HS 291560 Butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters
Quick Answer: HS code 291560 covers butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, and their derivatives, including salts and esters. These organic chemicals are widely used as flavorings, fragrances, and intermediates in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. For importers, duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific product. In the UK, rates typically range from 0.00% to 4.00% ad valorem. The EU TARIC system shows rates from 0.00% to 5.50% ad valorem. In the US, the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate can be 5.5% ad valorem or a complex compound rate such as 15.4¢/kg + 58%, though many products benefit from "Free" duty under various trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, KR). Importers should verify the exact 10-digit subheading and applicable trade agreements to determine the precise duty liability and ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915600000 | — | — | — |
| 2915601900 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915601990 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915601100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2915601920 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915600000 | — | — | — |
| 2915601100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2915601920 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915601900 | — | — | — |
| 2915601990 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291560 | — | — | — |
| 2915601000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2915605000 | 2.1% | 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 2915.60?
Imports of Butanoic acids, pentanoic 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 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 291560 cover?
This subheading covers butanoic acids (also known as butyric acids), pentanoic acids (also known as valeric acids), and their respective salts and esters. This includes, for example, n-butyric acid, isobutyric acid, n-valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and their various salts (e.g., sodium butyrate) and esters (e.g., ethyl butyrate, methyl valerate). 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 (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system, ensuring consistent application for these specific acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives.
What falls outside HS 291560?
The following products are excluded from HS 291560: other acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their salts and esters, which are classified in other subheadings under Heading 2915 based on their carbon chain length or specific chemical structure. For instance, formic acid, acetic acid, and their derivatives are classified under HS 291511 through 291539. Similarly, propionic acid, its salts and esters fall under HS 291550. Furthermore, cyclic carboxylic acids, such as benzoic acid, are excluded from Heading 2915 entirely and are classified under Heading 2916. Products that are not chemically defined as butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts, or esters, even if they share similar applications, are also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291560?
A common error is misclassifying other short-chain acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their salts, or esters into HS 291560, particularly propionic acid derivatives (HS 291550) or longer-chain acids like hexanoic acid (HS 291590). This often occurs due to a lack of precise chemical identification or an incomplete understanding of the specific carbon chain length requirements for each subheading within Heading 2915. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial. Importers must ensure the chemical name and structure precisely match "butanoic acids," "pentanoic acids," or their direct salts and esters.
How should importers classify products under HS 291560?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291560 involves a thorough review of the chemical identity of the imported substance. Importers and customs brokers should obtain the precise chemical name, CAS number, and structural formula from the manufacturer or supplier. Verify that the product is definitively a butanoic acid, a pentanoic acid, or one of their direct salts or esters. Consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2915 and specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC) to confirm the scope. In cases of doubt, a binding ruling request from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK) is advisable to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS 2915.60 in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for products classified under HS 2915.60 ('Butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters') vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States applies an MFN duty rate of 4.0% ad valorem (Source: USITC HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN rate. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and current MFN rates.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free or reduced rates for HS 2915.60, and what documentation is required?
Many preferential trade agreements offer duty-free or reduced rates for HS 2915.60. For instance, the United States grants duty-free access under agreements such as the USMCA (Canada, Mexico), CAFTA-DR (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua), and various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Korea, Panama, Peru, and Singapore. To claim preferential duty rates, importers typically must provide a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate for EU agreements, or a declaration of origin for others) demonstrating that the goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria of the respective agreement. Customs brokers should verify the origin criteria and documentation requirements for each specific agreement.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2915.60, and what distinguishes it from related headings?
HS 2915.60 specifically covers 'Butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters'. The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical structure of the organic compound. Butanoic acid (also known as butyric acid) is a four-carbon carboxylic acid, and pentanoic acid (valeric acid) is a five-carbon carboxylic acid. This heading includes their respective salts (e.g., sodium butyrate) and esters (e.g., ethyl butyrate). It is distinguished from other headings in Chapter 29 by the specific carbon chain length of the carboxylic acid. For example, HS 2915.21 covers 'Acetic acid' (a two-carbon acid), and HS 2915.39 covers 'Other esters of acetic acid'. Importers must ensure the chemical name and structure precisely match the description for accurate classification, often requiring a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or technical data sheet.
Are there any specific import restrictions, licensing requirements, or additional duties (e.g., anti-dumping) commonly associated with HS 2915.60?
While HS 2915.60 generally covers industrial chemicals that are not typically subject to widespread import restrictions for safety or environmental reasons (unlike certain controlled substances), specific applications or concentrations might trigger additional regulations. For instance, if these chemicals are precursors to controlled substances, or if they are imported in large industrial quantities, they might be subject to reporting requirements by environmental agencies or chemical control authorities. Furthermore, anti-dumping or countervailing duties are product- and origin-specific and can be imposed on any HS code if investigations determine unfair trade practices. Importers should regularly check the relevant customs authority's website (e.g., U.S. Customs and Border Protection, EU Commission's DG TAXUD) for any active anti-dumping or countervailing duty measures affecting products from specific countries under this HS code.