HS 290919 Other
Quick Answer: HS 2909.19, "Other," covers acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives, excluding diethyl ether (2909.11) and methyl *tert*-butyl ether (MTBE) and *tert*-amyl methyl ether (TAME) (2909.19.10 in some systems). This residual category captures a diverse range of organic chemicals used in solvents, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis. Importers should note varying duty rates: the UK applies rates such as 4.00% ad valorem, while the EU typically levies 5.50% ad valorem. The US MFN rate is 5.5%, with numerous preferential "Free" rates under various trade agreements (e.g., A*, AU, CL). However, specific US subheadings can reach 37% ad valorem for certain products. Precise classification to the 8- or 10-digit level is crucial to determine the exact duty liability and eligibility for preferential treatment, as rates can differ significantly even within this subheading.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909190000 | — | — | — |
| 2909191010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2909199000 | — | — | — |
| 2909199050 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2909199090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909190000 | — | — | — |
| 2909191000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2909191010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2909191090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2909199090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909191400 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2909193000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 290919 | — | — | — |
| 2909191800 | 5.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2909196000 | 5.5% | Free (18 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 2909.19?
Imports of Other 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 16 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 290919 cover?
This subheading covers acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives, specifically those not elsewhere specified within subheading 2909.10 (Diethyl ether). According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes (ENs) for Heading 2909, this category encompasses a broad range of simple acyclic ethers, which are organic compounds containing an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. Examples include methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), which is a common fuel additive, and other similar acyclic structures that do not possess the specific characteristics of other more precisely defined subheadings under 2909. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC further define this "Other" category to capture the residual acyclic ethers not explicitly enumerated.
What falls outside HS 290919?
The following products are excluded from HS 290919: Diethyl ether, which is specifically classified under HS 2909.11. Cyclic ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran or 1,4-dioxane, are excluded as they fall under HS 2909.30. Ether-alcohols (e.g., 2-methoxyethanol) are classified under HS 2909.41 through 2909.49, as they possess both an ether and an alcohol functional group. Ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols, and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives are classified under HS 2909.50. Peroxides of ethers, acetals, and hemiacetals, and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives are classified under HS 2909.60. These distinctions are crucial for accurate classification, preventing misclassification of complex organic compounds with multiple functional groups.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290919?
A common error is misclassifying acyclic ethers with additional functional groups, such as hydroxyl or phenolic groups, into HS 290919. For instance, a compound like 2-methoxyethanol, which is an ether-alcohol, should be classified under HS 2909.41, not as a simple "other" acyclic ether. Another frequent mistake involves overlooking the specific enumeration of diethyl ether under HS 2909.11, leading to its incorrect placement in the "Other" category. Importers sometimes fail to apply General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, and where appropriate, according to GRIs 2 to 6. Proper identification of all functional groups present in the molecule is paramount to avoid these common classification pitfalls.
How should importers classify products under HS 290919?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290919 involves a systematic review of the chemical structure and functional groups present. Importers and customs brokers should first confirm that the product is indeed an acyclic ether. Next, they must meticulously check if the specific acyclic ether is explicitly named in any other subheading under Heading 2909, particularly HS 2909.11 for diethyl ether, or if it possesses additional functional groups that would place it in subheadings 2909.30 through 2909.60. If the compound is an acyclic ether and does not fit any more specific subheading, then HS 290919 is the appropriate classification. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 and Heading 2909 is essential for definitive guidance and to ensure compliance with international classification standards.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for products classified under HS 2909.19 in key markets, and what are common preferential rates?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rates for HS 2909.19 ('Ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols, peroxide-alcohols, peroxide-ethers, peroxide-ketones (chemically defined or not), and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives: Acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives: Other') vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies an MFN duty rate of 3.7% ad valorem (HTSUS 2909.19.6000). The EU TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem for this heading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN rate. However, significant preferential duty rates are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, imports into the US from countries like 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 'Free' duty under specific trade agreements, provided all rules of origin are met. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and verify origin documentation to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a product falls under HS 2909.19, particularly distinguishing it from other subheadings within 2909?
HS 2909.19 covers 'Other' acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, provided they are chemically defined. The primary criterion is that the substance must be an 'ether' (containing an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups) and 'acyclic' (meaning it does not contain a ring structure in its main carbon chain). It must also not be specifically provided for in other more specific subheadings within 2909.11 (e.g., Diethyl ether) or 2909.19 (e.g., Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME), which have specific national subheadings). Classification requires a thorough understanding of the chemical structure and functional groups. Importers should refer to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Chapter 29, particularly those pertaining to heading 29.09, which provide detailed guidance on the scope of ethers and their derivatives and how to distinguish between acyclic and cyclic forms, and between ethers and other oxygen-function compounds.
What specific documentation is required for importing products classified under HS 2909.19, beyond standard customs entry documents?
Beyond standard customs entry documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, specific requirements for HS 2909.19 may include a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). These documents are crucial for customs authorities to verify the chemical identity, purity, and composition of the imported substance, ensuring it aligns with the declared HS code. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a Certificate of Origin (e.g., a USMCA Certificate of Origin for imports into North America, or a EUR.1 certificate for certain EU agreements) is mandatory. Depending on the specific chemical and its intended use, additional permits or declarations from regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US (e.g., under TSCA) or REACH regulations in the EU, might be required. Importers should consult the specific import requirements of the destination country and any relevant chemical control regulations.
Are there any common trade agreements or special programs that significantly impact the duty rates for HS 2909.19, and what steps should importers take to benefit from them?
Yes, numerous trade agreements offer significant duty reductions or 'Free' rates for HS 2909.19. In the United States, for example, products originating from countries party to agreements like USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), and FTAs with countries such as Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Korea, Panama, Peru, and Singapore often qualify for duty-free entry. Similarly, the EU has a wide network of preferential agreements (e.g., with the UK, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Mercosur, etc.) that can reduce or eliminate duties. To benefit, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin (ROO) outlined in the respective trade agreement. This typically involves providing a valid Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin from the producer/exporter. Customs brokers and importers should proactively verify the origin criteria for their specific product and supplier, maintain meticulous records, and ensure all required origin documentation is accurately completed and available for customs verification to avoid penalties and maximize duty savings.