HS 293379 Other lactams
Quick Answer: HS 293379 covers "Other lactams," a diverse group of cyclic amides not specifically classified elsewhere within Chapter 29. These organic chemical compounds are crucial intermediates in the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and other fine chemicals. For importers and exporters, understanding the specific lactam is critical due to varied tariff treatment. In the UK, common Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rates are 6.00% ad valorem. The EU TARIC system shows MFN rates often at 6.50% ad valorem, though some specific lactams may be 0.00%. The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) exhibits significant variation, with rates ranging from Free to complex compound duties like 15.4¢/kg + 52% ad valorem, or 6.5% ad valorem. Accurate classification to the 8-digit or 10-digit level is essential to determine the precise duty and avoid compliance issues.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2933790015 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2933790025 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2933790045 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2933790065 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 2933790085 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2933790025 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 2933790090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2933790000 | — | — | — |
| 2933790015 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 2933790023 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2933790400 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 2933791500 | 6.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2933794000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 293379 | — | — | — |
| 2933790800 | 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 2933.79?
Imports of Other lactams 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 17 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 293379 cover?
This subheading covers lactams other than those specifically provided for in subheadings 2933.71 (6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam)) and 2933.72 (Clobazam and Methyprylon). As per the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) to Heading 2933, lactams are cyclic amides formed by the intramolecular reaction of an amino acid, characterized by a nitrogen atom directly bonded to a carbonyl carbon within a ring structure. This residual subheading captures a diverse range of cyclic amides that do not meet the specific structural or chemical definitions of the more specific subheadings under 2933.7, encompassing various ring sizes and substituent groups, provided they are chemically defined organic compounds.
What falls outside HS 293379?
The following products are excluded from HS 293379: 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam), which is specifically classified under HS 2933.71. Clobazam and Methyprylon are also excluded, falling under HS 2933.72. Furthermore, polymers of lactams, such as nylon 6 (polycaprolactam), are excluded from Chapter 29 entirely and are classified in Chapter 39 as plastics and articles thereof, typically under HS 3908.10. Cyclic imides, which possess two carbonyl groups directly attached to the nitrogen atom within the ring, are also excluded and are generally classified under HS 2925.19, as they are structurally distinct from lactams.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 293379?
A common error is misclassifying 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam) under HS 293379 instead of its specific subheading, HS 2933.71. Another frequent mistake involves classifying polymers of lactams, such as poly(epsilon-caprolactam) (Nylon 6), within Chapter 29. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, the legal text of the headings and section or chapter notes takes precedence, and Chapter 29 is for chemically defined organic compounds, not polymers. Polymers are explicitly covered in Chapter 39. Importers sometimes also confuse lactams with cyclic imides or other heterocyclic compounds, leading to incorrect classification outside Heading 2933 entirely, necessitating careful structural analysis.
How should importers classify products under HS 293379?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 293379 involves a systematic approach. First, verify that the product is a chemically defined organic compound and specifically a lactam. Second, meticulously review the product's chemical name and structure to ensure it is not 6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam) (HS 2933.71) or Clobazam/Methyprylon (HS 2933.72). If it is a lactam but not one of those specifically enumerated, then HS 293379 is the appropriate residual subheading. Importers should consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2933 and, if necessary, obtain a binding ruling from their respective customs authority (e.g., US Customs and Border Protection or EU TARIC) to ensure accuracy and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for products classified under HS 2933.79 in key markets?
The MFN duty rates for 'Other lactams' (HS 2933.79) vary by importing country. For example, the current MFN duty rate for imports into the United States is 6.5% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). In the European Union, the MFN duty rate under the TARIC system is 6.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also applies a 6.5% ad valorem MFN duty rate. Importers should always verify the specific rate applicable to their destination country using official tariff databases like the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Other lactams' under HS 2933.79, and how does it differ from related headings?
HS 2933.79 specifically covers 'Other lactams,' which are cyclic amides formed from amino acids, not elsewhere specified or included within the broader heading 2933. This subheading is a residual category for lactams that do not fall under more specific subheadings like 2933.71 (6-hexanelactam (epsilon-caprolactam)) or 2933.72 (Clobazam (INN) and Methyprylon (INN)). Classification hinges on the chemical structure of the lactam, ensuring it is a heterocyclic compound with nitrogen only as a hetero-atom, and that it does not possess other functional groups that would place it in a different chapter or heading (e.g., if it were a provitamin or vitamin in Chapter 29, Section VI). Importers should provide a detailed chemical name, CAS number, and structural formula to customs authorities to ensure accurate classification.
Which preferential trade agreements commonly offer reduced or zero duty rates for HS 2933.79, and what documentation is required?
Many preferential trade agreements offer reduced or zero duty rates for 'Other lactams' under HS 2933.79, provided the products meet the respective rules of origin. For imports into the United States, examples include the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), where qualifying goods from Mexico or Canada may enter duty-free. Similarly, goods from various developing countries may qualify for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), though GSP eligibility can change. For imports into the EU, agreements like the EU-Japan EPA or the EU-Korea FTA may offer preferential rates. The primary documentation required to claim preferential treatment is a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate, or a GSP Form A), or an origin declaration, demonstrating that the goods originate in a party to the agreement. Importers must ensure their suppliers can provide this documentation.
Are there any specific import documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for 'Other lactams' under HS 2933.79 beyond standard customs declarations?
Beyond standard customs declarations (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), importers of 'Other lactams' under HS 2933.79 should be aware of potential chemical-specific regulations. Depending on the specific lactam, it may be subject to control under chemical inventories such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the United States, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the European Union, or similar chemical control laws in other jurisdictions. Importers should verify if the specific lactam requires pre-manufacture notification, registration, or if it is on a restricted substances list. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is typically required for chemical imports and provides crucial information for customs and regulatory compliance. It is advisable to consult with a customs broker experienced in chemical imports.