HS 291612 Esters of acrylic acid
Quick Answer: HS Code 2916.12 covers "Esters of acrylic acid," which are organic chemical compounds derived from acrylic acid and an alcohol. These chemicals are widely used as monomers in the production of polymers and resins for various applications, including paints, coatings, adhesives, and plastics. For importers, duty rates vary significantly by destination. In the UK, the general duty rate is 6.00% ad valorem. The EU applies a general rate of 6.50% ad valorem. In the United States, rates range from 6.5% ad valorem to "Free" under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, KR), but can also be as high as 15.4¢/kg + 58% for certain non-market economy countries. Importers should verify specific product classifications and origin to leverage potential duty reductions or exemptions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2916120010 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2916120000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2916120090 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2916120010 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 2916120000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 2916120090 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2916121000 | 6.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2916125020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2916125030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2916125040 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2916125050 | — | — | ["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 2916.12?
Imports of Esters of acrylic acid 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291612 cover?
This subheading covers esters of acrylic acid, which are organic chemical compounds derived from acrylic acid where the hydrogen of the carboxyl group is replaced by an organic group. As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC, this includes a range of industrially significant monomers and intermediates. Examples include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, all of which are crucial in the production of polymers, coatings, adhesives, and textiles. These esters are characterized by the presence of the acrylate functional group, making them highly reactive for polymerization processes.
What falls outside HS 291612?
The following products are excluded from HS 291612: acrylic acid itself, which is classified under HS 291611 as an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. Furthermore, polymers of acrylic acid esters, such as poly(methyl acrylate) or poly(butyl acrylate), are classified in Chapter 39, specifically under headings like 3906 for acrylic polymers in primary forms, as they are no longer in their monomeric ester form. Mixed esters, where the acid component is not solely acrylic acid, or esters of methacrylic acid (e.g., methyl methacrylate), are also excluded and typically fall under other subheadings within 2916 or related chapters depending on their specific chemical structure and functional groups.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291612?
A common error is misclassifying acrylic acid itself or its polymers within HS 291612. Importers sometimes confuse the monomeric ester with the parent acid or the resulting polymer, leading to incorrect duty rates and compliance issues. Another frequent mistake involves esters of methacrylic acid, which, despite their similar chemical nature and uses, are distinct compounds and are classified under HS 291614. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors and ensure precise chemical identification.
How should importers classify products under HS 291612?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291612 involves a thorough review of the chemical name and structure to confirm it is indeed an ester of acrylic acid. Importers and customs brokers should obtain the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and the full chemical name from the manufacturer to verify the exact compound. Cross-referencing this information with the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2916 and consulting the USITC HTS or EU TARIC for specific product descriptions will confirm the correct 8-digit or 10-digit subheading. In cases of doubt, a binding ruling request to the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US) is recommended to ensure legal certainty and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for products classified under HS 2916.12, 'Esters of acrylic acid'?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rate for products classified under HS 2916.12, 'Esters of acrylic acid,' varies by importing country. For example, the United States applies a general MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff (CCT) duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem for these products. Importers should always verify the specific MFN rate applicable in their destination country through official customs tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), the EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for 'Esters of acrylic acid' under HS 2916.12 through free trade agreements or special programs?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including duty-free treatment, are available for 'Esters of acrylic acid' under HS 2916.12 when originating from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade programs. For instance, the U.S. HTSUS often grants duty-free status (indicated by 'Free' or 'A', 'AU', 'BH', 'CL', 'CO', 'D', 'E', 'IL', 'JO', 'KR', 'MA', 'OM', 'P', 'PA', 'PE', 'S', 'SG' in the 'Special' column) to goods originating from countries like Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Korea (ROK), Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Esters of acrylic acid' under HS 2916.12, and how do I differentiate them from other organic chemicals?
The key classification criterion for 'Esters of acrylic acid' under HS 2916.12 is their chemical structure: they are derivatives of acrylic acid where the acidic hydrogen is replaced by an organic group (an alkyl or aryl group). This subheading specifically covers the ester form of acrylic acid. To differentiate them from other organic chemicals, it's crucial to analyze the chemical name and structure. For example, acrylic acid itself (the carboxylic acid) is classified under HS 2916.11, while salts of acrylic acid would fall under HS 2916.19. Importers should refer to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29, which provide detailed guidance on the scope and interpretation of chemical classifications, often requiring a chemical analysis report or product specification sheet for accurate classification.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of 'Esters of acrylic acid' under HS 2916.12?
For the import of 'Esters of acrylic acid' under HS 2916.12, customs authorities typically require standard import documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, due to the chemical nature of these products, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often required or highly recommended to provide information on the product's properties, hazards, and safe handling. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., FTA certificate, EUR.1 movement certificate) is mandatory. Depending on the specific ester and its end-use, additional permits or licenses from environmental or chemical regulatory agencies might be necessary in certain countries.