HS 290532 Propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol)

Quick Answer: HS code 290532 specifically covers Propylene Glycol, chemically known as propane-1,2-diol. This organic chemical compound is a colorless, odorless, slightly viscous liquid widely used as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and as an ingredient in antifreeze and de-icing solutions. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU and US generally levy 5.5% ad valorem. The US offers significant preferential duty treatment, with many countries qualifying for duty-free entry under various free trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, KR). Conversely, a prohibitive 51% duty rate applies to non-preferential imports from certain countries. Accurate classification is crucial to leverage these trade agreements and avoid penalties.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2905320000 4.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2905320000 5.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2905320000 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 2905.32?

Imports of Propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol) 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 290532 cover?

This subheading covers propylene glycol, chemically known as propane-1,2-diol, a diol falling under Heading 2905 of the Harmonized System. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and confirmed by the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and EU TARIC, this specific chemical compound is a straight-chain acyclic alcohol containing two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. It is a colorless, odorless, slightly viscous liquid primarily used as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and antifreeze formulations. Its chemical purity is generally high for classification here, distinguishing it from mixtures or derivatives.

What falls outside HS 290532?

The following products are excluded from HS 290532: other diols, such as ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol) which is classified under HS 290531, and butanediol (butane-1,4-diol) which falls under HS 290539. Additionally, mixtures containing propylene glycol, where the propylene glycol is not the predominant component by weight or where the mixture has specific end-use characteristics that define it as a preparation, would be classified elsewhere, often in Chapters 30, 33, or 38, depending on their nature and function. For instance, antifreeze preparations containing propylene glycol are typically found in HS 382000.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 290532?

A common error is misclassifying mixtures containing propylene glycol as pure propylene glycol. Importers often overlook General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which dictates that mixtures should be classified by the material or component that gives them their essential character, or by GRI 3(c) if no essential character can be determined. Another frequent mistake involves confusing propylene glycol with other diols, such as dipropylene glycol, which is an ether alcohol and would be classified under HS 2909, or other polyols like glycerol (HS 290545), due to similar applications or nomenclature, requiring careful chemical identification.

How should importers classify products under HS 290532?

The correct procedure for classifying products as propylene glycol under HS 290532 involves verifying the chemical identity and purity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturer, clearly stating the chemical name "propane-1,2-diol" and its CAS number (57-55-6). It is crucial to ensure the product is not a mixture or preparation that would fall under a different heading or chapter. If there is any doubt regarding the purity or the presence of other components, a chemical analysis may be necessary to confirm that the product is indeed unmixed propylene glycol of a purity suitable for classification in Chapter 29, specifically under Heading 2905.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 290512 HS 290531 HS 290545 HS 290122 HS 290541 HS 290544

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

FAQ

What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for Propylene Glycol (HS 2905.32) in major markets?

The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for Propylene Glycol (HS 2905.32) vary by importing country. 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 goods not qualifying for preferential treatment. The European Union's TARIC database shows a common customs tariff duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem duty. Importers should always verify the current applicable rate with the specific customs authority of the importing country or through their official tariff database (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).

Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free access for Propylene Glycol (HS 2905.32) into the United States?

For imports into the United States, Propylene Glycol (HS 2905.32) can qualify for duty-free treatment under several preferential trade agreements and programs, provided all rules of origin are met. Examples of countries whose originating goods may enter duty-free include 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). This is typically indicated by a 'Free' rate with specific program indicators in the HTSUS. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.

What are the key classification criteria for Propylene Glycol under HS 2905.32, and how is it distinguished from other glycols?

Propylene Glycol is specifically classified under HS 2905.32 as 'Propane-1,2-diol.' The primary classification criterion is its precise chemical structure as a diol with two hydroxyl groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms in a three-carbon chain. This distinguishes it from other glycols, such as Ethylene Glycol (ethane-1,2-diol), which is classified under HS 2905.31, or Butane-1,4-diol (HS 2905.39). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provide guidance on the classification of individual chemically defined organic compounds. Importers should ensure that the chemical name and CAS number (57-55-6 for Propylene Glycol) align with the HS description to avoid misclassification.

Are there any specific documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for importing Propylene Glycol (HS 2905.32)?

Beyond standard customs documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), importers of Propylene Glycol (HS 2905.32) may face additional regulatory requirements depending on the intended use and importing country. While Propylene Glycol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for many applications, its use in food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics may necessitate compliance with specific health and safety regulations (e.g., FDA in the US, EFSA in the EU). A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is always recommended for chemical imports. For preferential duty claims, a valid Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration is crucial. Customs brokers should verify any country-specific import licenses or permits that might apply.

How does the '51%' duty rate apply to Propylene Glycol (HS 2905.32) in the context of the United States?

In the United States, a duty rate of '51%' for HS 2905.32 typically refers to the Column 2 duty rate in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). This rate applies to products originating from countries that do not have MFN status with the U.S., primarily Cuba and North Korea. For goods from all other countries, the Column 1 rates (either MFN or preferential) apply. Importers must accurately determine the country of origin to apply the correct duty rate, as misapplication of Column 2 rates can lead to significant overpayment of duties, while failing to apply them when required can result in penalties.