HS 291733 Dinonyl or didecyl orthophthalates
Quick Answer: HS code 291733 specifically covers dinonyl and didecyl orthophthalates, which are chemical compounds primarily used as plasticizers to enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics, particularly PVC. These phthalates are crucial in manufacturing various products, including cables, flooring, and automotive components. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 6.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU's TARIC system shows a 6.50% ad valorem rate. In the US, the general duty rate is 6.5% ad valorem, but preferential rates, including "Free," are available under various trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL, KR, SG). Some specific US tariff lines may also include compound duties, such as 15.4¢/kg + 57%, highlighting the need for precise classification and origin verification to leverage potential duty savings.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2917330000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2917330000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29173300 | 6.5% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2917330010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2917330050 | — | — | ["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 2917.33?
Imports of Dinonyl or didecyl orthophthalates 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 291733 cover?
This subheading covers specific esters of orthophthalic acid, namely dinonyl orthophthalates and didecyl orthophthalates. These are defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature and further detailed in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC. These chemical compounds are primarily used as plasticizers, imparting flexibility and durability to various polymers, particularly PVC. The "nonyl" and "decyl" refer to the alcohol moieties used in the esterification process, specifically where the alkyl chains are nine and ten carbons long, respectively, attached to the phthalate backbone.
What falls outside HS 291733?
The following products are excluded from HS 291733: other phthalate esters, such as dioctyl orthophthalates (DOP) or diisononyl orthophthalates (DINP), which are classified under HS 2917.34 and HS 2917.39 respectively, based on the specific alcohol used in their formation. Additionally, orthophthalic acid itself (HS 2917.31) and other esters of orthophthalic acid not specifically named as dinonyl or didecyl are also excluded. Mixtures containing these specific phthalates but where another component imparts the essential character, or formulated plasticizer blends, might also be classified elsewhere, depending on the concentration and function of the other constituents.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291733?
A common error is misclassifying other phthalate esters under HS 291733 due to a general understanding of "phthalates" without precise identification of the alkyl chain length. For instance, diisononyl orthophthalate (DINP) is frequently confused with dinonyl orthophthalate, leading to incorrect classification under HS 2917.33 instead of the correct HS 2917.39. This mistake often arises from insufficient chemical analysis or reliance on generic product descriptions rather than specific chemical nomenclature. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 291733?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291733 involves a precise chemical identification of the imported substance. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly stating the exact chemical name (e.g., dinonyl orthophthalate or didecyl orthophthalate) and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number. Verification against the WCO HS Nomenclature Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC) for Heading 2917 is essential. If doubt persists, a binding ruling request to the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK) is recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2917.33, 'Dinonyl or didecyl orthophthalates,' in major markets?
The MFN duty rates for HS code 2917.33 vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies a general MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 6.5% ad valorem duty rate. Importers should always verify the current rates through the official tariff schedules of the destination country, such as the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty programs or free trade agreements that offer reduced or zero duties for 'Dinonyl or didecyl orthophthalates' (HS 2917.33)?
Yes, preferential duty treatment is available for HS 2917.33 under various free trade agreements and special programs, provided the goods meet the respective rules of origin. For imports into the United States, duty-free treatment (indicated by 'Free' or a specific program indicator) may be available for products originating from 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) under their respective Free Trade Agreements. Additionally, Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) or other special programs might offer reduced rates for eligible developing countries. Importers must ensure they have the correct documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'Dinonyl or didecyl orthophthalates' under HS 2917.33 from other phthalate esters or plasticizers?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2917.33 is the specific chemical structure: orthophthalates where the ester groups are derived from dinonyl or didecyl alcohols. This heading specifically covers these two types of esters. It is crucial to verify the exact chemical name and structure against the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or chemical analysis report. Other phthalate esters, such as dioctyl phthalates (DOP) or diisononyl phthalates (DINP), are classified under different subheadings within HS 2917.39. The 'orthophthalate' part refers to the benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate structure. Accurate classification requires precise chemical identification to ensure compliance with the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and national classification rulings.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the importation of 'Dinonyl or didecyl orthophthalates' (HS 2917.33)?
For the importation of 'Dinonyl or didecyl orthophthalates' under HS 2917.33, standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a certificate of origin if preferential duty treatment is being claimed. Given that these are chemical products, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often requested or should be readily available for customs and regulatory purposes, providing details on chemical composition, hazards, and handling. Depending on the country of import, specific chemical control regulations might require additional permits or declarations, such as those related to environmental protection or hazardous substances. Importers should consult the specific import requirements of the destination country's customs and chemical regulatory agencies.