HS 291570 Palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters
Quick Answer: HS Code 291570 encompasses palmitic acid, stearic acid, and their various salts and esters. These are saturated fatty acids and their derivatives, widely used in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and plastics. Examples include magnesium stearate (a common excipient) and isopropyl palmitate (an emollient). Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific product. In the UK, rates range from 0.00% to 4.00% ad valorem. The EU TARIC system shows rates from 0.00% to 5.50% ad valorem. For the US, rates can be 5% or 29.5% ad valorem, with many products eligible for "Free" duty under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A*, AU, CL, KR). Importers must accurately classify the specific salt or ester to determine the correct subheading and applicable duty. Exporters should verify preferential origin rules for potential duty savings.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915700000 | — | — | — |
| 2915704010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915704098 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2915705010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2915704000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915700000 | — | — | — |
| 2915704098 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2915705010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915705090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915704000 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915700110 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 29157001 | 5% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2915700120 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2915700150 | — | — | ["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 2915.70?
Imports of Palmitic acid, stearic acid, 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, 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 291570 cover?
This subheading covers palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts, and their esters, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN) and further elaborated in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC. Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) and stearic acid (octadecanoic acid) are saturated fatty acids, and their inclusion here extends to their chemically defined salts (e.g., sodium stearate, magnesium palmitate) and esters (e.g., methyl palmitate, glyceryl monostearate), provided they meet the purity requirements for Chapter 29 organic chemicals. This classification is for distinct chemical compounds, not mixtures or preparations, unless specifically provided for within the Chapter or Section Notes.
What falls outside HS 291570?
The following products are excluded from HS 291570: fatty acids that are not palmitic or stearic acid, such as oleic acid (classified under 291615), even if present in a mixture. Furthermore, mixtures of fatty acids, salts, or esters that do not consist solely of palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts, or esters, or that are not chemically defined pure compounds, are generally excluded from Chapter 29 and may fall into Chapter 38 (e.g., 3823 for industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids) or Chapter 15 if unrefined. Preparations containing these substances, such as cosmetics or food preparations, are also excluded and classified according to their function and composition in other Chapters, like Chapter 33 for cosmetics or Chapter 21 for food preparations.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291570?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures of fatty acids, or industrial grades of palmitic or stearic acid, under HS 291570 when they do not meet the purity requirements for chemically defined organic compounds of Chapter 29. Importers often overlook General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. For instance, industrial stearic acid, which is typically a mixture of stearic and palmitic acids with other fatty acids, should be classified under 3823. Another mistake is classifying derivatives that are not salts or esters, or complex preparations containing these substances, under this subheading, ignoring the specific chemical scope.
How should importers classify products under HS 291570?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291570 requires meticulous attention to chemical identity and purity. Importers and customs brokers should first verify that the product is chemically defined palmitic acid, stearic acid, a specific salt thereof, or a specific ester thereof, meeting the purity standards for Chapter 29. This often necessitates obtaining a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly indicating the chemical name, CAS number, and purity level. If the product is a mixture or an industrial grade, or if it is a preparation, it must be evaluated against other headings, particularly Chapter 38 for industrial fatty acids or other functional Chapters, applying GRI 1 and subsequent GRIs as necessary to determine the most appropriate classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for products classified under HS 291570 (Palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters) in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 291570 vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 4.0% ad valorem duty rate for MFN. The European Union (EU TARIC) and the United Kingdom Trade Tariff typically apply a 0.0% ad valorem duty rate. Other countries may have rates such as 5.5% or even higher, up to 29.5% ad valorem in specific markets. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and current MFN duty rate.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty treatment for HS 291570, and how can importers claim these benefits?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty treatment, often resulting in a 'Free' (0.0% ad valorem) duty rate for HS 291570. In the United States, examples include agreements with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others (indicated by symbols like A*, D, E, P, S). To claim these preferential rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin requirements of the specific trade agreement and possess the necessary documentation, such as a certificate of origin or a declaration of origin, which must be presented to customs authorities at the time of import. Failure to provide proper documentation will result in the application of the MFN duty rate.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing products under HS 291570 from other organic chemicals?
HS 291570 specifically covers palmitic acid, stearic acid, and their respective salts and esters. The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical identity of the substance. Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms (C16:0), and stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms (C18:0). Importers and customs brokers must ensure that the product's chemical composition precisely matches these descriptions, including the specific fatty acid, its salt (e.g., sodium palmitate), or its ester (e.g., methyl stearate). Products that are mixtures or derivatives not specifically named, or other fatty acids, would be classified elsewhere, often in other subheadings of Chapter 29 or Chapter 38 if they are prepared mixtures not elsewhere specified.
Are there any specific documentation requirements, beyond standard import documents, for HS 291570?
Beyond standard import documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, the primary additional documentation requirement for HS 291570 often relates to proving origin for preferential duty claims, as mentioned previously (e.g., Certificate of Origin). While not universally required for all imports of these specific chemicals, some jurisdictions may request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemical products to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. Furthermore, if the product is intended for specific uses (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics), additional regulatory body approvals or certifications might be necessary, although these are typically use-specific rather than HS code-specific import requirements.