in effect for octanol from their specific country of origin, as these duties are in addition to the normal MFN or preferential tariffs.