HS 290920 Cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
Quick Answer: HS Code 290920 encompasses a specific group of organic chemicals: ethers derived from cyclic hydrocarbons (like cyclohexane or cyclohexene) and their chemically modified versions containing halogens, sulfur, or nitrogen. In simpler terms, this covers a range of synthetic organic chemicals with a ring structure and an ether linkage, potentially with other functional groups. For importers, duty rates vary significantly. The US applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 3.7% ad valorem, with many preferential programs (e.g., A, AU, KR) offering duty-free entry. The EU TARIC system shows rates such as 5.5% ad valorem, alongside duty-free provisions. The UK Global Tariff also presents a range, including 4.0% and 0.00% ad valorem. Importers should verify the specific subheading and origin to determine the applicable rate and leverage any available free trade agreements or preferential schemes.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909200000 | — | — | — |
| 2909200090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2909200010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909200000 | — | — | — |
| 2909200010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2909200090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909200000 | 3.7% | 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 2909.20?
Imports of Cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives 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 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 290920 cover?
This subheading covers cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically within Chapter 29, which pertains to organic chemicals. These are organic compounds characterized by an ether functional group (R-O-R') where at least one of the R groups is a cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic ring structure. This includes a wide range of cyclic ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran derivatives with cyclic substituents, or ethers formed from cyclic alcohols or phenols, provided they meet the structural requirements of the subheading. The scope is precisely delineated by the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2909 and consistently applied in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 290920?
The following products are excluded from HS 290920: acyclic ethers, which are classified under HS 290911 through 290919, as they lack the requisite cyclic structure. Furthermore, cyclic ethers that are not cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic, such as epoxides (oxiranes) like ethylene oxide, are classified under HS 2910. Ethers that are also classified more specifically elsewhere, for instance, certain heterocyclic compounds with oxygen as the sole hetero-atom, might fall under Chapter 29, but in subheadings dedicated to those specific chemical structures. For example, 1,4-dioxane, while a cyclic ether, is specifically covered under HS 293219 due to its heterocyclic nature, demonstrating the importance of specific chemical structure over general functional group presence.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290920?
A common error is misclassifying acyclic ethers with cyclic substituents, or vice versa, failing to correctly identify the primary ether structure as cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic. Importers sometimes confuse simple cyclic ethers (like tetrahydrofuran) with those that have additional cyclic substituents, leading to incorrect application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1. Another frequent mistake involves overlooking the "derivatives" aspect, particularly when halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated groups are present, which are explicitly included. Incorrectly classifying these derivatives under more general organic chemical headings, or even under other functional group headings, rather than within 290920, is a recurring issue that can lead to compliance penalties and duty discrepancies.
How should importers classify products under HS 290920?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290920 involves a meticulous review of the chemical structure, starting with the identification of the ether functional group and then confirming the presence of a cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic ring directly attached or forming part of the ether structure. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 and Heading 2909, alongside national tariff schedules such as the USITC HTSUS or the EU TARIC, to ensure precise alignment with the legal text. Obtaining a Certificate of Analysis or a detailed chemical specification sheet from the manufacturer is crucial. If uncertainty persists, seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK) is the most reliable method to ensure accurate and compliant classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2909.20 in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2909.20 'Cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives' vary significantly by importing country. For example, 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 5.5% ad valorem for many products within this heading. The UK Global Tariff also lists 5.5% ad valorem for MFN imports. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most current and precise duty rate applicable to their specific product and origin.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a product falls under HS 2909.20, particularly distinguishing it from other ether headings?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2909.20 is the chemical structure of the ether. This heading specifically covers 'Cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic ethers.' This means the ether functional group (-O-) must be attached to a cyclic hydrocarbon structure (saturated cyclanic, unsaturated cyclenic, or terpene-derived cyclic structures). It also includes their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. This distinguishes it from acyclic ethers (e.g., HS 2909.11 to 2909.19) and aromatic ethers (e.g., HS 2909.30). Importers should provide detailed chemical names, CAS numbers, and structural formulas to customs authorities to ensure accurate classification, referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 for guidance.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free or reduced rates for HS 2909.20, and what documentation is typically required to claim these benefits?
Many preferential trade agreements offer duty-free or reduced rates for products under HS 2909.20, subject to meeting Rules of Origin. For instance, the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule indicates 'Free' rates under various agreements for goods originating from 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). Similar benefits exist under EU and UK Free Trade Agreements. To claim these preferential rates, importers typically need to provide a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, Form A, or a self-certification by the exporter, depending on the agreement) that unequivocally demonstrates the product meets the specific Rules of Origin criteria of the respective trade agreement. Customs brokers should verify the specific documentation requirements for each agreement and destination.
Are there any specific import documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for chemical products under HS 2909.20, beyond standard customs declarations?
Beyond standard customs declarations (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), chemical products under HS 2909.20 may be subject to additional regulatory requirements depending on their specific properties and intended use. Importers should be prepared to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) for each chemical. Depending on the country, these chemicals might fall under chemical control regulations such as TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) in the US, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the EU, or similar national chemical inventories and reporting schemes. Importers should verify if the specific chemical requires pre-market notification, registration, or permits from environmental or chemical regulatory agencies in the importing country.