Glycerol (Glycerin USP Grade)
Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a triol (1,2,3-propanetriol) used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food as a humectant and sweetener. It falls under HTS 2905.49.10.00 as a separate chemically defined acyclic triol, distinct from crude glycerol excluded by chapter notes.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If crude glycerol from natural fats/oils
Chapter notes exclude crude glycerol of heading 1520; only refined, chemically defined glycerol stays in 2905.
If containing impurities >5% or mixed with other substances
Chapter 29 limited to separate chemically defined compounds; mixtures fall to Chapter 38 as chemical preparations.
If glycerol esters rather than free triol
Esters of polyhydric alcohols classified with parent acid per note 3(A), moving to carboxylic acid headings.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity meets USP standards with Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to avoid reclassification as mixtures
• Ensure proper labeling as 'chemically defined' per Chapter 29 notes; impure products may shift to Chapter 38
Related Products under HTS 2905.49.10.00
1,2,6-Hexanetriol
1,2,6-Hexanetriol is an acyclic triol used as a moisturizer in cosmetics and intermediate in polymer synthesis. Classified under HTS 2905.49.10.00 as a polyhydric alcohol with three hydroxyl groups on an acyclic chain.
Trimethylolethane (TME)
Trimethylolethane (2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol) is a triol for alkyd resins and varnishes. Classified as acyclic triol under HTS 2905.49.10.00 per its chemical structure with three OH groups.
2-Ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (TME variant)
Industrial triol intermediate for resins. Acyclic polyhydric alcohol per HTS 2905.49.10.00.
Glycerol Formal (Triol Acetal)
1,3-Dioxolane-4-methanol derivative but for true: Industrial pentaerythritol.
1,2,4-Butanetriol
Acyclic triol used in propellant formulations and cosmetics. HTS 2905.49.10.00 as chemically defined triol.
Monopentaerythritol
Purified single tetrol molecule for high-performance coatings. Chemically defined tetrol.