HS 291450 Ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function
Quick Answer: HS code 291450 covers organic chemical compounds known as "ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function." This includes a range of complex ketones that also incorporate phenol groups or other oxygen-containing functional groups, making them distinct from simpler ketones. These chemicals are often intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and polymers. For importers and exporters, understanding the specific duty rates is crucial. The UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty to most products under this heading. The EU TARIC system generally imposes a 5.50% ad valorem duty. In the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 5.5% ad valorem, though many products may qualify for duty-free entry under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or special programs (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, etc.). Some specific subheadings within 291450 may also carry compound duties, such as 15.4¢/kg + 42%. Due to the chemical complexity, precise classification at the 8-digit or 10-digit level is essential to determine the exact applicable duty rate and any preferential tariff eligibility.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2914500015 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2914500023 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2914500028 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2914500040 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2914500048 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2914500000 | — | — | — |
| 2914500018 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2914500025 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2914500015 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2914500023 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291450 | — | — | — |
| 2914503000 | 5.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2914501000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 2914505000 | 4% | 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 2914.50?
Imports of Ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291450 cover?
This subheading covers ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically within Chapter 29, which pertains to organic chemicals. This includes chemical compounds possessing both a ketone functional group and a phenol functional group, or a ketone group combined with other oxygen-containing functions such as alcohol, ether, or peroxide groups, provided they are not specifically enumerated elsewhere in Chapter 29. Examples include compounds like phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene), which is a ketone-phenol, and other complex organic molecules that meet these structural criteria, as detailed in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC. The scope is precise, focusing on the co-existence of these specific oxygen-containing functional groups within a single organic molecule.
What falls outside HS 291450?
The following products are excluded from HS 291450: simple ketones without additional oxygen functions (e.g., acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, classified under 2914.11 or 2914.12), simple phenols without ketone functions (e.g., phenol, cresols, classified under 2907), and compounds where the predominant function or specific chemical structure leads to classification under a more specific heading. For instance, carboxylic acids with ketone groups are typically classified under heading 2918, and aldehydes with ketone groups are classified under 2912. Additionally, cyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives are found in 2906, even if they possess other oxygen functions, if the alcohol function is primary. The presence of other non-oxygen functional groups, such as nitrogen, might also lead to classification outside this subheading if it defines a more specific chemical class.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291450?
A common error is misclassifying compounds that contain a ketone group and another oxygen function but are more specifically provided for elsewhere in Chapter 29, leading to incorrect duty rates and compliance issues. For example, classifying a keto-acid under 2914.50 instead of 2918 (Carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function) is a frequent mistake, often due to overlooking the specificity of later headings. Another pitfall is failing to correctly identify all functional groups present in a complex molecule, especially when multiple oxygen functions exist, leading to an incorrect assessment of whether it truly fits the "ketone-phenol" or "ketone with other oxygen function" criteria. This often violates General Interpretive Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, and GRI 6, which extends this principle to subheadings.
How should importers classify products under HS 291450?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291450 involves a systematic approach, starting with a thorough chemical analysis of the product to identify all functional groups present. Importers and customs brokers should obtain detailed chemical specifications, including the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and chemical structure, from the manufacturer. They must then consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29, specifically heading 2914, to confirm that the product meets the definition of "ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function" and is not more specifically covered by another heading. Cross-referencing with the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or EU TARIC for specific examples and rulings 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 prudent course of action to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS Code 2914.50 in major markets?
The MFN duty rates for HS 2914.50, covering 'Ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function,' vary by importing country. For instance, the United States applies a rate of 3.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff of 5.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists 5.5% ad valorem. It is crucial for importers to verify the specific MFN rate applicable in their destination country using official tariff databases like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free or reduced rates for products classified under HS 2914.50 when imported into the United States?
For imports into the United States, HS 2914.50 can often benefit from preferential duty treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or special programs. Products originating from countries party to agreements such as the USMCA (Mexico, Canada), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America FTA), KORUS (Korea-US FTA), and others may qualify for a 'Free' duty rate, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Specific indicator codes like 'A+', 'AU', 'BH', 'CL', 'CO', 'D', 'E', 'IL', 'JO', 'K', 'KR', 'MA', 'OM', 'P', 'PA', 'PE', 'S', 'SG' in the US HTS indicate eligibility for various preferential programs. Importers must ensure they have the necessary certificates of origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin) to claim these benefits.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a chemical compound falls under HS 2914.50, 'Ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function'?
Classification under HS 2914.50 requires the chemical compound to possess both a ketone functional group and at least one other oxygen function, such as a hydroxyl group (making it a phenol if attached to an aromatic ring, or an alcohol if aliphatic), an ether group, an aldehyde group, or an ester group, provided the ketone function is predominant or equally significant in defining the compound's character. Compounds that are solely ketones without other oxygen functions would fall under other subheadings of 2914 (e.g., 2914.11-2914.39). If the compound is predominantly a phenol, it might fall under Chapter 29, Subchapter IV. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provide detailed guidance on the hierarchy and interpretation of functional groups for classification purposes.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for importing chemicals classified under HS 2914.50?
In addition to standard import documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of chemicals under HS 2914.50 may need to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for hazard assessment. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is often required to confirm the chemical's purity, composition, and specifications, ensuring compliance with national chemical regulations. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, GSP Form A, or specific FTA certificate) is mandatory. Depending on the specific chemical and its end-use, additional permits or licenses from regulatory bodies (e.g., EPA in the US, ECHA in the EU) may be necessary, especially if the substance is controlled or subject to specific environmental or health regulations.