Guaiacol (Methoxyphenol)

Guaiacol, chemically 2-methoxyphenol (C7H8O2), is a naturally occurring organic compound found in wood smoke and creosote, used primarily as a precursor in pharmaceutical synthesis and as an expectorant in cough syrups. It falls under HTS 2909.50.20.00 as a chemically defined ether-phenol. This product is imported in pure form for industrial chemical applications.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China5.5%+35.0%40.5%
🇲🇽Mexico5.5%+10.0%15.5%
🇨🇦Canada5.5%+10.0%15.5%
🇩🇪Germany5.5%+10.0%15.5%
🇯🇵Japan5.5%+10.0%15.5%

Alternative Classifications

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

2909.50Same rate: 40.5%

If a different ether-phenol isomer like creosol

Other specified ether-phenols fall under the residual subheading within the same guaiacol derivatives group.

3302.10Lower: 10% vs 40.5%

If when extracted from wood and used as fragrance in perfumery

Mixtures with odoriferous substances for specific perfumery use are excluded from Chapter 29 per chapter note exclusions.

3824.99Lower: 15% vs 40.5%

If sold as formulated expectorant solution for retail

Chemical preparations containing guaiacol as active ingredient in consumer packaging fall under mixtures of Chapter 38.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Provide detailed chemical analysis certificates confirming 2-methoxyphenol purity to avoid misclassification under other ether-phenols

Ensure COA (Certificate of Analysis) specifies no added stabilizers exceeding chapter note limits to maintain heading 2909 classification

Label shipments clearly as 'Guaiacol - synthetic ether-phenol' to prevent confusion with natural wood extracts classified elsewhere

Related Products under HTS 2909.50.20.00

Guaiacol Carbonate

Guaiacol carbonate is a derivative formed by esterification of guaiacol, used historically as an antitussive agent in respiratory medications. As a chemically defined derivative of guaiacol (ether-phenol), it qualifies under HTS 2909.50.20.00. Imported primarily for pharmaceutical intermediate production.

4-Methylguaiacol (Creosol)

4-Methylguaiacol, also known as creosol (4-methyl-2-methoxyphenol), is a guaiacol derivative obtained from guaiacum resin or wood creosote, used in organic synthesis and as a disinfectant. It is specifically listed under HTS 2909.50.20.00 as a guaiacol derivative ether-phenol. Commonly imported for flavor and fragrance applications.

Guaiacol Glycerol Ether

Guaiacol glycerol ether is a specialized derivative where guaiacol is ether-linked to glycerol, used in pharmaceutical formulations for expectorant properties. Classified under HTS 2909.50.20.00 as it maintains the core guaiacol ether-phenol structure. Imported for synthesis of advanced respiratory therapeutics.

Vanillin (4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde)

Synthetic vanillin, chemically 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, is a guaiacol derivative produced via guaiacol oxidation or lignin processes, widely used as vanilla flavoring. Despite aldehyde function, its guaiacol ether-phenol nature places it under HTS 2909.50.20.00 per chapter numerical order rules. Imported in bulk for food and fragrance industries.

Guaiacyl Acetate

Guaiacyl acetate is the acetyl ester derivative of guaiacol, used as an intermediate in organic synthesis and historical antitussive formulations. As an ester of ether-phenol per chapter note 5(A), it follows guaiacol classification under HTS 2909.50.20.00. Imported for fine chemical manufacturing.

Methylguaiacol (2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol)

Methylguaiacol (2-methoxy-4-methylphenol) is a positional isomer derivative of guaiacol used in flavor chemistry and as a synthetic intermediate. It qualifies under HTS 2909.50.20.00 as a chemically defined guaiacol derivative ether-phenol. Bulk imported for aroma compound production.