HS 382311 Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining
Quick Answer: Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining, imported under HS 382311, enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 5.10% ad valorem, and the US at 2.1¢/kg + 3.8% under the MFN rate. This classification covers saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with a single carboxyl group, derived from natural fats and oils, as well as by-products of their refining. Importers should note the significant duty rate differences between major trading blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific preferential rates and any potential additional duties or taxes applicable in the destination country.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3823110020 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3823110070 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3823110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3823110050 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3823110080 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3823110000 | 5.10 % | — | — |
| 3823110020 | 5.10 % | — | — |
| 3823110050 | 5.10 % | — | — |
| 3823110070 | 5.10 % | — | — |
| 3823110080 | 5.10 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3823110000 | 2.1¢/kg + 3.8% | 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 3823.11?
Imports of Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining 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, 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 382311 cover?
This subheading covers industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, which are organic acids containing a single carboxyl group and a long aliphatic chain, and acid oils derived from the refining of fats and oils. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these are typically derived from animal or vegetable fats and oils and are used in various industrial applications such as lubricants, soaps, and plastics. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, generally including stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid when intended for industrial use.
What falls outside HS 382311?
The following products are excluded from HS 382311: fatty acids of Chapter 15, such as those derived directly from the processing of animal or vegetable fats and oils for food use, and chemically pure monocarboxylic fatty acids of a purity exceeding 90% by weight, which are typically classified under Chapter 29. For instance, pure oleic acid of 95% purity would fall under HS 2916.20. Also excluded are mixtures of fatty acids where one or more components are present in a proportion that would lead to classification in a more specific heading, or those specifically listed elsewhere in the tariff schedule.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 382311?
A common error is misclassifying chemically pure fatty acids intended for pharmaceutical or food applications under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product meets the criteria for a more specific heading, such as Chapter 29 for chemically defined organic compounds, it should be classified there, even if it also fits the description of heading 3823. For example, a highly purified fatty acid for cosmetic formulations is unlikely to be classified here.
How should importers classify products under HS 382311?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 382311 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition, purity, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Key considerations include whether the product is a monocarboxylic fatty acid or an acid oil from refining, and its purity level. If the product is chemically pure and intended for specific applications like pharmaceuticals, it may fall under Chapter 29.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 382311?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of industrial stearic acid, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is: 5.0% × $2,500 USD = $125.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 3823.11.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 382311?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 382311, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating products from Canada and Mexico can receive a duty rate of Free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required, detailing the product's origin and compliance with the agreement's rules of origin. Other agreements might offer reduced rates for specific countries, but USMCA is a prominent example for North American trade.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the primary import duty rates for HS code 382311, covering industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining?
The import duty rates for HS code 382311 vary significantly by country. For example, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.00%. However, preferential rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may also apply. For instance, goods from Australia (AU) or South Korea (KR) might enter duty-free under specific agreements. It is crucial to consult the latest USITC tariff schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date rates applicable to your specific country of origin.
How are industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining classified under HS code 382311?
HS code 382311 specifically covers 'Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining'. This includes fatty acids derived from animal or vegetable fats and oils, with a chain length of typically 10 to 22 carbon atoms, used for industrial purposes. Acid oils from refining are by-products of the purification of fats and oils. Classification hinges on the chemical composition and intended industrial use. For definitive guidance, refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) and national tariff schedules.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 382311?
When importing industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids or acid oils from refining (HS 382311), standard import documentation is required. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and destination country, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates. Furthermore, importers may need to provide a technical data sheet or a manufacturer's declaration to substantiate the classification and composition of the goods, especially if specific purity or industrial application criteria are relevant for duty assessment or regulatory compliance.
Can you provide an example of how duty is calculated for HS code 382311, considering a specific duty rate structure?
Let's consider a hypothetical scenario where a country applies a duty rate of 2.1¢/kg + 3.8% ad valorem for HS code 382311. If an importer brings in 10,000 kilograms of product valued at $20,000 USD: The specific duty component would be 10,000 kg * $0.021/kg = $210.00. The ad valorem duty component would be 3.8% of $20,000 = $760.00. The total duty payable would be $210.00 + $760.00 = $970.00. It is critical to verify the exact duty calculation method and rates with the customs authority of the importing country.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 382311?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 382311. For example, the United States has FTAs with countries like South Korea (KORUS FTA), Australia (AUSFTA), and others, which may offer reduced or zero duty rates. The European Union's TARIC system lists numerous preferential rates under agreements with countries such as Canada (CETA), Japan (JEFTA), and many others. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff details preferential rates under its global trade deals. Importers should always check the specific origin of their goods against the relevant trade agreement database (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.