Bunker C Fuel Oil from China
Bunker C is a high-viscosity residual fuel oil from petroleum, under 25° A.P.I., blended with biodiesel for marine and power generation use. Classified in HTS 2710.20.05.50 due to its heavy gravity and biodiesel inclusion in preparations where petroleum exceeds 70% by weight. It's distinct from lighter fuels or crude oils.
Duty Rate — China → United States
25%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Obtain flash point and sulfur content certifications; IMO-compliant low-sulfur variants may qualify for duty reductions
• Declare exact biodiesel percentage on entry docs to avoid reclassification; use ISO 8217 specs for bunker fuels
• Prepare for Coast Guard inspections on vessel bunkering; pitfall is missing MARPOL Annex VI compliance