Industrial Grade Toluene
Industrial Grade Toluene is a colorless liquid aromatic hydrocarbon used primarily as a solvent in paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical synthesis. As a separate chemically defined compound (C6H5CH3), it is classifiable under tariff item 2902.30.00. The chapter notes allow for impurities, so technical-grade purity does not affect classification.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the product is a blend of toluene with other hydrocarbons
Blends are not separate chemically defined compounds and fall under the residual item.
If the product is formulated as a ready-to-use solvent mixture
Prepared solvents for paint or varnish removal are classified in Chapter 38.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Declare the exact purity and intended use (e.g
• solvent, chemical intermediate) to CBSA
• Provide a certificate of analysis if requested
• Be aware of potential restrictions under environmental regulations for volatile organic compounds
Related Products under Tariff item 2902.30.00
ACS Reagent Toluene
ACS Reagent Toluene is a high-purity grade of toluene (C6H5CH3), a separate chemically defined cyclic hydrocarbon. It meets stringent American Chemical Society standards for laboratory use, making it suitable for analytical chemistry, extractions, and chromatography. Under Chapter 29, it qualifies as a chemically defined organic compound, regardless of purity, and falls under tariff item 2902.30.00.
Nitration Grade Toluene
Nitration Grade Toluene is a high-purity form of toluene refined specifically for nitration reactions to produce intermediates for explosives and pharmaceuticals. It remains a separate chemically defined organic compound (C6H5CH3) and is classifiable under tariff item 2902.30.00. The chapter notes permit impurities, so the specialized purity grade does not change classification.
Paint Thinner Toluene
Paint Thinner Toluene is technical-grade toluene packaged for use as a paint thinner or surface cleaner. Even when packaged for retail sale, it remains a separate chemically defined compound (C6H5CH3) and is classifiable under tariff item 2902.30.00. Chapter note 1(f) allows added stabilizers necessary for preservation, so minimal additives do not affect classification.
Pharmaceutical Grade Toluene
Pharmaceutical Grade Toluene is ultra-high purity toluene (USP/EP grade) used as an extraction solvent in drug manufacturing. It is a separate chemically defined organic compound (C6H5CH3) and falls under tariff item 2902.30.00. The chapter notes allow impurities, so the high purity standard does not alter classification.
Toluene with Stabilizer
Toluene with Stabilizer is toluene containing a polymerization inhibitor (e.g., 0.025% BHT) added for safe transport and preservation. Under Chapter 29, note 1(f) explicitly permits added stabilizers necessary for preservation, so this product remains classifiable as toluene under tariff item 2902.30.00. The stabilizer does not render the product suitable for a specific use.