HS 293212 2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde)
Quick Answer: HS code 2932.12 specifically covers 2-Furaldehyde, commonly known as furfuraldehyde. This organic chemical compound is a colorless oily liquid with an almond-like odor, primarily derived from agricultural byproducts like corn cobs, oat hulls, and sugarcane bagasse. It serves as a crucial intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including furan, tetrahydrofuran, and furfuryl alcohol, and finds applications in resins, solvents, and pesticides. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty rates is key. The United States imposes a "Free" duty rate on 2-Furaldehyde, making it an attractive market for this product. In contrast, the European Union applies a 6.50% ad valorem duty, while the United Kingdom levies a 6.00% ad valorem duty. These varying rates highlight the importance of origin and destination in trade planning. Importers should verify specific country-of-origin rules and any preferential trade agreements that might alter these standard rates.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2932120000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2932120000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2932120000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 293212 cover?
This subheading covers 2-Furaldehyde, commonly known as furfuraldehyde or furfural, which is an organic chemical compound with the chemical formula C5H4O2. It is an aldehyde derived from furan, characterized by its almond-like odor. As per the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this specific subheading is dedicated solely to this distinct chemical compound, ensuring precise classification for trade purposes. Its primary applications include use as a solvent, a precursor to other furan derivatives, and in the production of various resins and plastics.
What falls outside HS 293212?
The following products are excluded from HS 293212: other furan derivatives that are not 2-furaldehyde, such as furfuryl alcohol (classified under 2932.13), tetrahydrofuran (classified under 2932.11), or furan itself (classified under 2932.19). Additionally, mixtures containing 2-furaldehyde, where the 2-furaldehyde is not the predominant component by weight or where the mixture has specific therapeutic or prophylactic uses, would typically be classified elsewhere, potentially under heading 3824 for prepared binders or chemical products not elsewhere specified, or even Chapter 30 for pharmaceutical products if applicable. Products that are not aldehydes or do not possess the furan ring structure are also clearly excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 293212?
A common error is misclassifying other furan derivatives as 2-furaldehyde, particularly furfuryl alcohol (HS 2932.13), due to their similar chemical structures and names. Importers might also incorrectly classify mixtures containing 2-furaldehyde under this subheading when the mixture's characteristics or composition dictate classification elsewhere, often neglecting General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) which addresses mixtures. Another mistake involves failing to correctly identify the chemical purity or specific isomer, although for 2-furaldehyde, isomer issues are less prevalent than for other complex organic chemicals. Always verify the precise chemical name and CAS number against the product's Certificate of Analysis to avoid these common pitfalls.
How should importers classify products under HS 293212?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 293212 involves first confirming that the product is indeed pure 2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) and not a derivative, mixture, or isomer. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, which clearly states the chemical name, CAS number (98-01-1 for furfural), and purity. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with the WCO HS Nomenclature and national tariff schedules like the HTSUS or EU TARIC. If the product is a mixture, assess the predominant component by weight or the essential character of the mixture to determine if classification under GRI 3 is necessary, but for pure 2-furaldehyde, the classification is straightforward.
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2932.12 (2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde)) in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2932.12 vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies a duty rate of 3.7% ad valorem under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for goods originating from non-preferential countries. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also applies a MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the current rates through the official customs tariff of the destination country, such as the USITC Tariff Database, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty rates or free trade agreements that offer reduced or zero duties for 2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) under HS 2932.12?
Yes, preferential duty rates or duty-free treatment for 2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) under HS 2932.12 are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential programs. For imports into the United States, goods originating from countries party to agreements like USMCA (Canada, Mexico), CAFTA-DR, or certain GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) beneficiary countries may qualify for duty-free entry, provided all rules of origin are met. Similarly, the EU offers preferential rates under agreements such as those with South Korea, Japan, or GSP+ beneficiaries. Importers must ensure they have valid Certificates of Origin or other required documentation to claim preferential treatment. Consult the specific FTA text and the customs authority of the importing country for detailed rules of origin and documentation requirements.
What are the key classification criteria for 2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) under HS 2932.12, and what common errors should importers avoid?
HS code 2932.12 specifically covers '2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde)'. This classification falls under Chapter 29, which pertains to 'Organic chemicals', and specifically under heading 2932 for 'Heterocyclic compounds with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only'. The key criterion is the chemical identity of the product as 2-furaldehyde (C5H4O2). Common classification errors include misidentifying mixtures containing furfuraldehyde as pure furfuraldehyde, or classifying derivatives or other furan compounds under this specific subheading. Importers must ensure that the product's chemical name, CAS number (e.g., 98-01-1), and chemical structure precisely match the description for 2932.12. If the product is a mixture, its classification will depend on the predominant component or essential character, as per General Interpretative Rule 3.
What specific documentation is required for importing 2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) under HS 2932.12, beyond standard customs documents?
Beyond standard customs documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importing 2-Furaldehyde (furfuraldehyde) under HS 2932.12 may require additional specific documents due to its chemical nature. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often required for chemical products to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. Depending on the origin and destination, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) may be requested to confirm the purity and specifications of the chemical. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, NAFTA/USMCA Certificate) is mandatory. Importers should also be aware of any specific chemical import regulations, such as those under TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU, or similar frameworks, which might require pre-market notification or registration.