Cetyl Alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol) from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
40%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
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)
Import Tips
• 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