Cetyl Alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol)
Cetyl alcohol, or hexadecan-1-ol, is a C16 saturated fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in skincare formulations and pharmaceuticals. Classified under HTS 2905.17.00.00 as one of the three specifically named acyclic saturated monohydric alcohols. Meets Chapter 29 requirements as a separate chemically defined compound without excluded additives.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If pre-mixed in beauty or skincare preparations
Cetyl alcohol incorporated into finished cosmetic creams or lotions shifts to Chapter 33 beauty preparations.
If stearates from cetyl alcohol reaction products
Fatty acid salts or esters derived from cetyl alcohol classify under Chapter 38 industrial fatty alcohol derivatives.
If cyclic derivative like cetylcyclohexyl alcohol
Cyclized versions become unsaturated cyclic alcohols under 2905.22, changing from acyclic saturated classification.
Not sure which classification is right?
Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Include GC-MS analysis verifying minimum 95% C16 content to distinguish from mixed-chain fatty alcohols
• Declare as 'pure cetyl alcohol' not cosmetic ingredient to maintain Chapter 29 classification
• Check for stabilizer additions that might trigger Chapter 29 note (f) reclassification requirements
Related Products under HTS 2905.17.00.00
Lauryl Alcohol (Dodecan-1-ol)
Lauryl alcohol, also known as dodecan-1-ol, is a saturated monohydric acyclic alcohol with 12 carbon atoms, used primarily as a chemical intermediate and surfactant raw material in cosmetics and detergents. It falls under HTS 2905.17.00.00 as it is specifically listed among the saturated monohydric alcohols of this subheading. This pure chemical compound meets Chapter 29 note (a) for separate chemically defined organic compounds.
Stearyl Alcohol (Octadecan-1-ol)
Stearyl alcohol, chemically octadecan-1-ol, serves as a viscosity builder and co-emulsifier in personal care products, candles, and lubricants. HTS 2905.17.00.00 specifically covers this C18 saturated monohydric acyclic alcohol as a pure chemical compound per Chapter 29 scope. Used widely in industrial and cosmetic manufacturing.
Lorol C12-14 Fatty Alcohol Blend (Lauryl/Myristyl)
Commercial Lorol C12-14 is a mixture dominated by lauryl (C12) and myristyl (C14) alcohols, classified under HTS 2905.17.00.00 when lauryl alcohol predominates. Used in shampoo and soap manufacturing as a surfactant base. Technical grade meets Chapter 29 purity standards for chemically defined acyclic alcohols.
Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol Blend (C16-18)
Cetearyl alcohol (mixture of cetyl C16 and stearyl C18 alcohols) used as opacifier and stabilizer in lotions, classified under HTS 2905.17.00.00 when containing the named alcohols. Common in emulsified cosmetic bases. Qualifies as Chapter 29 acyclic saturated monohydric alcohols.
Technical Grade Lauryl Alcohol Flakes
Lauryl alcohol in flake form for easier handling in detergent production, still classified as pure dodecan-1-ol under HTS 2905.17.00.00. Physical form doesn't affect chemical classification per Chapter 29 notes. Used in industrial surfactant synthesis.
Pharma Grade Cetyl Alcohol
High-purity cetyl alcohol meeting USP/EP standards for pharmaceutical ointments and suppositories, classified under HTS 2905.17.00.00. Purity exceeds 99% hexadecan-1-ol with controlled impurities. Chapter 29 chemical compound, not Chapter 30 pharmaceutical.