HS 292212 Diethanolamine and its salts
Quick Answer: HS code 2922.12 covers Diethanolamine (DEA) and its chemical salts, which are organic chemical compounds primarily used as emulsifiers, detergents, and in the production of polyurethanes, textiles, and personal care products. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty rates is crucial. In the UK, the standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 6.00% ad valorem. The European Union (EU) applies an MFN rate of 6.50% ad valorem. For imports into the United States, the MFN rate is 6.5% ad valorem, though many countries benefit from preferential duty-free access under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., Australia, Korea, Mexico). A significant trade consideration is the potential for end-use controls or specific licensing requirements due to DEA's use in certain regulated industries.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922120000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922120000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922120001 | 6.5% | Free (18 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 2922.12?
Imports of Diethanolamine 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, 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 292212 cover?
This subheading covers diethanolamine and its salts, which are acyclic monoamines and polyamines, including their derivatives, and salts thereof, as specified in Heading 2922 of the Harmonized System Nomenclature. Diethanolamine (DEA) is an organic compound with the formula HN(CH2CH2OH)2, characterized by having two hydroxyl groups and one amine group. It is primarily used as a surfactant, a corrosion inhibitor, and an intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including detergents, emulsifiers, and personal care products. The scope explicitly includes the pure chemical compound and its various salts, such as diethanolamine hydrochloride, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 292212?
The following products are excluded from HS 292212: monoethanolamine (HS 292211) and triethanolamine (HS 292213), despite their structural similarities as ethanolamines. Furthermore, mixtures containing diethanolamine but formulated for specific end-uses, where the diethanolamine is not the predominant character-imparting component, may be classified elsewhere, often in Chapters 34 or 38, depending on their function (e.g., prepared detergents or anti-corrosion preparations). For instance, a finished cosmetic product containing diethanolamine as an emulsifier would be classified under Chapter 33, not under 292212, as the chemical itself is no longer the primary article of trade but an ingredient in a formulated product. This distinction is crucial for accurate classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 292212?
A common error is misclassifying other ethanolamines, such as monoethanolamine or triethanolamine, under HS 292212 due to their similar chemical structures and names. Importers might also incorrectly classify formulated products containing diethanolamine, rather than the pure chemical or its salts, under this subheading. For example, a cleaning product where diethanolamine acts as a surfactant should not be classified here; it would typically fall under Chapter 34 as a prepared cleaning product. This often violates 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, and GRI 3(b) for mixtures, where the essential character of the goods must be considered.
How should importers classify products under HS 292212?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 292212 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the substance as diethanolamine or one of its salts through chemical analysis or supplier documentation, such as a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is not a mixture or preparation where diethanolamine is merely an ingredient, but rather the pure chemical or its salt. Reference the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2922 and consult the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to ensure alignment with national interpretations. If in doubt, seeking a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority 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) import duty rates for HS code 2922.12 (Diethanolamine and its salts) in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for Harmonized System (HS) code 2922.12 (Diethanolamine and its salts) vary by importing country. For instance, 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 United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 6.5% ad valorem duty. Importers should always verify the current rates using the official tariff schedules of the destination country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
Are there any preferential duty rates or free trade agreement benefits available for importing Diethanolamine and its salts (HS 2922.12)?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including duty-free treatment, are available for HS 2922.12 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special trade programs. For imports into the United States, duty-free treatment (indicated by 'Free' or 'A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, K, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG' in the general notes) is often applicable for goods originating from countries with which the U.S. has FTAs, such as Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore, among others. Similarly, the EU and UK offer preferential rates under their respective FTAs (e.g., GSP, agreements with specific countries). To claim preferential duty rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria of the applicable agreement and possess the required documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin.
What are the key classification criteria for Diethanolamine and its salts under HS 2922.12, and how can I avoid misclassification?
HS code 2922.12 specifically covers 'Diethanolamine and its salts.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the substance. Diethanolamine (DEA) is an organic chemical compound with the formula HN(CH2CH2OH)2. Its salts would include compounds formed when DEA reacts with an acid. To avoid misclassification, importers should: 1) Ensure the product's chemical name and CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number precisely match Diethanolamine or one of its recognized salts. 2) Review the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for chemical composition. 3) Consult the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, specifically Chapter 29, which provides detailed guidance on the classification of organic chemicals. If the product is a mixture, the 'essential character' rule (GRI 3) may apply, or it might be classified under a different heading if it contains other principal active ingredients.
What specific documentation is required for the importation of Diethanolamine and its salts (HS 2922.12)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2922.12 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a Certificate of Origin if preferential duty rates are claimed. Due to the chemical nature of Diethanolamine, additional documentation may be required depending on the importing country's regulations and the product's intended use. This could include: 1) A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for hazard communication. 2) A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming purity and specifications. 3) Compliance with chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the U.S., REACH in the EU/UK) which may require pre-market notification or registration. Importers should consult with a licensed customs broker or the relevant national chemical regulatory authority to ensure all specific documentation and regulatory requirements are met prior to shipment.
Are there any anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD) currently in effect for Diethanolamine (HS 2922.12)?
Anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) are country- and product-specific measures that can significantly impact the final import cost. While specific AD/CVD orders can change, as of recent checks, there are no widespread AD/CVD measures specifically targeting Diethanolamine (HS 2922.12) from major producing countries in key markets like the U.S., EU, or UK. However, importers must always verify the most current information directly from the relevant authorities, such as the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), the European Commission's DG Trade, or the UK's Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). These duties are subject to periodic reviews and can be initiated or revoked based on trade investigations.