HS 290612 Cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols and dimethylcyclohexanols

Quick Answer: HS code 290612 covers saturated acyclic alcohols, specifically cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols, and dimethylcyclohexanols. These are cyclic alcohols used as solvents, chemical intermediates in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other organic compounds. For importers and exporters, understanding the varying duty rates is crucial. The UK applies a 0.00% duty rate. The European Union (EU) levies a 5.50% ad valorem duty. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 5.5% ad valorem, with additional preferential duty treatment (Free) available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special programs (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Additionally, a column 2 duty rate of 15.4¢/kg + 53.5% applies to goods from non-MFN countries. Importers should verify origin and eligibility for preferential tariffs to optimize landed costs.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2906120000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2906120000 5.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2906120000 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 2906.12?

Imports of Cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols and dimethylcyclohexanols 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, and 15 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 to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 290612 cover?

This subheading covers cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols, and dimethylcyclohexanols, which are cyclic alcohols derived from cyclohexane. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically Chapter 29, these are acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Cyclohexanol (CAS No. 108-93-0) is a saturated alicyclic alcohol, while methylcyclohexanols (e.g., 2-methylcyclohexanol, CAS No. 583-59-5) and dimethylcyclohexanols are derivatives where one or more hydrogen atoms on the cyclohexane ring are replaced by methyl groups. These compounds are typically used as solvents, chemical intermediates, and in the production of other organic chemicals, as defined by the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC.

What falls outside HS 290612?

The following products are excluded from HS 290612: unsaturated cyclic alcohols, which would typically fall under other subheadings within Heading 2906, such as cyclohexenols. Furthermore, aromatic alcohols, such as benzyl alcohol (HS 2906.21), are specifically excluded as they possess an aromatic ring structure rather than a saturated alicyclic one. Polyhydric cyclic alcohols, containing more than one hydroxyl group, would also be classified elsewhere, for instance, in HS 2906.19 if they are other cyclic alcohols. Products that are derivatives of these alcohols, such as ethers or esters, are also excluded and classified according to their specific chemical function and structure in other headings of Chapter 29 or beyond.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 290612?

A common error is misclassifying derivatives of cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols, or dimethylcyclohexanols, such as their ethers or esters, directly into HS 290612. This subheading strictly covers the alcohols themselves, not their functional derivatives. Importers sometimes overlook General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Another mistake involves confusing these saturated cyclic alcohols with aromatic alcohols or unsaturated cyclic alcohols, which have distinct chemical structures and are explicitly covered by other specific subheadings within Heading 2906 or other chapters entirely, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential penalties.

How should importers classify products under HS 290612?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290612 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the product, ensuring it is indeed cyclohexanol, a methylcyclohexanol, or a dimethylcyclohexanol. Importers and customs brokers should consult the product's Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and chemical structure to verify it is a saturated alicyclic alcohol with the specified number of methyl groups. Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 and Heading 2906 is crucial for understanding the scope. If the product is a mixture, GRI 3 should be applied to determine the essential character. Finally, cross-referencing with official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC ensures alignment with national implementations of the Harmonized System, providing actionable guidance for accurate declaration.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 290611 HS 290613 HS 290621 HS 290531 HS 290512 HS 290712

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

FAQ

What are the standard import duty rates for HS code 2906.12 in major markets?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2906.12 'Cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols and dimethylcyclohexanols' vary by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a conventional duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem rate. It is crucial for importers to verify the specific MFN rate applicable at the time of importation via the official tariff databases of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).

Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2906.12 under common trade agreements?

Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0.00% ad valorem), are often available for HS 2906.12 depending on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For instance, in the United States, imports from countries eligible for programs like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) or free trade agreements (FTAs) such as those with 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 qualify for duty-free treatment. Importers should consult the specific FTA rules of origin and ensure proper documentation, such as a certificate of origin, is provided to claim preferential treatment. The specific preference program indicators (e.g., A+, D, E, P, S) on the tariff schedule denote eligibility.

What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2906.12?

HS 2906.12 specifically covers 'Cyclohexanol, methylcyclohexanols and dimethylcyclohexanols.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical structure, identifying the presence of a cyclohexanol ring with or without methyl substituents. These are cyclic alcohols. Importers must ensure that the chemical name and structure precisely match one of these compounds. Products that are derivatives or mixtures where these are not the predominant or essential character-imparting components may fall under different subheadings within Chapter 29 or other chapters. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) detailing the chemical composition and CAS number can be vital for accurate classification, aligning with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 29.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 2906.12?

Standard import documentation for HS 2906.12 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. For chemical products, additional documentation is often required to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. This may include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to provide information on potential hazards and safe handling. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, EUR.1, or other FTA-specific certificate) is mandatory. Depending on the importing country's regulations, permits or licenses from agencies responsible for chemical control (e.g., EPA in the US, ECHA in the EU) might also be necessary, especially if the substance is regulated under specific chemical inventories or environmental protection acts.