HS 290541 Other polyhydric alcohols
Quick Answer: HS code 2905.41 covers "Other polyhydric alcohols," specifically mannitol. This subheading includes organic chemical compounds characterized by multiple hydroxyl groups, distinct from acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives classified elsewhere. Mannitol is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the duty rates is crucial. In the UK, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies an MFN rate of 5.50% ad valorem. The US MFN rate is 3.7% ad valorem, with significant preferential duty treatment available, including "Free" rates under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). However, a 25% duty rate may apply under specific trade remedy measures. Importers should verify origin and eligibility for preferential tariffs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905410000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905410000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2905410000 | 3.7% | 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 2905.41?
Imports of Other polyhydric alcohols 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 290541 cover?
This subheading covers D-glucitol (sorbitol), which is a polyhydric alcohol specifically defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature. As per the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to Heading 2905, D-glucitol is a hexahydric alcohol, commonly known as sorbitol, and is a white, crystalline powder with a sweet taste. It is widely used as a sweetener, humectant, and emulsifier in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this definition, classifying only D-glucitol (sorbitol) under this specific eight-digit subheading, distinguishing it from other polyhydric alcohols that fall into different subheadings within 2905.
What falls outside HS 290541?
The following products are excluded from HS 290541: other polyhydric alcohols that are not D-glucitol (sorbitol). For example, mannitol, another hexahydric alcohol, is classified under HS 2905.43. Glycerol (glycerine), a trihydric alcohol, is classified under HS 2905.45. Erythritol, a tetrahydric alcohol, would typically fall under HS 2905.49 as "Other polyhydric alcohols." Furthermore, mixtures containing D-glucitol but where D-glucitol is not the predominant component, or where the product is prepared in a form for specific uses (e.g., as a prepared foodstuff or pharmaceutical preparation), would generally be classified elsewhere according to their composition or function, often in Chapters 21 or 30, respectively.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290541?
A common error is misclassifying other polyhydric alcohols as D-glucitol (sorbitol) due to their similar chemical structures or end-uses. For instance, classifying mannitol under 2905.41 instead of 2905.43 is a frequent mistake. Another error involves classifying sorbitol solutions or preparations where sorbitol is not in its pure chemical form, or where it is mixed with other substances to create a functional product, directly into 2905.41. Such products might be more appropriately classified under Chapter 21 (e.g., food preparations) or Chapter 38 (e.g., chemical preparations not elsewhere specified or included), depending on their composition and intended use, following General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) or 3(c) if they are mixtures or composite goods.
How should importers classify products under HS 290541?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290541 involves first confirming that the product is unequivocally D-glucitol (sorbitol) and not another polyhydric alcohol. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly identifying the chemical name, CAS number (50-70-4 for D-glucitol), and purity. If the product is a mixture or solution, its composition must be thoroughly reviewed to determine if it meets the criteria for pure D-glucitol or if it constitutes a preparation. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2905 and relevant national tariff interpretations (e.g., USITC HTSUS General Notes, EU TARIC classification regulations) is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties for misdeclaration.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for products classified under HS 2905.41 in key markets, and are there any significant preferential rates available?
For Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2905.41, 'Other polyhydric alcohols,' the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates vary by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies an MFN duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 4.00% ad valorem MFN rate. However, significant preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for eligible goods originating from partner countries. For example, the US offers duty-free treatment under agreements 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). Importers should consult the specific trade agreement rules of origin and provide corresponding documentation (e.g., a certificate of origin) to claim preferential treatment.
What are the primary classification criteria for 'Other polyhydric alcohols' under HS 2905.41, and what distinguishes them from other alcohol classifications?
HS 2905.41 specifically covers 'Other polyhydric alcohols,' which are organic chemical compounds containing more than one hydroxyl (-OH) group. The key classification criteria are based on the chemical structure and the number of hydroxyl groups present. This subheading includes compounds like mannitol, sorbitol (if not elsewhere specified, e.g., in 2905.44), and xylitol, provided they are chemically defined and not mixtures. It is crucial to distinguish these from monohydric alcohols (HS 2905.11 through 2905.19), which contain only one hydroxyl group, and cyclic alcohols (HS 2906). Classification under 2905.41 requires the product to be an acyclic polyhydric alcohol, not specifically provided for in other more specific subheadings within Chapter 29. Importers should have a detailed chemical description or a Certificate of Analysis for their product to ensure accurate classification, referring to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 29.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities when importing products classified under HS 2905.41, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
When importing products classified under HS 2905.41, standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. To claim preferential duty rates, such as 'Free' (0% ad valorem) under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), specific documentation proving the product's origin is mandatory. This typically involves a Certificate of Origin (e.g., a Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate for EU agreements, or a declaration on the invoice). This certificate must demonstrate that the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin (ROO) outlined in the respective FTA. Importers should verify the exact ROO for HS 2905.41 under the applicable agreement, as these can vary (e.g., change in tariff classification, regional value content, or specific processing operations). Failure to provide correct and complete origin documentation will result in the application of the higher MFN duty rate.
Are there any specific trade agreements that frequently offer duty-free access for 'Other polyhydric alcohols' (HS 2905.41) into major markets like the US, EU, or UK?
Yes, numerous trade agreements provide duty-free access for products classified under HS 2905.41 into major markets. For imports into the United States, duty-free treatment is often available under agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), and FTAs with countries like Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Panama, Peru, and Singapore. For the European Union, agreements like the EU-Japan EPA, EU-South Korea FTA, and various Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) arrangements can offer preferential or duty-free entry. Similarly, the UK, post-Brexit, maintains its own network of FTAs and GSP schemes, many of which mirror previous EU agreements (e.g., UK-Japan CEPA, UK-Korea FTA). Importers should always verify the specific agreement's product-specific rules of origin for HS 2905.41 to ensure eligibility for preferential treatment and consult the relevant customs authority's tariff database (e.g., USITC Tariff Database, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most current information.