HS 290531 Diols
Quick Answer: HS code 2905.31 covers "Ethylene glycol (ethanediol)," a fundamental organic chemical primarily used in antifreeze, polyester fibers, and PET plastic production. For importers into the UK, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is generally 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies an MFN rate of 5.50% ad valorem. In the United States, the MFN rate is 5.5% ad valorem, though many countries benefit from duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL, KR, SG) or preferential programs. Importers should verify specific country-of-origin eligibility for these reduced rates to optimize landed costs. Exporters must ensure accurate classification to avoid customs delays and penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905310000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2905310010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2905310090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905310000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2905310010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2905310090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905310000 | 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 2905.31?
Imports of Diols 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 290531 cover?
This subheading covers ethylene glycol, also known as ethane-1,2-diol, which is an acyclic alcohol containing two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this specific chemical compound is a primary diol used extensively as a raw material in the production of polyester fibers and resins, as an antifreeze component, and in various industrial applications. Its chemical formula is C2H6O2, and it is a clear, colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid at room temperature, making it a distinct and easily identifiable chemical for classification purposes within Chapter 29.
What falls outside HS 290531?
The following products are excluded from HS 290531: other diols, such as propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol) or butanediols, which are classified under HS 290539 ("Other acyclic diols"). Polyethylene glycols (PEGs), which are polymers of ethylene glycol, are also excluded and typically fall under Chapter 39 as plastics, specifically under headings like 390720 for polyethers. Furthermore, mixtures containing ethylene glycol, where the ethylene glycol is not the predominant component by weight or where the mixture has a specific function (e.g., antifreeze preparations), would generally be classified elsewhere, often in Chapter 38, depending on the nature and proportion of the other constituents and the intended use of the preparation, as per Section VI, Note 1(a) and Chapter 38 Notes.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290531?
A common error is misclassifying other acyclic diols, such as propylene glycol, under HS 290531 instead of the correct subheading 290539. This mistake often arises from a lack of precise chemical identification or an assumption that all common diols belong to the same specific subheading. Another frequent error involves classifying polyethylene glycols (polymers) under 290531, rather than their appropriate Chapter 39 heading, which contravenes General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, requiring classification by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers must ensure they have accurate chemical names, CAS numbers, and purity specifications to differentiate ethylene glycol from other diols and its polymeric derivatives, preventing incorrect duty assessment and potential penalties.
How should importers classify products under HS 290531?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290531 involves verifying that the imported substance is indeed ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol) and not another diol or a polymer. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly stating the chemical name, CAS number (107-21-1 for ethylene glycol), and chemical formula. This documentation provides definitive proof of the product's identity, aligning with the specific terms of Heading 2905 and subheading 290531 as per GRI 1. If the product is a mixture, the importer must determine if ethylene glycol is the predominant component or if the mixture constitutes a preparation classified elsewhere, referencing Chapter 29 Notes and Section VI Notes for guidance on mixtures.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2905.31 (Butane-1,3-diol) in key markets, and what preferential rates are available?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rate for HS 2905.31 varies by importing country. For example, the MFN duty rate in the United States is 5.5% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The EU TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem for imports into the European Union. The UK Global Tariff also lists an MFN rate of 5.5% ad valorem. Preferential duty rates are available under various free trade agreements. For instance, imports into the U.S. from countries like 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 'Free' under respective trade agreements. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the rules of origin for applicable preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2905.31, specifically 'Butane-1,3-diol'?
HS 2905.31 specifically covers 'Butane-1,3-diol'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical structure, identifying it as an acyclic alcohol with two hydroxyl (-OH) groups (a diol) and a four-carbon chain with the hydroxyl groups located at positions 1 and 3. This subheading falls under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Organic chemicals'. For accurate classification, the product must be chemically pure or a defined mixture of isomers of butane-1,3-diol, as per the General Interpretive Rules (GIRs) of the Harmonized System, particularly GIR 1 and 6. Any other diols, or butane diols with different hydroxyl positions (e.g., butane-1,4-diol), would be classified under different subheadings within HS 2905.
What documentation is typically required for the importation of Butane-1,3-diol (HS 2905.31)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2905.31 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form specific to the importing country. For organic chemicals like Butane-1,3-diol, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) is often required or highly recommended to verify the chemical composition, purity, and safety characteristics, which can be crucial for classification and regulatory compliance. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, EUR.1, or other FTA-specific certificate) is mandatory to substantiate the product's originating status. Importers should also be prepared for potential chemical-specific regulatory requirements, such as those under TSCA in the U.S. or REACH in the EU, which may necessitate additional declarations or registrations.
Are there any specific trade agreements that offer significant duty reductions or duty-free entry for HS 2905.31 into major markets?
Yes, numerous trade agreements provide significant duty reductions or duty-free entry for HS 2905.31. For imports into the United States, agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), and various other bilateral agreements (e.g., with Australia, Chile, Singapore, Peru) typically grant duty-free status. For the European Union, agreements like the EU-Japan EPA, EU-Canada CETA, and various Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes can offer reduced or zero duties depending on the country of origin. The UK, post-Brexit, maintains its own network of trade agreements, many mirroring former EU agreements, which can also provide preferential rates. Importers must ensure that the Butane-1,3-diol meets the specific Rules of Origin criteria outlined in the respective trade agreement to qualify for these preferential rates.