HS 291590 Other
Quick Answer: HS code 291590, "Other," encompasses a diverse range of acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and derivatives not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 2915. This includes various organic compounds crucial for chemical synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem rate to many sub-lines, while the EU generally levies 5.50% ad valorem. In the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is often 5% ad valorem, though numerous preferential trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL, KR, MX, SG) grant duty-free entry for eligible goods. Some specific products within this "Other" category may face higher rates, such as 20% for certain items in the US. Due to the broad nature of this residual code, precise product identification and origin determination are critical to ensure correct classification and duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915900000 | — | — | — |
| 2915903000 | — | — | — |
| 2915903020 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915903098 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2915909010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2915900000 | — | — | — |
| 2915901500 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915903000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915909025 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2915909030 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29159010 | 5% | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 2915901010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2915901050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 291590 | — | — | — |
| 2915901400 | 4.2% | 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 2915.90?
Imports of Other 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?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291590 cover?
This subheading covers acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives, that are not specifically provided for in subheadings 291511 through 291539. As per the Harmonized System Nomenclature, this "Other" residual subheading within Heading 2915 encompasses a diverse range of organic chemical compounds. Examples include certain higher fatty acids, such as arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid) or behenic acid (docosanoic acid), and their derivatives, provided they meet the chemical structure requirements of acyclic monocarboxylic acids and are not elsewhere specified in the more specific subheadings of Heading 2915, according to USITC and EU TARIC interpretations.
What falls outside HS 291590?
The following products are excluded from HS 291590: formic acid (291511), acetic acid (291521), acetic anhydride (291524), vinyl acetate (291532), ethyl acetate (291539), and other esters of acetic acid (291539). Additionally, salts of these acids are generally classified with the corresponding acid, unless specifically provided for elsewhere. For instance, salts of formic acid (e.g., sodium formate) would fall under 291512, and salts of acetic acid (e.g., sodium acetate) under 291529. Polycarboxylic acids, such as oxalic acid or adipic acid, are excluded as they fall under Heading 2917, while cyclic monocarboxylic acids, like benzoic acid, are classified under Heading 2916. Products that are not pure defined chemical compounds, such as mixtures or preparations, are also excluded and typically fall under Chapter 38 or other relevant chapters.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291590?
A common error is misclassifying specific acyclic monocarboxylic acids or their derivatives that have their own dedicated subheadings within 2915. For example, classifying propionic acid or butyric acid under 291590 instead of their specific subheadings (291550 and 291560, respectively) is incorrect. Another frequent mistake involves overlooking the "acyclic" and "monocarboxylic" criteria, leading to the erroneous inclusion of cyclic acids or polycarboxylic acids. Importers sometimes also fail to distinguish between pure chemical compounds and mixtures or preparations, attempting to classify a formulated product under 291590 when it should properly fall under Chapter 38. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification by the terms of the headings and section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors, ensuring the product precisely matches the chemical definition.
How should importers classify products under HS 291590?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291590 involves a systematic approach. First, confirm that the product is an acyclic monocarboxylic acid or one of its specified derivatives (anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, or halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives). Second, meticulously review all other subheadings within Heading 2915 (291511 through 291539, and 291550, 291560, 291570, 291590) to ensure the product is not more specifically provided for elsewhere. Consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2915 and relevant national tariff interpretations (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC) for detailed guidance and examples. If the product meets the general description of Heading 2915 but is not specifically enumerated in any other subheading, then 291590 is the appropriate classification. Importers and customs brokers should always obtain a Certificate of Analysis or technical data sheet to verify the chemical identity and purity of the substance.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2915.90 in key markets, and what does 'Other' signify for classification?
The 'Other' subheading (2915.90) under HS 2915 covers acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives, that are not specifically provided for in subheadings 2915.11 through 2915.39. This is a residual category. For the United States, the MFN (General) duty rate under HTSUS 2915.90.50 is 4.0% ad valorem. In the European Union (TARIC), the MFN duty rate for 2915.90.00.00 is 5.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) also applies a 5.5% ad valorem MFN duty rate to 2915.90.00. This 'Other' designation means that precise chemical identification is crucial to ensure the product does not fit a more specific subheading within Chapter 29, Section VI of the Harmonized System.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for products classified under HS 2915.90, and which trade agreements are relevant?
Yes, preferential duty rates are available for products classified under HS 2915.90 depending on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For imports into the United States, products from countries party to agreements such as the USMCA (Canada, Mexico), CAFTA-DR (e.g., Dominican Republic, El Salvador), and various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Korea (KR), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) may qualify for a 'Free' duty rate, provided all rules of origin are met. Similarly, the EU and UK have extensive networks of preferential agreements (e.g., GSP, FTAs with Japan, Canada, etc.) that could offer reduced or zero duties. Importers must ensure they have valid Certificates of Origin (e.g., Form A, EUR.1, or specific FTA certificates) to claim these preferential rates.
What specific documentation is required for importing chemicals under HS 2915.90, beyond standard customs documents?
Beyond standard commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading/air waybills, importing chemicals under HS 2915.90 often requires additional documentation to ensure compliance with chemical regulations and safety standards. Key documents may include: a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) providing detailed information on the chemical's properties, hazards, and safe handling; a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming the chemical's purity, composition, and specifications; and, if claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin. Depending on the specific chemical and country of import, permits or licenses from environmental protection agencies or chemical control authorities (e.g., EPA in the US, ECHA for REACH in the EU) might also be necessary, especially for new or restricted substances.
What are the critical classification criteria for distinguishing products under HS 2915.90 from other subheadings within Chapter 29?
The critical classification criteria for HS 2915.90 revolve around the specific chemical structure and functional groups. HS 2915 covers acyclic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 2915.90 is a residual category, meaning a product falls here only if it is not specifically enumerated in 2915.11 (Formic acid), 2915.12 (Salts of formic acid), 2915.13 (Esters of formic acid), 2915.21 (Acetic acid), 2915.24 (Acetic anhydride), 2915.29 (Other acetic acid derivatives), 2915.31 (Ethyl acetate), 2915.32 (Vinyl acetate), 2915.33 (n-Butyl acetate), 2915.39 (Other esters of acetic acid), or 2915.40 (Butyric acids, valeric acids, their salts and esters). Importers must ensure their product is indeed an acyclic monocarboxylic acid derivative and does not fit any of the more specific subheadings based on its carbon chain length, specific acid type, or derivative form (e.g., salt, ester, anhydride). A detailed chemical name and CAS number are essential for accurate classification.