HS 290517 Dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol)

The MFN import duty rates for products classified under HS 2905.17 can vary significantly by country or trading bloc. For example, the United States generally applies a 5.5% ad valorem duty rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for this subheading. The European Union's TARIC database typically lists a 5% ad valorem duty rate. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also applies a 5% ad valorem duty. Importers should always verify the current applicable rate through the official tariff database of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) as rates are subject to change.

Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are often available for HS 2905.17 depending on the country of origin and the existence of a free trade agreement (FTA) or special trade program. For instance, goods originating from countries with FTAs with the United States, 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), may be eligible for duty-free entry, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Similar preferential treatment exists under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or specific FTAs. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim preferential treatment.

HS 2905.17 specifically covers three primary saturated acyclic monohydric alcohols: dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol), and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). The crucial classification criteria are their chemical identity, specifically their molecular structure as straight-chain primary alcohols with 12, 16, or 18 carbon atoms, respectively. Products must be chemically defined individual compounds. Mixtures of these alcohols, or alcohols with different carbon chain lengths, or those that are not chemically defined individual compounds, would typically be classified elsewhere, often under other subheadings within Chapter 29 or potentially Chapter 38 if they are mixtures or preparations not elsewhere specified. Importers should rely on chemical analysis reports or Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to confirm the exact chemical identity and purity.

Standard import documentation for HS 2905.17 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. To substantiate the classification and ensure compliance, customs authorities may also request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the chemical identity, purity, and specifications of the alcohol. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, or a self-certification by the exporter) is mandatory. For certain origins or destinations, additional regulatory permits or licenses related to chemical imports might be necessary, though these specific alcohols are generally not subject to stringent controls like narcotics or precursors.

While HS 2905.17 covers specific fatty alcohols, which are widely used in various industries, anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD) are product- and country-specific and can change. Importers should regularly check the official trade remedy databases of the importing country. For the United States, this would be the U.S. Department of Commerce's Enforcement and Compliance website and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). For the EU, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade provides this information. Currently, there are no widespread AD/CVD measures specifically targeting all products under HS 2905.17 from all origins. However, it is crucial for importers to verify this for their specific product, origin, and destination at the time of import, as new investigations can be initiated.