HS 292217 Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine
Quick Answer: HS Code 2922.17 covers Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and Ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA), which are organic chemical compounds classified as amino-alcohols. These chemicals are primarily used as solvents, intermediates in chemical synthesis, and in gas sweetening processes to remove acidic gases like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas streams. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the duty rates is crucial: the UK applies a 6.00% ad valorem duty, the EU a 6.50% ad valorem duty, and the US also a 6.5% ad valorem duty under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. However, the US offers significant preferential duty treatment, including "Free" rates for goods originating from numerous Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners (e.g., Australia, Korea, Mexico, Singapore), while non-market economy rates can be as high as 30.5%. Importers should verify origin to leverage these preferential rates.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922170000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922170000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2922170000 | 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 2922.17?
Imports of Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 292217 cover?
This subheading covers two specific chemical compounds: methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA). These are amino-alcohols, specifically diols, where one of the hydroxyl groups is replaced by an amino group. The WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature, as reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, precisely defines this subheading to include only these two distinct chemical entities. MDEA, with the chemical formula CH₃N(CH₂CH₂OH)₂, and EDEA, with the formula CH₃CH₂N(CH₂CH₂OH)₂, are primarily used as gas sweetening agents in natural gas and refinery streams to remove acidic gases like H₂S and CO₂, and also find applications in polyurethane foam production and as corrosion inhibitors.
What falls outside HS 292217?
The following products are excluded from HS 292217, even if they are structurally similar amino-alcohols. For instance, diethanolamine (DEA), which lacks the methyl or ethyl group on the nitrogen atom, is classified under HS 292212. Triethanolamine (TEA), having three ethanol groups attached to the nitrogen, is classified under HS 292215. Other amino-alcohols, such as monoethanolamine (MEA) or propanolamines, are also excluded and fall under different subheadings within Heading 2922, depending on their specific chemical structure and number of alcohol and amino groups. Products that are mixtures containing MDEA or EDEA, but where the MDEA or EDEA is not the predominant component, might also be classified elsewhere, potentially under mixtures of chemicals or preparations.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 292217?
A common error is misclassifying other amino-alcohols, particularly those with similar names or uses, into HS 292217. For example, confusing diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA) with methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) or ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA) is a frequent mistake, despite their distinct HS codes (292212 and 292215, respectively). This often stems from a lack of precise chemical identification or an over-reliance on trade names rather than chemical nomenclature. Applying 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. Importers must ensure the exact chemical structure matches the specific description "Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine" to avoid misclassification and potential penalties.
How should importers classify products under HS 292217?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 292217 involves a rigorous verification of the chemical identity. Importers and customs brokers should first obtain the precise chemical name, CAS number, and chemical formula for the product. This information should then be cross-referenced with the WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature, the USITC HTSUS, or the EU TARIC to confirm that the product is indeed either methyldiethanolamine or ethyldiethanolamine. If the product is a mixture, the concentration of MDEA or EDEA must be determined to ascertain if it constitutes the essential character, or if the mixture should be classified under a different heading according to GRI 3(b). Consulting a qualified customs broker or obtaining a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US) is highly recommended for complex cases or when uncertainty exists.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2922.17 (Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine) in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2922.17 vary by importing country. For example, the United States typically applies a rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 6.5% ad valorem MFN rate. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most current and accurate MFN duty rate, as these are subject to change based on national legislation and WCO recommendations.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine (HS 2922.17) under common free trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, often 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are available for HS 2922.17 under various free trade agreements, provided the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin. In the United States, for instance, goods originating 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 qualify for duty-free entry under their respective Free Trade Agreements. Similar preferential treatments exist in the EU and UK for goods originating from partner countries. Importers must ensure they have the correct origin documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine under HS 2922.17?
HS 2922.17 specifically covers 'Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one type of oxygen function: Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine'. The primary classification criteria are the chemical structure and specific identity of the compound. These are acyclic amino-alcohols, meaning they contain both an amino (-NH2, -NH-, or -N<) group and a hydroxyl (-OH) group, but no other oxygen-containing functional groups (like ethers, ketones, aldehydes, or carboxylic acids). The 'methyldiethanolamine' and 'ethyldiethanolamine' are precise chemical names, and classification under this subheading requires the product to be one of these two specific compounds, or a mixture predominantly consisting of them. Purity and chemical analysis reports are often crucial for accurate classification.
What documentation is typically required for the import of Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine (HS 2922.17)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2922.17 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. To claim preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., FTA certificate, EUR.1, GSP Form A) is essential. Given these are chemical products, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often required by customs or other regulatory agencies for safety and environmental compliance. Depending on the importing country's specific chemical regulations, additional permits or declarations related to chemical control laws (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU) may also be necessary, though Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine are generally considered industrial chemicals and not typically subject to stringent controls like narcotics or precursors.
Could Methyldiethanolamine or ethyldiethanolamine be subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD) under HS 2922.17?
While HS 2922.17 itself does not inherently trigger AD/CVD, specific products classified under this subheading could become subject to such duties if an importing country's trade authority (e.g., US Department of Commerce, EU Commission) initiates and concludes an investigation finding that imports of Methyldiethanolamine or ethyldiethanolamine from a particular country are being dumped or subsidized, causing material injury to the domestic industry. Importers should regularly check the official trade remedy websites of the importing country (e.g., USITC, EU Trade Defence) for any ongoing or concluded AD/CVD investigations or orders pertaining to these specific chemicals and their countries of origin. Failure to account for applicable AD/CVD can result in significant penalties.