HS 291714 Maleic anhydride
Quick Answer: HS code 291714 specifically covers Maleic Anhydride, a white crystalline solid primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, 1,4-butanediol, and various copolymers. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the duty landscape is crucial. The UK applies a 6.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU TARIC system lists a 6.50% ad valorem rate. In the United States, the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 6.5% ad valorem. However, significant trade preferences exist, allowing duty-free entry for goods originating from numerous countries 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 origin and applicable trade agreements to leverage potential duty savings.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2917140000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2917140000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291714 | — | — | — |
| 2917141000 | 6.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2917145000 | 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 2917.14?
Imports of Maleic anhydride 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 291714 cover?
This subheading covers maleic anhydride, a cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes for Heading 2917, this specific chemical compound is characterized by its five-membered ring structure containing two carbonyl groups and one carbon-carbon double bond. It is a key intermediate in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, 1,4-butanediol, and various copolymers. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system both precisely define "Maleic anhydride" under this eight-digit subheading, ensuring consistent global classification for this distinct chemical entity. Its primary form is white solid flakes or briquettes with a pungent odor.
What falls outside HS 291714?
The following products are excluded from HS 291714: maleic acid (HS 2917.19), which is the hydrated form of maleic anhydride and lacks the cyclic anhydride structure. Fumaric acid, an isomer of maleic acid, is also excluded and classified under HS 2917.19. Additionally, derivatives of maleic anhydride, such as esters or salts, are generally classified under other subheadings within Chapter 29 or Chapter 38, depending on their specific chemical structure and function. For instance, polymers incorporating maleic anhydride as a monomer, if they meet the criteria for plastics, would typically fall under Chapter 39, not Chapter 29, as they are no longer simple organic chemicals.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291714?
A common error is misclassifying maleic acid as maleic anhydride, or vice versa, due to their close chemical relationship. Importers must carefully distinguish between the anhydride (HS 291714) and the corresponding dicarboxylic acid (HS 291719). Another frequent mistake involves classifying polymers or copolymers where maleic anhydride is a constituent monomer under this subheading, rather than under Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof), which is appropriate once polymerization has occurred. Adherence to 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 errors, ensuring the product's chemical identity as a distinct organic chemical is maintained.
How should importers classify products under HS 291714?
The correct procedure for classifying maleic anhydride involves first confirming the chemical identity of the product through its chemical name, CAS number, and structural formula. Importers and customs brokers should verify that the product is indeed the cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride and not maleic acid or a derivative. Consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2917 for precise definitions. For imports into the United States, reference the USITC HTS, specifically subheading 2917.14.00.00, which currently carries a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem. For EU imports, consult the TARIC system for the corresponding eight-digit code and applicable duty rates, ensuring all specific national requirements and anti-dumping duties, if any, are considered. Always maintain detailed product specifications and safety data sheets (SDS) to support the classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for Maleic Anhydride (HS 2917.14) in key markets?
The MFN duty rates for Maleic Anhydride (HS 2917.14) vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies a duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) General column 1. The European Union's TARIC database typically lists an MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also applies a 6.5% ad valorem duty. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most current and accurate MFN rate, as these are subject to change by national legislation.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free entry for Maleic Anhydride (HS 2917.14) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, Maleic Anhydride (HS 2917.14) may qualify for duty-free entry under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or preferential programs. Countries such as 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) are examples of trade partners whose originating goods may enter duty-free under specific FTA provisions. Importers must ensure that the goods meet the Rules of Origin criteria specified in the respective trade agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim preferential treatment. The HTSUS 'Special' column indicates eligibility for these programs.
What are the key classification criteria for Maleic Anhydride under HS 2917.14?
Maleic Anhydride is classified under HS 2917.14 as an acyclic polycarboxylic acid, its anhydride, halide, peroxide, peroxyacid or their derivatives. The specific classification criteria rely on its chemical structure as the cyclic anhydride of maleic acid. It is crucial that the product is chemically pure maleic anhydride. If the product is mixed with other substances, or if it is a derivative other than the anhydride itself, its classification may shift to other subheadings within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) or even other chapters, depending on its composition and primary function. WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provide detailed guidance on the classification of organic chemicals.
What documentation is typically required to import Maleic Anhydride (HS 2917.14) and claim preferential duty rates?
To import Maleic Anhydride (HS 2917.14), standard import documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a safety data sheet (SDS) due to its chemical nature. To claim preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration (depending on the specific agreement and value thresholds) is mandatory. This document certifies that the Maleic Anhydride meets the Rules of Origin of the respective agreement. Customs authorities may also request laboratory analysis reports or technical specifications to verify the chemical identity and purity of the product. Importers should consult the specific requirements of the importing country and the relevant trade agreement.