HS 291212 Ethanal (acetaldehyde)
Quick Answer: HS Code 2912.12 specifically covers Ethanal, commonly known as Acetaldehyde. This organic chemical compound is a crucial intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including acetic acid, pyridine, and pentaerythritol, and finds applications in pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and as a solvent. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the duty landscape is key. The UK applies a Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem. The EU's MFN rate is 5.50% ad valorem. In the United States, the MFN rate is 5.5% ad valorem, with significant preferential duty treatment allowing for "Free" entry under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for eligible goods from countries such as Australia, Korea, and Singapore. Conversely, a prohibitive 71% duty rate applies to non-market economy countries. Importers should verify origin and applicable trade agreements to optimize duty costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2912120000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2912120000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2912120000 | 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 2912.12?
Imports of Ethanal (acetaldehyde) 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 291212 cover?
This subheading covers ethanal, commonly known as acetaldehyde, a colorless, flammable liquid with a pungent odor. It is an organic chemical compound with the chemical formula CH₃CHO. As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and EU TARIC, this specific code is reserved solely for ethanal in its pure or commercially pure form. Its primary uses include the production of acetic acid, pyridine derivatives, and various other organic compounds, making it a crucial intermediate in the chemical industry.
What falls outside HS 291212?
The following products are excluded from HS 291212: mixtures containing ethanal but where ethanal is not the predominant component by weight or where the mixture constitutes a preparation of Chapter 38. For instance, solutions of ethanal in water or other solvents, if not meeting the purity criteria for the subheading, might be classified under other subheadings within Chapter 29 or even Chapter 38 if they are preparations not elsewhere specified or included. Polymers of ethanal, such as paraldehyde or metaldehyde, are also specifically excluded, as they are distinct chemical compounds with different molecular structures and are classified elsewhere, typically under other subheadings within Chapter 29 or Chapter 38 depending on their specific chemical nature and use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291212?
A common error is misclassifying ethanal derivatives or polymers, such as paraldehyde (a cyclic trimer of acetaldehyde) or metaldehyde (a cyclic tetramer), under HS 291212. These are distinct chemical compounds, not merely different forms of ethanal, and are classified under other specific subheadings within Chapter 29, such as 2912.50 for cyclic aldehydes or their polymers. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures where ethanal is present but not the primary constituent, or where the product is a formulated preparation for a specific use, which might fall under Chapter 38. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 291212?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291212 involves verifying that the product is indeed ethanal (acetaldehyde) and not a derivative, polymer, or mixture where ethanal is not the sole or principal component. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer, confirming the chemical identity (CH₃CHO) and purity of the substance. This documentation is essential to demonstrate compliance with the specific scope of "Ethanal (acetaldehyde)" as defined by the WCO HS Nomenclature and national tariffs like the HTSUS or EU TARIC. If the product is a mixture or derivative, further analysis using GRI 3 (for mixtures) or GRI 6 (for subheadings) will be necessary to determine the correct classification elsewhere in Chapter 29 or potentially Chapter 38.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Ethanal (acetaldehyde) under HS code 2912.12 in key markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rates for Ethanal (acetaldehyde) under HS 2912.12 vary by importing country. For instance, the general MFN duty rate in the United States is 3.5% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). In the European Union, the MFN duty rate is typically 5.5% ad valorem, as published in the TARIC database. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most current and accurate MFN rate.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for Ethanal (acetaldehyde) under HS 2912.12 through free trade agreements or special programs?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are available for Ethanal (acetaldehyde) under HS 2912.12 when originating from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade programs. For example, in the United States, imports 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 duty-free entry under various FTAs, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for Ethanal (acetaldehyde) under HS 2912.12, and what common errors should importers avoid?
Ethanal (acetaldehyde) is classified under HS 2912.12.00.00 (or similar national subdivisions) within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Organic chemicals.' Specifically, it falls under subheading 2912.12 as an 'acyclic aldehyde without other oxygen function.' The primary classification criterion is its chemical identity as acetaldehyde. Importers must ensure the product is pure ethanal or a solution where ethanal is the principal constituent. Common classification errors include misidentifying mixtures or solutions where acetaldehyde is not the primary active ingredient, or confusing it with other aldehydes or derivatives that have additional oxygen functions, which would fall under different subheadings (e.g., 2912.19 or 2912.29). Always refer to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 for precise guidance.
What specific documentation is required for importing Ethanal (acetaldehyde) under HS 2912.12, beyond standard customs paperwork?
Beyond standard commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading/air waybills, importing Ethanal (acetaldehyde) under HS 2912.12 may require additional documentation due to its chemical nature. This could include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to comply with chemical safety regulations, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to verify purity and composition, and potentially permits or licenses from environmental or chemical control agencies depending on the destination country's regulations (e.g., EPA in the US, ECHA in the EU). If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., Free Trade Agreement certificate) is mandatory. Importers should consult the specific import requirements of the destination country's customs and regulatory bodies.