Styrene Monomer
Styrene monomer (C6H5CH=CH2) is a clear, colorless liquid cyclic hydrocarbon used as a building block for polystyrene plastics and synthetic rubbers. It is a separate chemically defined organic compound, falling under tariff item 2902.50.00. This is the standard form of styrene for general industrial use.
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 mixture of styrene with other hydrocarbons
A mixture would not be a separate chemically defined compound, so it would fall under other cyclic hydrocarbons.
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
• Classify the product as 2902.50.00 and ensure the invoice describes it as styrene monomer, not a mixture
• Check if the styrene is subject to Canadian GST/HST and any provincial taxes
• For bulk shipments, comply with Canadian Transport of Dangerous Goods regulations and provide a safety data sheet
Related Products under Tariff item 2902.50.00
Electronic-Grade Styrene Monomer
Electronic-grade styrene monomer is an ultra-high purity form of styrene (C6H5CH=CH2), a cyclic hydrocarbon, with metal impurities below 1 ppm and particle counts under 5 ppb. It is used in photoresist manufacturing for semiconductor production. Despite its specialized application, it remains a separate chemically defined organic compound, classifiable under tariff item 2902.50.00.
Inhibited Styrene Monomer
Inhibited styrene monomer contains 10-15 ppm of tert-butylcatechol (TBC) as a polymerization stabilizer, added to ensure stability during storage and transport. The stabilizer is necessary for preservation and does not alter the product's general use, so it remains a separate chemically defined organic compound under tariff item 2902.50.00. This aligns with Chapter 29 note 1(f) allowing added stabilizers.
Polymer-Grade Styrene
Polymer-grade styrene is a high-purity form of styrene with over 99.7% purity and low levels of aldehydes and peroxides, specifically produced for polystyrene and ABS resin manufacturing. As a separate chemically defined cyclic hydrocarbon, it falls under tariff item 2902.50.00. The high purity does not affect classification, as it remains a single compound.
Styrene for SBR Rubber Production
Styrene monomer refined for styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) production has controlled impurity levels to prevent interference with rubber curing. It is a separate chemically defined cyclic hydrocarbon, classifiable under tariff item 2902.50.00. The refinement for a specific application does not change its chemical identity.
Styrene with Anti-Dusting Agent
Styrene with an anti-dusting agent contains a trace odoriferous substance, such as methyl acrylate, added solely for safety identification. This addition is permitted under Chapter 29 note 1(g) as it does not make the product suitable for a specific use. The product remains a separate chemically defined cyclic hydrocarbon, classifiable under tariff item 2902.50.00.