HS 291540 Mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters
Quick Answer: HS code 291540 encompasses mono-, di-, and trichloroacetic acids, along with their corresponding salts and esters. These are organic chemical compounds primarily used as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other chemicals, as well as in herbicides and preservatives. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. In the UK, the general duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies a general rate of 5.50% ad valorem. For the US, rates range from 1.8% ad valorem to 17.5% ad valorem, with many products eligible for duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, KR, SG). Always verify the specific product and country of origin against the latest official tariffs (e.g., UK Trade Tariff, EU TARIC, USITC HTSUS) to ensure accurate classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915400000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915400090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915400010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915400000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915400010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915400090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915401000 | 1.8% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 291540 | — | — | — |
| 2915405010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2915403000 | 5.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 29154050 | 3.7% | Free (18 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 2915.40?
Imports of Mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters 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 291540 cover?
This subheading covers mono-, di-, and trichloroacetic acids, as well as their respective salts and esters. These are halogenated derivatives of acetic acid, where one, two, or three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have been replaced by chlorine atoms. The scope is precisely defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC. Examples include monochloroacetic acid (MCA), dichloroacetic acid (DCA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and their various sodium, potassium, or ethyl esters, all falling squarely within this specific chemical classification.
What falls outside HS 291540?
The following products are excluded from HS 291540: acetic acid itself (HS 291521), which is not chlorinated. Furthermore, other halogenated derivatives of organic acids that are not specifically chloroacetic acids, their salts, or esters are also excluded and would be classified elsewhere, often in other subheadings of Chapter 29 based on their specific chemical structure. For instance, chloropropionic acids or their derivatives would fall under HS 291590 or other relevant subheadings for acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives, not under 291540, as they are not derivatives of acetic acid. Similarly, mixtures containing these acids but formulated into pharmaceutical preparations would be classified under Chapter 30.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291540?
A common error is misclassifying other halogenated carboxylic acids or their derivatives under HS 291540, particularly if they are not specifically chloroacetic acids. Importers sometimes mistakenly classify products like chloropropionic acid or chlorobutyric acid here due to the presence of chlorine and a carboxylic acid group, overlooking the "acetic" specificity. This contravenes General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures where the chloroacetic acid is merely one component of a preparation, rather than the pure substance or its direct salt/ester, which may lead to classification in Chapter 38 or 30 depending on the nature of the preparation.
How should importers classify products under HS 291540?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291540 involves a meticulous review of the product's chemical name and structure to confirm it is indeed mono-, di-, or trichloroacetic acid, or one of their direct salts or esters. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, which clearly states the chemical name, CAS number, and purity. This documentation is crucial for verifying the product's identity against the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2915 and the specific subheading 291540. When in doubt, seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK) is advisable to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2915.40 in major markets?
For products classified under Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2915.40, which covers 'Mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters,' typical MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates can vary by importing country. For instance, the United States applies an MFN duty rate of 4.0% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN duty rate. Other countries may have rates such as 1.8% ad valorem or 17.5% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and current MFN rates, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), the EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
How do preferential trade agreements affect the duty rates for HS 2915.40, and which agreements commonly offer reduced or free duties?
Preferential trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for products under HS 2915.40, provided the goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria of the agreement. For example, the United States offers duty-free treatment (0% ad valorem) for goods originating from countries with which it has free trade agreements, 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 preferential rates, often duty-free, are available under agreements like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for eligible developing countries (e.g., 'A' for certain GSP beneficiaries in the US HTSUS) or within regional blocs like the EU's agreements with various partners. Importers must ensure they have valid certificates of origin or other required documentation to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a product falls under HS 2915.40?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2915.40 is the chemical identity of the substance: it must be mono-, di-, or trichloroacetic acid, or a salt or ester derived from these specific acids. This subheading is part of Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Organic chemicals.' Classification relies on the chemical structure and functional groups. For instance, chloroacetic acid (monochloroacetic acid), dichloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid, along with their sodium salts, ethyl esters, etc., would fall here. It's crucial to distinguish these from other halogenated derivatives of acetic acid or other organic acids. WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provide detailed guidance on the scope of these chemical categories. Laboratory analysis or a clear Certificate of Analysis (CoA) identifying the exact chemical compound is often essential for accurate classification.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for importing products under HS 2915.40?
Importers of products under HS 2915.40 will generally need standard import documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Due to the chemical nature of these products, additional specific documentation is often required. This may include a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing the chemical composition, purity, and specifications of the substance. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is also critical for hazard communication and regulatory compliance, particularly for chemicals that may have corrosive or other hazardous properties. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., a Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin or EUR.1 movement certificate) is mandatory. Customs authorities may also request import licenses or permits depending on national chemical control regulations, especially if the substance is a precursor or subject to specific environmental or health regulations.