HS 291010 Oxirane (ethylene oxide)
Quick Answer: HS code 291010 covers Oxirane, commonly known as ethylene oxide, a highly reactive cyclic ether. This chemical is a crucial intermediate in manufacturing various industrial products, including ethylene glycols, surfactants, ethanolamines, and polyether polyols, used in antifreeze, detergents, and plastics. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rates: the UK imposes 0.00%, while the EU applies a 5.50% ad valorem duty. In the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 5.5%, but many countries benefit from duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, KR). A prohibitive 49% rate applies to non-MFN countries. Due to its hazardous nature, specific handling and regulatory compliance are essential for trade.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2910100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2910100000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2910100000 | 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 2910.10?
Imports of Oxirane (ethylene oxide) 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291010 cover?
This subheading covers oxirane, commonly known as ethylene oxide, a cyclic ether with the chemical formula C2H4O. As defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this specific code is dedicated solely to the unmixed chemical compound. It is a highly reactive, colorless gas at room temperature, primarily used as an intermediate in the production of ethylene glycols, surfactants, ethanolamines, and other organic chemicals, and also as a sterilizing agent.
What falls outside HS 291010?
The following products are excluded from HS 291010: polymers of ethylene oxide, such as polyethylene glycols (PEGs), which are classified under Chapter 39, specifically within headings like 390720 for polyethers. Additionally, mixtures containing ethylene oxide where the ethylene oxide is not the predominant component by weight or where the mixture has a specific use that dictates classification elsewhere, would typically fall outside this subheading, often under other subheadings in Chapter 29 for mixtures of organic chemicals or under Chapter 38 for miscellaneous chemical products. For instance, sterilizing preparations containing ethylene oxide in combination with other substances would generally be classified under 380894.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291010?
A common error is misclassifying derivatives or polymers of ethylene oxide, such as polyethylene glycols, under 291010 instead of their appropriate Chapter 39 headings. This mistake often arises from a misunderstanding of 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 GRI 3(b) for mixtures. Importers sometimes overlook that Heading 2910 specifically covers "epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers, with a three-membered ring," and does not extend to the resulting polymers or complex mixtures where ethylene oxide is merely an ingredient.
How should importers classify products under HS 291010?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291010 involves verifying that the imported substance is indeed pure or substantially pure oxirane (ethylene oxide) and not a derivative, polymer, or complex mixture. Importers and customs brokers should consult the chemical's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm its chemical name, CAS number (75-21-8 for ethylene oxide), and purity. Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2910 is crucial to ensure the product precisely matches the description. If the product is a mixture or a polymer, further analysis under GRI 3 and relevant Chapter 39 notes will be necessary to determine the correct classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 2910.10 (Oxirane (ethylene oxide)) in the United States, and what preferential rates are available?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Harmonized System (HS) code 2910.10.00.00, covering Oxirane (ethylene oxide), is 5.5% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) General Note 3(a). However, significant preferential duty treatment is available under various free trade agreements and preference programs. Imports from countries designated with a 'Free' special program indicator (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG) may enter duty-free. Importers should consult the HTSUS for the specific 'Special' column indicator corresponding to the country of origin to determine eligibility for these preferential rates. For example, goods originating from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) are typically eligible for duty-free treatment under their respective free trade agreements, provided all rules of origin requirements are met.
What are the key classification criteria for ensuring correct assignment to HS 2910.10, and what are common misclassification pitfalls?
HS code 2910.10 specifically covers 'Oxirane (ethylene oxide)'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the substance. Ethylene oxide is a cyclic ether with the chemical formula C2H4O, characterized by its three-membered epoxide ring. Importers must ensure that the product is pure ethylene oxide or a mixture where ethylene oxide is the predominant component, not a derivative or a different epoxide. Common misclassification pitfalls include confusing ethylene oxide with its polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycols, which fall under Chapter 39), or with other epoxides or oxiranes that have different chemical structures (e.g., propylene oxide, which is classified under HS 2910.20). Accurate classification relies on chemical analysis, product specifications, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to confirm the precise chemical identity and purity. Reference to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 29, specifically heading 29.10, is crucial for definitive guidance.
What specific documentation is required for importing Oxirane (ethylene oxide) under HS 2910.10, particularly concerning its hazardous nature?
Given that Oxirane (ethylene oxide) is a highly flammable, toxic, and reactive gas, specific documentation beyond standard customs requirements is critical. In addition to the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers must provide a comprehensive Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that complies with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. This SDS is essential for customs and other regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA, OSHA in the US) to assess the hazardous nature of the goods. Furthermore, proper Dangerous Goods Declarations (DGD) are mandatory, adhering to international transport regulations such as the IMDG Code for sea freight, IATA DGR for air freight, or ADR/RID for road/rail. These declarations confirm correct packaging, labeling, and placarding according to UN recommendations for dangerous goods (UN 1040 for Ethylene Oxide). Compliance with chemical control regulations, such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the U.S., may also necessitate specific certifications or notifications.
How do major trade agreements, such as the USMCA or EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, impact the duty rates for HS 2910.10?
Major trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS 2910.10. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Mexico or Canada that meet the agreement's rules of origin are eligible for duty-free treatment (0.00% ad valorem) when imported into the United States. Importers must provide a valid USMCA certification of origin to claim this preferential rate. Similarly, under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, Oxirane (ethylene oxide) originating in the EU or the UK and meeting the respective rules of origin can be imported duty-free (0.00% ad valorem) between these territories. For other agreements, such as those with Australia, Chile, Korea, or Singapore, the 'Free' duty rate is also applicable, provided the goods satisfy the specific origin requirements of each agreement. Importers should always verify the specific agreement's origin criteria and ensure proper documentation, such as a Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin, is available to substantiate the claim for preferential duty treatment.