Cooling Grade Menthol for Cosmetics
High-purity menthol refined for cosmetic applications such as aftershaves and lotions. It is a separate chemically defined organic compound, specifically a cycloterpenic alcohol, falling under tariff item 2906.11.00. The product meets the chapter's requirement for a chemically defined compound and is not put up for retail sale in a manner that would shift 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 menthol is put up in measured doses or packings for retail sale as a cosmetic product.
Section note 2 directs goods put up for retail sale to specific headings, including cosmetics, over the bulk chemical.
If the menthol is incorporated into a pre-mixed cosmetic preparation.
Prepared cosmetic products are classified in Chapter 33, not as bulk chemicals.
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
• Ensure the menthol is clearly labeled as a chemically defined compound with purity specifications to support classification under 2906.11.00
• Provide a certificate of analysis to the CBSA if requested
• Verify that the product is not formulated for retail sale, which could affect classification
Related Products under Tariff item 2906.11.00
Food Grade Menthol Crystals
Food grade menthol crystals approved for direct food contact and flavoring applications. As a pure cyclic alcohol, it qualifies as a separate chemically defined organic compound under chapter note 1(a). The product is not excluded by chapter note 2, which excludes only specific goods like urea or enzymes, not menthol.
Levomenthol (L-Menthol) Bulk Powder
Levomenthol (L-Menthol) in bulk powder form, the most potent cooling isomer, derived from natural sources. It is a separate chemically defined organic compound and a cycloterpenic alcohol, meeting the criteria of chapter note 1(a). The product is not excluded by chapter notes and is classified under 2906.11.00 as specified.
Menthol with Stabilizer for Transport
L-Menthol crystals with a stabilizer added solely to prevent sublimation during transport. Per chapter note 1(f), the addition of a stabilizer necessary for preservation or transport does not remove the product from Chapter 29. The menthol remains a separate chemically defined organic compound under 2906.11.00.
Natural L-Menthol Crystals
Pure L-menthol crystals derived from peppermint oil, used in pharmaceuticals, confectionery, and other applications. As a chemically defined cyclic alcohol, it meets chapter note 1(a) and is not excluded by chapter note 2. The product is classified under 2906.11.00 as a cycloterpenic alcohol.
Peppermint-Derived Menthol Powder
Menthol powder extracted and purified from peppermint essential oil, stabilized with an anti-caking agent for bulk handling. The anti-caking agent is added for preservation or transport per chapter note 1(f), so the product remains a chemically defined compound under 2906.11.00. It is not excluded by chapter notes.
Pharmaceutical Grade USP Menthol
USP/NF grade L-menthol crystals meeting pharmacopeia standards for medicinal use. As a pure cyclic alcohol, it is a separate chemically defined organic compound under chapter note 1(a). It is not an immunological product excluded by chapter note 2(e), and it is classified under 2906.11.00.