HS 291550 Propionic acid, its salts and esters
Quick Answer: HS code 291550 encompasses propionic acid, a carboxylic acid with a distinctive pungent odor, along with its various salts and esters. These chemical compounds find widespread use as preservatives in food and feed, fungicides, and intermediates in the production of plastics and pharmaceuticals. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the specific duty rates is crucial. The UK and EU generally apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. In the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate can be 4.2% ad valorem, though many products from eligible countries benefit from duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preference programs (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Importers should verify the specific product and country of origin to leverage potential duty reductions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915500000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291550 | — | — | — |
| 2915501000 | 4.2% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2915502000 | 5.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2915505000 | 3.7% | 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 2915.50?
Imports of Propionic acid, its 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 15 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 291550 cover?
This subheading covers propionic acid, its salts, and its esters, as defined within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically under Heading 2915, which encompasses saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Propionic acid (also known as propanoic acid), with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH, is a carboxylic acid. Its salts include compounds like sodium propionate and calcium propionate, commonly used as food preservatives. Esters of propionic acid, such as methyl propionate or ethyl propionate, are also included, often utilized as solvents or flavoring agents, provided they meet the purity requirements for organic chemicals in Chapter 29 as per USITC and EU TARIC definitions.
What falls outside HS 291550?
The following products are excluded from HS 291550: mixtures of propionic acid or its derivatives with other substances that alter their essential character, which would typically be classified under a different heading, often in Chapter 38 if they are preparations not elsewhere specified or included. For instance, a food additive blend containing sodium propionate but formulated as a specific preparation for a particular use might fall under HS 3824. Additionally, propionic acid or its salts/esters that are not of the purity required for classification in Chapter 29, or those that are part of a pharmaceutical preparation (e.g., a finished medicament containing a propionate salt as an active ingredient), would be excluded and classified under Chapter 30.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291550?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures containing propionic acid or its derivatives. Importers sometimes incorrectly classify a preparation containing propionic acid as pure propionic acid under 291550, even when the preparation's essential character is derived from other components or its specific function as a formulated product. This violates General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which dictates that mixtures should be classified according to the material or component which gives them their essential character. Another mistake involves overlooking the purity requirements for Chapter 29, leading to the incorrect classification of technical-grade or impure forms that might belong elsewhere, potentially in Chapter 38 if they are industrial preparations.
How should importers classify products under HS 291550?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291550 involves a systematic approach. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is indeed propionic acid, a salt thereof (e.g., sodium propionate, calcium propionate), or an ester thereof (e.g., methyl propionate, ethyl propionate). Crucially, they must verify the product's chemical purity to ensure it meets the requirements for organic chemicals in Chapter 29, typically requiring a high degree of purity. If the product is a mixture, the essential character must be determined; if propionic acid or its derivative provides the essential character, and it is not a specific preparation elsewhere, then 291550 is appropriate. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2915 and relevant national customs rulings (e.g., USITC HTSUS General Notes, EU TARIC guidance) is essential to ensure accurate and compliant classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2915.50 (Propionic acid, its salts and esters) in major importing regions?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rates for HS 2915.50 can vary significantly by importing country or customs union. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' duty rate for this subheading, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database often shows a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for many third countries. However, other countries may apply MFN rates such as 4.2% or even 25% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most current and accurate MFN duty rate applicable to their specific import.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2915.50 under common Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs?
Yes, preferential duty rates are frequently available for HS 2915.50, often resulting in a 'Free' duty rate, provided the goods meet the relevant Rules of Origin. For instance, in the United States, imports from countries with which the U.S. has an FTA (e.g., Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG)) typically qualify for a 'Free' rate. Similarly, the EU offers preferential treatment under various agreements (e.g., GSP, FTAs with countries like South Korea, Japan, Canada). Importers must ensure they have the correct origin documentation (e.g., Certificate of Origin, origin declaration) to claim these preferential rates, as per the specific FTA or GSP program requirements.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2915.50, 'Propionic acid, its salts and esters'?
HS 2915.50 specifically covers 'Propionic acid, its salts and esters'. The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical identity of the substance. Propionic acid (also known as propanoic acid) is a carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH. Its salts are derivatives where the acidic hydrogen is replaced by a metal ion or an ammonium ion (e.g., sodium propionate, calcium propionate). Esters are derivatives formed from propionic acid and an alcohol (e.g., methyl propionate, ethyl propionate). Classification under this heading requires the product to be chemically identifiable as propionic acid, one of its salts, or one of its esters. Importers should have chemical analysis reports or Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to substantiate the chemical identity if challenged by customs authorities, aligning with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of goods classified under HS 2915.50?
For imports under HS 2915.50, standard customs documentation is required, including a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading or Air Waybill. Additionally, due to the chemical nature of the goods, customs authorities may request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to verify the product's identity, purity, and safety characteristics. If claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA or GSP program, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, Form A, FTA-specific certificate, or origin declaration on the invoice) is mandatory. Compliance with any specific chemical import regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU) may also necessitate additional declarations or registrations.