HS 292215 Triethanolamine
Quick Answer: HS Code 292215 specifically covers Triethanolamine, an organic chemical compound widely used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and pH adjuster in cosmetics, personal care products, detergents, and industrial applications. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. For instance, 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 Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 6.5% ad valorem, with preferential duty-free access available under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, KR). Understanding these specific rates and potential preferential treatments is crucial for accurate cost calculation and trade compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922150000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922150000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922150000 | 6.5% | 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 2922.15?
Imports of Triethanolamine 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 292215 cover?
This subheading covers triethanolamine, a chemical compound with the formula N(CH2CH2OH)3. It is an organic chemical compound that is both a tertiary amine and a triol. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) Explanatory Notes for Heading 2922 specifically include amino-alcohols, and triethanolamine falls squarely within this definition as an acyclic amino-alcohol. Official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, consistently list "Triethanolamine" under this specific eight-digit subheading, confirming its scope for pure or commercially pure forms of the substance.
What falls outside HS 292215?
The following products are excluded from HS 292215: mixtures containing triethanolamine where it is not the predominant component by weight or where other substances impart the essential character, which would typically be classified under other headings, potentially in Chapter 38 if they are preparations. For instance, cosmetic preparations or detergents containing triethanolamine as an ingredient, but not solely consisting of it, would be classified under Chapter 33 or 34, respectively, according to their function and composition. Furthermore, isomers or derivatives of triethanolamine that do not precisely match its chemical structure are also excluded and would be classified under other appropriate subheadings within Chapter 29 or elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 292215?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures containing triethanolamine under this subheading when it is not the sole or essential component. Importers sometimes apply HS 292215 to formulations where triethanolamine acts as an emulsifier or pH adjuster, but the product's primary function is, for example, a cleaning agent or a cosmetic. This contravenes General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which dictates that mixtures should be classified by the material or component that gives them their essential character. Another mistake involves confusing triethanolamine with diethanolamine or monoethanolamine, which are distinct chemical compounds classified under HS 292212 and HS 292211, respectively, despite their similar chemical families.
How should importers classify products under HS 292215?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 292215 involves verifying the chemical identity and purity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, explicitly stating the chemical name "Triethanolamine" and its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number (102-71-6). This documentation confirms that the product is indeed triethanolamine and not a mixture or a different amino-alcohol. If the product is a mixture, a thorough analysis of its composition and essential character, guided by GRI 3(b), is necessary to determine if triethanolamine is the predominant component, otherwise, it should be classified elsewhere based on its function or other constituents.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for Triethanolamine (HS 2922.15) in key markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rate for Triethanolamine (HS 2922.15) varies by importing country. For instance, the United States applies a general MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff duty of 6.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff also lists a 6.5% ad valorem duty. Importers should always verify the current MFN rate directly with the customs authority of the importing country (e.g., USITC Tariff Database, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) as rates can be subject to change.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for Triethanolamine (HS 2922.15) under specific trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are available for Triethanolamine (HS 2922.15) when imported from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade arrangements. For example, the U.S. offers 'Free' duty rates for imports 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 FTAs. Importers must ensure they meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria for the applicable agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates. Failure to meet origin requirements will result in the application of the MFN rate.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 2922.15 for Triethanolamine?
HS code 2922.15 specifically covers 'Triethanolamine'. This classification falls under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to Organic Chemicals. Within Chapter 29, Heading 2922 covers 'Oxygen-function amino-compounds'. The specific subheading 2922.15 is reserved solely for Triethanolamine. The classification hinges on the chemical identity of the product. Importers must ensure that the product is chemically pure Triethanolamine or a mixture where Triethanolamine is the principal constituent, and its chemical structure matches the definition. Any mixtures or derivatives should be carefully reviewed against the General Interpretive Rules (GIRs) and relevant WCO Explanatory Notes to confirm classification, especially if other chemical compounds are present in significant quantities.
What documentation is typically required to import Triethanolamine (HS 2922.15)?
To import Triethanolamine (HS 2922.15), standard import documentation is required, which typically includes: a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and a Certificate of Origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates). Additionally, due to its chemical nature, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is often required by customs and regulatory agencies for hazard assessment and compliance with chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the U.S., REACH in the EU). Importers should also be prepared to provide a detailed chemical analysis or specification sheet if requested by customs to verify the product's identity and purity for classification purposes. It is crucial to consult the specific import requirements of the destination country prior to shipment.
Are there any specific trade restrictions or regulatory considerations for Triethanolamine (HS 2922.15)?
While Triethanolamine itself is not typically subject to widespread direct trade restrictions as a controlled substance, it is an organic chemical and may be subject to various chemical control regulations depending on the importing country and its intended use. For example, in the European Union, it falls under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations. In the United States, it is subject to TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) requirements. Importers should verify if the substance is listed on any national chemical inventories, requires specific registration, or is subject to end-use declarations, particularly if it's used in sensitive applications like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or industrial processes. Compliance with these regulations is separate from customs duties and is critical for legal importation and distribution.