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.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China5%+35.0%40%
🇲🇽Mexico5%+10.0%15%
🇨🇦Canada5%+10.0%15%
🇩🇪Germany5%+10.0%15%
🇯🇵Japan5%+10.0%15%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

3405.90.00.00Lower: 35% vs 40%

If in candle or polish formulations

Stearyl alcohol mixed into wax emulsions or polishes becomes Chapter 34 artificial waxes or polish products.

2710.19.90.00Lower: 32% vs 40%

If distilled from natural fatty acid sources without purification

Technical grade fatty alcohols from petroleum may classify under Chapter 27 if not meeting chemical purity standards.

3824Lower: 15% vs 40%

If sold as premix for lubricant additives

Industrial preparations containing stearyl alcohol for specific machinery uses fall under Chapter 38 chemical preparations.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Submit certificate of analysis showing C18 content >90% to confirm classification versus mixed fatty alcohols

Avoid descriptions like 'cosmetic grade' which may cause classification as Chapter 33 preparations

Ensure no added anti-dusting agents beyond Chapter 29 note (g) allowances to maintain pure chemical status

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.

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.

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.