HS 290549 Other

The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2905.49 ('Other' acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives) vary by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies a rate of 3.7% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common MFN duty rate of 0.00% for many entries under this subheading. Similarly, the UK Global Tariff also shows a 0.00% MFN rate. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their destination country using official tariff databases such as the USITC Tariff Database, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff to ensure accuracy, as rates can be subject to change or specific product-based subdivisions.

Many preferential trade agreements provide duty-free access for products classified under HS 2905.49, subject to meeting the agreement's Rules of Origin. For example, imports into the United States from countries party to agreements such as the Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (BH), Chile Free Trade Agreement (CL), Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CO), Israel Free Trade Agreement (IL), Jordan Free Trade Agreement (JO), Korea Free Trade Agreement (KR), Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MA), Oman Free Trade Agreement (OM), Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PA), Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PE), and Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SG) may qualify for a 'Free' duty rate. Similarly, imports into the EU or UK from certain partner countries under their respective agreements may also benefit from 0.00% preferential rates. To claim preferential treatment, importers must typically provide a valid Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration, demonstrating that the goods meet the specific origin criteria (e.g., wholly obtained or sufficient transformation) stipulated by the relevant trade agreement. Customs brokers should ensure all origin documentation is accurate and available upon request.

HS subheading 2905.49 serves as a residual category for acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives that are not specifically enumerated in other, more precise subheadings of heading 2905. The primary classification criteria involve a systematic review of the chemical structure: first, confirming it is an acyclic alcohol or a specified derivative; second, ensuring it is not a monohydric alcohol (2905.1), a diol (2905.31-2905.39), or a triol (2905.41-2905.42). Therefore, 2905.49 typically covers polyhydric acyclic alcohols with four or more hydroxyl groups, or specific derivatives thereof, that are not elsewhere specified. Importers and customs brokers should consult the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 and seek expert chemical analysis if there is any ambiguity regarding the number of hydroxyl groups or the specific chemical identity.

Beyond standard customs declarations (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), the import of chemicals under HS 2905.49 may be subject to additional regulatory requirements depending on the specific chemical and the importing country. For instance, many countries require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (formerly Material Safety Data Sheet - MSDS) for chemical products, which provides crucial information on hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures. Importers should also be aware of potential regulations related to chemical control laws (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU, UK REACH in the UK) which may require pre-market notification, registration, or specific labeling. Certain chemicals might also be subject to import licenses, end-use declarations, or controls under international conventions like the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) or the Montreal Protocol, even if not directly listed, if they are precursors or derivatives. It is critical for importers to identify the exact chemical compound and verify all applicable national and international regulations prior to shipment.