HS 291631 Aromatic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their derivatives

Quick Answer: HS code 291631 encompasses aromatic monocarboxylic acids and their various derivatives, including anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. In plain terms, this covers a range of organic chemical compounds characterized by a single carboxyl group attached to an aromatic ring, often used as intermediates in pharmaceuticals, plastics, and dyes. Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific product. For example, the UK Trade Tariff shows rates like 6.00% ad valorem and 0.00% for certain subheadings. The EU TARIC system generally applies a 6.50% ad valorem duty. The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) presents a more complex structure, with rates such as 6.5% ad valorem, or specific duties like 15.4¢/kg + 40% ad valorem, alongside numerous Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG) provisions under various trade agreements. Importers and customs brokers must verify the exact 10-digit subheading for precise duty and trade agreement eligibility.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2916310010 6.00 % — —
2916310090 — — —
2916310099 0.00 % — —
2916310000 — — —
2916310020 6.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2916310000 — — —
2916310010 6.50 % — —
2916310020 6.50 % — —
2916310090 — — —
2916310091 6.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2916311105 — — ["kg"]
291631 — — —
29163111 6.5% Free (17 programs) —
2916311170 — — ["kg"]
2916311190 — — ["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 2916.31?

Imports of Aromatic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their derivatives 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 16 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 291631 cover?

This subheading covers benzoic acid, its salts, and esters, which are specific aromatic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this includes the parent compound benzoic acid (C6H5COOH), as well as various salts like sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate, and esters such as methyl benzoate or ethyl benzoate. These compounds are characterized by a carboxyl group (-COOH) directly attached to a benzene ring, making them fundamental aromatic organic chemicals with diverse industrial applications.

What falls outside HS 291631?

The following products are excluded from HS 291631: aromatic polycarboxylic acids, such as phthalic acid (classified under 2917.31), which possess more than one carboxyl group. Additionally, aromatic monocarboxylic acids that are not benzoic acid or its derivatives, for instance, phenylacetic acid (classified under 2916.34), fall outside this specific subheading. Products that are not "aromatic" or "monocarboxylic" are also excluded, ensuring a precise scope for benzoic acid and its direct derivatives. Complex derivatives where the benzoic acid structure is significantly altered or incorporated into larger, more specific chemical structures may also be classified elsewhere based on their predominant function or chemical nature.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 291631?

A common error is misclassifying other aromatic monocarboxylic acids or their derivatives as benzoic acid or its derivatives, particularly when the chemical names are similar or the importer is unfamiliar with the precise chemical structure. For example, confusing phenylacetic acid with benzoic acid due to both being aromatic monocarboxylic acids is a frequent mistake, despite their distinct chemical structures and separate HS codes. Another error involves failing to correctly identify salts or esters, leading to incorrect classification. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such inaccuracies.

How should importers classify products under HS 291631?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291631 involves a meticulous review of the product's chemical name, CAS number, and structural formula to confirm it is indeed benzoic acid, a salt thereof, or an ester thereof. Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29, specifically Heading 2916, and cross-reference with the USITC HTSUS or EU TARIC to ensure alignment with official interpretations. Obtaining a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer is highly recommended, as these documents typically provide the precise chemical identity required for accurate classification, thereby minimizing the risk of errors and potential penalties.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 291620 HS 291611 HS 291732 HS 291632 HS 291634 HS 291821

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for products classified under HS 2916.31, and how can preferential rates apply?

For products classified under HS 2916.31, which covers 'Aromatic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their derivatives,' typical MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rates can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies an MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database often shows an MFN rate of 6.5% ad valorem for many products within this subheading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 6.5% ad valorem rate. However, preferential duty rates, including 'Free,' are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs. For instance, imports into the US from 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) may qualify for duty-free treatment under specific trade agreements (e.g., US-AU FTA, KORUS FTA). Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and ensure compliance with rules of origin to claim preferential treatment.

What are the key classification criteria for ensuring a product correctly falls under HS 2916.31?

The primary classification criteria for HS 2916.31 revolve around the chemical structure and function of the compound. This subheading specifically covers 'Aromatic monocarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their derivatives.' Key elements for classification include:

  1. Aromatic Nature: The compound must contain at least one benzene ring or other aromatic system.
  2. Monocarboxylic Acid: It must possess a single carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional group, or be a derivative of such an acid.
  3. Derivatives: This includes anhydrides (e.g., phthalic anhydride), halides (e.g., benzoyl chloride), peroxides, and peroxyacids of these aromatic monocarboxylic acids.
  4. Exclusions: It's crucial to distinguish these from polycarboxylic acids (HS 2917) or other organic acids (HS 2918) which contain additional oxygen functions. For example, benzoic acid is a classic example of a compound classified here. Importers should have detailed chemical specifications, including CAS numbers and chemical structures, to support classification.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities for importing goods under HS 2916.31?

To ensure smooth customs clearance for products under HS 2916.31, importers should prepare comprehensive documentation. Standard requirements typically include:

  1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the goods, value, quantity, and parties involved.
  2. Packing List: Itemizing the contents of each package.
  3. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: The transport document.
  4. Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Technical Data Sheet (TDS): Essential for chemical products, providing chemical composition, purity, CAS number, and other relevant specifications to confirm classification.
  5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS): Required for hazardous materials, providing information on safety, handling, and environmental impact.
  6. Certificate of Origin: Crucial for claiming preferential duty rates under FTAs or GSP schemes. This document attests to the country where the goods were produced or manufactured.
  7. Importer Security Filing (ISF): For maritime shipments into the US, required prior to loading. Customs authorities may request additional documentation based on specific national regulations or risk assessments. It is advisable to consult with a licensed customs broker or the relevant customs authority in the importing country.
Which major trade agreements are most likely to offer preferential duty treatment for products under HS 2916.31?

Several major trade agreements and preference programs can offer preferential or duty-free treatment for products classified under HS 2916.31, depending on the importing and exporting countries. Key agreements include:

  • United States FTAs: Agreements such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), KORUS FTA (with South Korea), US-Australia FTA, US-Chile FTA, US-Colombia TPA, US-Panama TPA, US-Peru TPA, and agreements with Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, and Singapore frequently provide duty-free access for qualifying goods.
  • European Union FTAs: The EU has extensive FTAs (e.g., with Canada, Japan, South Korea, UK, Mercosur – though not fully ratified by all parties) that could offer reduced or zero duties. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) also provides preferential access for developing countries.
  • UK Trade Agreements: Post-Brexit, the UK has rolled over or established new FTAs (e.g., with Australia, Japan, South Korea) and maintains a GSP scheme.
  • ASEAN FTAs: Agreements within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their FTAs with partners like China, Japan, and South Korea.
  • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): This agreement, involving many Asia-Pacific nations, offers significant tariff reductions. Importers must ensure that the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin (ROO) criteria outlined in each respective agreement to qualify for preferential treatment. A valid Certificate of Origin is typically required to substantiate such claims.