HS 290944 Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol
Quick Answer: HS 2909.44 covers specific monoalkyl ethers derived from ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, excluding those with a peroxide function. These are organic chemicals primarily used as solvents in paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning products, or as chemical intermediates. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the precise chemical structure is crucial for correct classification. Duty rates vary significantly: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU imposes 5.50%. In the US, many products under this code benefit from "Free" duty under various trade preference programs (e.g., GSP, FTAs), but standard MFN rates can be as high as 5.5% or even 54.5% for specific subheadings. Importers should verify the exact chemical compound against the specific tariff line and applicable trade agreements to determine the correct duty liability and leverage potential duty savings.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909440010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2909440000 | — | — | — |
| 2909440090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909440000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2909440010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2909440090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2909440110 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2909440150 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 29094401 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | — |
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 2909.44?
Imports of Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol 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 14 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 290944 cover?
This subheading covers monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol, specifically those that are "other" than methyl, ethyl, or n-butyl ethers, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, Explanatory Notes to Chapter 29, and further detailed in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system. These are organic chemical compounds characterized by a single alkyl group attached to an oxygen atom, which is in turn linked to an ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol backbone. Examples include mono-n-propyl ethers or mono-isobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, provided they are not specifically enumerated elsewhere in the heading.
What falls outside HS 290944?
The following products are excluded from HS 290944: methyl ether of ethylene glycol (29094310), ethyl ether of ethylene glycol (29094320), n-butyl ether of ethylene glycol (29094330), methyl ether of diethylene glycol (29094340), ethyl ether of diethylene glycol (29094350), and n-butyl ether of diethylene glycol (29094360), which are all specifically enumerated under HS 290943. Furthermore, dialkylethers of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, possessing two alkyl groups, are excluded and classified under HS 290949. Polyethers, such as polyethylene glycols, which are polymers, are also excluded and typically fall under Chapter 39, specifically heading 3907, due to their polymeric nature.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290944?
A common error is misclassifying specific monoalkylethers that are explicitly provided for in HS 290943, such as methyl, ethyl, or n-butyl ethers of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, into the residual "other" category of 290944. This often occurs due to a failure to consult the full six-digit or eight-digit national tariff schedule, which provides more granular detail. Another mistake involves classifying dialkylethers or polyethers under 290944, which violates General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, as these products are more specifically described by other headings or subheadings. Importers must carefully verify the exact chemical structure and the specific alkyl group present to ensure accurate classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 290944?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290944 involves a systematic approach. First, identify the chemical name and structure of the product to confirm it is a monoalkylether of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol. Second, verify that the alkyl group is not methyl, ethyl, or n-butyl, as these are specifically provided for under HS 290943. Third, ensure it is not a dialkylether (HS 290949) or a polymer (Chapter 39). Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29, along with the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTSUS or EU TARIC) to confirm the correct eight-digit or ten-digit subheading, applying GRI 1 for primary classification and GRI 6 for subheading determination.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2909.44 in the United States?
For products classified under Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2909.44, 'Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol,' the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for imports into the United States is 5.5% ad valorem. This rate applies to goods from countries without specific trade agreements or preferential programs with the U.S., as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) General Note 3(a) and Chapter 29 provisions.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2909.44 under U.S. Free Trade Agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are available for HS 2909.44 under various U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special programs, provided the goods meet the respective Rules of Origin. For example, imports from 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 be eligible for a 'Free' duty rate. Importers should consult the HTSUS General Notes and specific FTA chapters to determine eligibility and ensure proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, is provided.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol' under HS 2909.44?
HS 2909.44 specifically covers 'Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol.' The primary classification criteria involve identifying the chemical structure: the product must be a monoalkyl ether, meaning it has one alkyl group attached to an oxygen atom, and the base alcohol must be either ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol. This excludes dialkyl ethers and ethers of other glycols or polyhydric alcohols. Importers should ensure their product's chemical name and structure precisely match this description, often requiring a Certificate of Analysis or chemical specification sheet for verification by customs authorities, consistent with WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS 2909.44?
For imports under HS 2909.44, standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a customs bond. To claim preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, KORUS FTA Certificate) is mandatory. Additionally, a Certificate of Analysis or product specification sheet detailing the chemical composition and structure is highly recommended to substantiate the HS classification, especially for chemical products where precise identification is crucial for compliance with customs regulations.
How does the EU TARIC system classify and rate 'Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol'?
Under the EU TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Union) system, 'Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol' also falls under HS code 2909.44. The Common Customs Tariff (CCT) duty rate for these products is typically 5.5% ad valorem. However, like the U.S., the EU has numerous preferential trade agreements (e.g., with Korea, Chile, Peru) that may grant duty-free access or reduced rates, provided the goods meet the specific rules of origin. Importers into the EU must consult the TARIC database for the most current rates and specific measures, and ensure compliance with origin requirements and any relevant import licenses or certifications.