HS 291613 Methacrylic acid and its salts
Quick Answer: HS code 291613 covers methacrylic acid and its various salts, which are crucial organic chemical compounds primarily used in the production of polymers, resins, and plastics, particularly in the manufacturing of acrylic sheets, coatings, and adhesives. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty landscape is key. The UK applies a Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate of 6.00% ad valorem. Similarly, the EU's Common Customs Tariff (TARIC) generally imposes an MFN rate of 6.50% ad valorem. In the United States, the MFN duty rate is 4.2% ad valorem, though many countries benefit from duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Importers should verify specific origin eligibility for preferential rates to optimize landed costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2916130030 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2916130000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2916130040 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2916130090 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2916130000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 2916130030 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 2916130040 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 2916130090 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2916130000 | 4.2% | 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 2916.13?
Imports of Methacrylic acid and its salts 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 291613 cover?
This subheading covers methacrylic acid and its salts, which are unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids. Specifically, it encompasses the chemical compound 2-methylpropenoic acid and its various ionic compounds formed with metals or organic bases. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes for Heading 2916, this includes the free acid form as well as derivatives where the acidic hydrogen has been replaced by a cation, such as sodium methacrylate or potassium methacrylate. Official definitions from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system align with this scope, focusing on the distinct chemical structure of methacrylic acid and its direct salt forms.
What falls outside HS 291613?
The following products are excluded from HS 291613: esters of methacrylic acid, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) or ethyl methacrylate, which are classified under HS 291614. Additionally, polymers of methacrylic acid or its salts, even if they retain the original chemical structure in a polymerized form, are generally classified in Chapter 39 as plastics. For instance, poly(methacrylic acid) would typically fall under HS 3906. Furthermore, anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and other derivatives of methacrylic acid, unless they are specifically salts, are classified in other appropriate subheadings within Heading 2916 or other chapters depending on their chemical nature and function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291613?
A common error is misclassifying esters of methacrylic acid, such as methyl methacrylate, under HS 291613 instead of the correct subheading, HS 291614. This mistake often arises from a failure to distinguish between a salt (where the acidic hydrogen is replaced by a cation) and an ester (where the acidic hydrogen is replaced by an alkyl or aryl group, forming an ester linkage). Another frequent error involves classifying polymerized forms of methacrylic acid or its salts within Chapter 29, rather than correctly assigning them to Chapter 39 as polymers. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification by the terms of the headings and section/chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors, ensuring the chemical identity is precisely matched to the subheading description.
How should importers classify products under HS 291613?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291613 involves a meticulous review of the product's chemical name and structure to confirm it is precisely methacrylic acid or one of its direct salts. Importers and customs brokers should first verify the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, if available, and cross-reference it with known entries for methacrylic acid and its salts. It is essential to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, which typically specifies the exact chemical name and purity. If the product is an ester or a polymer, it must be directed to the appropriate subheading (e.g., 291614 for esters) or chapter (e.g., Chapter 39 for polymers), adhering strictly to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and relevant national tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2916.13 (Methacrylic acid and its salts) in key markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2916.13 vary by importing country. For example, the general MFN duty rate in the United States is 4.2% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The EU TARIC database indicates a common MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem for imports into the European Union. Importers should always verify the current MFN rate applicable in their specific destination country through official tariff databases such as the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for Methacrylic acid and its salts (HS 2916.13) under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' rates, are available for HS 2916.13 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special programs, provided the goods meet the respective Rules of Origin. For instance, imports into the United States may qualify for duty-free treatment under agreements such as the USMCA (Canada and Mexico), CAFTA-DR (Central America-Dominican Republic), and FTAs with countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). Importers must ensure they have the correct origin documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for Methacrylic acid and its salts under HS 2916.13?
HS 2916.13 specifically covers 'Methacrylic acid and its salts'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the product: it must be methacrylic acid (2-methylpropenoic acid) or one of its inorganic or organic salts. This subheading is part of Chapter 29, which covers 'Organic chemicals'. Proper classification requires a precise chemical name and, if applicable, the CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number to confirm its identity. It's crucial to distinguish salts from esters, as esters of methacrylic acid (e.g., methyl methacrylate) are classified under different subheadings, typically 2916.14 or 2916.15, which have different duty rates and regulatory requirements.
What documentation is typically required for importing Methacrylic acid and its salts (HS 2916.13)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2916.13 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., a USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1, or other FTA-specific declaration) is essential. Additionally, depending on the importing country and end-use, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) may be required for chemical products like methacrylic acid to comply with chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU). Importers should consult their customs broker and the relevant national regulatory agencies for specific import permit or registration requirements.