HS 292121 Acyclic polyamines and their derivatives; salts thereof
Quick Answer: HS code 292121 covers acyclic diamines, specifically ethylenediamine and its salts. These are organic chemical compounds characterized by two amine groups and a straight-chain carbon structure. Ethylenediamine is a foundational chemical used in the production of chelating agents, fungicides, and pharmaceuticals. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the precise chemical structure is crucial for accurate classification. Key duty rates include 6.0% ad valorem in the UK and EU. The US applies a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.8% ad valorem, with significant preferential duty treatment, including "Free" for goods originating from numerous countries under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special programs (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, IL, KR, MA, SG). Importers should leverage these preferential rates where applicable to optimize costs, ensuring compliance with rules of origin.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2921210000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2921210000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2921210000 | 5.8% | 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 2921.21?
Imports of Acyclic polyamines and their derivatives; salts thereof 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 292121 cover?
This subheading covers acyclic diamines with an oxygen function, specifically ethylenediamine (EDA) and its salts, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and further elaborated in national tariff schedules such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC. Ethylenediamine is a colorless, alkaline liquid with an ammonia-like odor, widely used as a building block in the synthesis of various chemicals, including chelating agents, fungicides, and pharmaceuticals. Its salts, formed by reaction with acids, also fall within this specific classification, provided they retain the fundamental chemical characteristics of ethylenediamine and are not further modified to become complex derivatives classified elsewhere.
What falls outside HS 292121?
The following products are excluded from HS 292121: acyclic polyamines that are not ethylenediamine or its salts, such as diethylenetriamine (DETA) or triethylenetetramine (TETA), which are classified under HS 292129. Additionally, derivatives of ethylenediamine that have undergone significant chemical modification beyond simple salt formation, leading to new functional groups or complex structures, are generally excluded. For example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its salts, despite being derived from ethylenediamine, are classified under HS 292249 as amino-acids with other oxygen functions, due to the presence of carboxylic acid groups. Similarly, cyclic polyamines are excluded, falling under HS 292130 or other relevant headings based on their specific chemical structure.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 292121?
A common error is misclassifying other acyclic polyamines, such as diethylenetriamine (DETA) or triethylenetetramine (TETA), under HS 292121 instead of the more general HS 292129, which covers "Other acyclic polyamines and their derivatives; salts thereof." This mistake often arises from an insufficient understanding of the specific chemical scope of "ethylenediamine and its salts." Another frequent error involves classifying complex derivatives of ethylenediamine, like EDTA, within this subheading, failing to recognize that the presence of additional functional groups (e.g., carboxylic acids) dictates classification under a more specific heading, often guided by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6, which prioritize specific descriptions over general ones and require comparison at the subheading level. Careful chemical analysis is crucial to avoid these pitfalls.
How should importers classify products under HS 292121?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 292121 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the substance as ethylenediamine or one of its direct salts. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly stating the chemical name, CAS number, and molecular structure. This documentation is essential to verify that the product is indeed ethylenediamine or a simple salt thereof, and not a more complex derivative or another acyclic polyamine. If there is any ambiguity, consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2921 and relevant national classification rulings (e.g., CBP rulings in the US, or EU Binding Tariff Information) is strongly recommended to ensure accurate and compliant classification, thereby avoiding potential penalties or delays.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for goods classified under HS 2921.21 in key markets, and how do preferential rates apply?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rate for HS 2921.21 'Acyclic polyamines and their derivatives; salts thereof' varies by importing country. For instance, the United States applies an MFN duty rate of 6.0% ad valorem (per HTSUS Chapter 29, Subheading 2921.21.00). The European Union's TARIC database indicates a general MFN duty rate of 6.0% ad valorem for this subheading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 6.0% ad valorem MFN rate. However, many countries offer preferential duty treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs. For example, 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 be eligible for a 'Free' duty rate, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify product eligibility under relevant trade agreements to claim preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for acyclic polyamines under HS 2921.21, and what common errors should be avoided?
HS 2921.21 specifically covers 'Acyclic polyamines and their derivatives; salts thereof'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical structure: the compound must be an acyclic (non-cyclic) organic chemical containing two or more amino (-NH2, -NH-, or -N<) functional groups. Derivatives, such as N-substituted polyamines, and their corresponding salts (e.g., hydrochlorides) are also included. Common classification errors include misidentifying cyclic polyamines (which fall under other subheadings, typically in HS 2921.30 or 2921.90), or classifying complex mixtures where the polyamine is not the predominant or essential character-imparting component. Importers should provide detailed chemical names, CAS numbers, and structural formulas to customs authorities to ensure accurate classification, referencing the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 29 for guidance.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 2921.21, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation for HS 2921.21 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. For chemical products, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) may be requested by customs or other regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA in the US, ECHA in the EU) to verify the chemical identity, purity, and safety characteristics. When claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate) or an origin declaration on the invoice is mandatory. This document must attest that the goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria outlined in the respective trade agreement. Failure to provide correct and complete documentation can result in delays, penalties, or denial of preferential duty treatment.
Are there any specific trade agreements that frequently offer duty-free access for HS 2921.21, and what are the implications for importers?
Yes, numerous trade agreements frequently offer duty-free access for products under HS 2921.21. For US imports, agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), KORUS FTA (US-Korea Free Trade Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), and various bilateral FTAs (e.g., with Australia, Singapore, Chile, Peru) often provide 'Free' duty rates, provided the goods originate in the partner country. Similarly, within the EU, goods originating from FTA partners (e.g., Japan, Canada, UK post-Brexit under the TCA) can benefit from zero duties. For UK imports, the UK's independent FTAs and GSP schemes may offer preferential treatment. The implication for importers is significant: by understanding and correctly applying these agreements, businesses can substantially reduce import costs. It is crucial to ensure that the imported polyamines meet the specific 'rules of origin' for the relevant agreement, which often involve criteria related to where the product was wholly obtained or underwent substantial transformation, to qualify for the preferential rate.