Palmityl Alcohol Flakes
Palmityl alcohol flakes, also known as cetyl/palmitic C16 alcohol, is an industrial fatty alcohol in flake form used for candle wax modifiers and metalworking fluids. The flake form is a physical presentation of the industrial fatty alcohol mixture. It is classified under tariff item 3823.70.00 as an 'other' industrial fatty alcohol.
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 |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the flakes are pure cetyl alcohol
Pure cetyl alcohol is excluded from Chapter 38 by Note 1(a).
If the product is a prepared wax for candles
Prepared waxes are classified in Chapter 34, not as fatty alcohols.
If the product is not reduced and remains as fatty acid esters
Unreduced palm oil derivatives may fall under waxes or fats, not fatty alcohols.
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
• Confirm the flakes are a mixture of C16 and other alcohols, not pure cetyl alcohol, which would be classified in Chapter 29
• Ensure the flake form does not affect classification; the physical form is not a determining factor
• Verify the source (palm oil) and provide documentation for customs clearance
Related Products under Tariff item 3823.70.00
Arachidyl Alcohol Technical
Arachidyl alcohol (C20) technical grade is a long-chain industrial fatty alcohol obtained from peanut oil processing, used in high-temperature lubricants and as a chemical intermediate. It is not a separate chemically defined compound in its technical grade form. This product is classified under tariff item 3823.70.00 as an 'other' industrial fatty alcohol.
Behenyl Alcohol (Docosanol)
Behenyl alcohol (docosanol) is a C22 fatty alcohol derived from rapeseed or other vegetable oils via high-pressure hydrogenation of behenic acid. It is used in personal care and industrial applications. This product falls under tariff item 3823.70.00 as an industrial fatty alcohol, as it is not a separate chemically defined compound.
Behenyl Alcohol Technical Grade
Behenyl alcohol (C22) technical grade is a long-chain industrial fatty alcohol derived from rapeseed oil, used in personal care emulsifiers and industrial thickeners. As a technical grade product, it contains impurities and is not a separate chemically defined compound. It is classified under tariff item 3823.70.00 as an 'other' industrial fatty alcohol.
Branched Oleyl Alcohol for Polymer Plasticizers
Branched oleyl alcohol is a C18:1 unsaturated fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oils, modified to have a branched structure. It is used as a plasticizer in PVC production, which is an industrial application. This product falls under tariff item 3823.70.00 as an industrial fatty alcohol, regardless of its branched nature, since it is not a separate chemically defined compound and is not excluded by chapter notes.
C12-C18 Vegetable-Derived Fatty Alcohol Blend
C12-C18 vegetable-derived fatty alcohol blend is a mixed-chain fatty alcohol from coconut or palm kernel oil hydrogenation, used in detergent and emulsifier production. This product is classified under tariff item 3823.70.00 as an industrial fatty alcohol mixture, as it is not a separate chemically defined compound.
Cetyl Alcohol (Cetostearyl Alcohol Blend)
Cetyl alcohol (cetostearyl alcohol blend) is a C16 fatty alcohol often blended with stearyl alcohol, produced by reduction of palmitic or stearic acids from animal tallow or vegetable oils. It is used in industrial applications. This product falls under tariff item 3823.70.00 as an industrial fatty alcohol, as it is not a separate chemically defined compound.