HS 290713 Octylphenol, nonylphenol and their isomers; salts thereof
Quick Answer: HS code 290713 covers octylphenol, nonylphenol, and their isomers, along with their respective salts. These are organic chemical compounds primarily used as intermediates in the production of surfactants, resins, and other specialty chemicals. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 4.0% ad valorem duty, while the EU imposes 5.5% ad valorem. In the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 5.5% ad valorem, but preferential programs offer duty-free entry for eligible goods from numerous countries (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, KR). Additionally, the US has a higher Column 2 rate of 15.4¢/kg + 80% ad valorem. Careful classification and origin determination are crucial to leverage preferential trade agreements and ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2907130000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2907130000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2907130000 | 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 2907.13?
Imports of Octylphenol, nonylphenol and their isomers; salts thereof 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 290713 cover?
This subheading covers octylphenol, nonylphenol, and their various isomers, as well as the salts derived from these specific phenolic compounds. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system, this classification specifically targets the chemical structures of octylphenol and nonylphenol. These are alkylphenols where an octyl or nonyl group is attached to a phenol ring, encompassing all possible positional isomers of the alkyl group on the ring, along with their corresponding metallic or organic salts. The scope is precise, focusing on these distinct chemical entities and their ionic derivatives.
What falls outside HS 290713?
The following products are excluded from HS 290713: other phenols and phenol-alcohols not specifically named, such as cresol (HS 290712) or xylenols (HS 290719). Additionally, derivatives of octylphenol or nonylphenol that have undergone further chemical modification beyond salt formation, such as ethoxylated nonylphenols (often classified under Chapter 34 as surface-active preparations or under HS 3824 as prepared binders for foundry moulds or chemical products not elsewhere specified), would fall outside this subheading. Polymers or copolymers incorporating octylphenol or nonylphenol as monomers are also excluded, as their classification would depend on the nature of the polymer and its primary function, typically found in Chapter 39. Mixtures containing these phenols but where they are not the sole or principal constituent may also be classified elsewhere based on the predominant component or function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290713?
A common error is misclassifying ethoxylated derivatives of octylphenol or nonylphenol under HS 290713. These ethoxylated compounds, which are widely used as surfactants, are not simply "salts" or "isomers" of the base phenols and are therefore excluded. Instead, they typically fall under Chapter 34, specifically HS 3402, if they are surface-active preparations, or under HS 3824 if they are other chemical products not elsewhere specified. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures where octylphenol or nonylphenol is present but not the predominant component, without applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) which dictates classification by the material or component that gives the goods their essential character. Importers sometimes overlook the "salts thereof" provision, incorrectly classifying a salt of octylphenol in a broader "other phenols" category.
How should importers classify products under HS 290713?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290713 involves a meticulous review of the chemical composition and structure. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is indeed octylphenol, nonylphenol, or one of their specific isomers, or a salt derived directly from these compounds. This requires obtaining detailed chemical analysis reports, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and Certificates of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer. If the product is a derivative beyond a simple salt, such as an ethoxylate, it must be excluded. Apply General Interpretative Rule 1, ensuring the product precisely matches the terms of the heading and subheading. For mixtures, if octylphenol or nonylphenol provides the essential character, then GRI 3(b) would lead to this classification. Always cross-reference with official tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC and consult WCO Explanatory Notes for definitive guidance on chemical nomenclature.
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FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2907.13 in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2907.13 ('Octylphenol, nonylphenol and their isomers; salts thereof') vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies a general MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff (CCT) duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 5.5% ad valorem duty rate. Importers should always verify the current applicable rate with the official customs tariff of the destination country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2907.13 under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS 2907.13, depending on the country of origin and the trade agreements in force with the importing country. For instance, the United States offers 'Free' duty rates for goods originating from countries under agreements such as A+ (Generalized System of Preferences), AU (Australia FTA), BH (Bahrain FTA), CL (Chile FTA), CO (Colombia TPA), D (Dominican Republic-Central America FTA), E (Andean Trade Preference Act), IL (Israel FTA), JO (Jordan FTA), KR (Korea FTA), MA (Morocco FTA), OM (Oman FTA), P (Panama TPA), PA (Peru TPA), PE (Singapore FTA), S (South Korea FTA), and SG (Singapore FTA). Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin requirements of the respective agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Octylphenol, nonylphenol and their isomers; salts thereof' under HS 2907.13?
HS code 2907.13 specifically covers 'Octylphenol, nonylphenol and their isomers; salts thereof.' The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers must ensure that the product is definitively identified as octylphenol, nonylphenol, or one of their isomers, or a salt derived from these compounds. This typically requires a detailed chemical analysis report, such as a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), confirming the chemical name, CAS number, and molecular structure. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provide further guidance on the classification of specific organic chemicals, emphasizing the importance of precise chemical nomenclature.
What documentation is typically required for importing products classified under HS 2907.13?
For products under HS 2907.13, standard import documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, due to the chemical nature of these products, additional documentation is often required to verify classification and comply with regulatory standards. This typically includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a detailed technical data sheet confirming the exact chemical composition, purity, and CAS number. Depending on the destination country and specific end-use, importers may also need to provide safety data sheets (SDS/MSDS), pre-manufacture notices (PMN) or import certifications under chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU). Customs brokers should advise importers to have all chemical documentation readily available for customs review.
Are there any specific import restrictions or special duties for HS 2907.13, such as anti-dumping or countervailing duties?
While HS 2907.13 generally falls under standard chemical import regulations, specific import restrictions or special duties like anti-dumping (AD) or countervailing duties (CVD) can be imposed. These duties are country- and product-specific, often targeting goods from particular countries of origin if they are found to be dumped or unfairly subsidized. Importers must regularly check the trade remedies databases of the importing country (e.g., US International Trade Commission (USITC) for the US, EU Commission's DG Trade for the EU, or UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) for the UK) to determine if any AD/CVD measures are active against octylphenol, nonylphenol, or their isomers from specific sources. Failure to account for such duties can result in significant penalties and delays.