Guaiacol

Guaiacol is a naturally occurring organic compound with the formula C6H4(OH)OCH3, classified as an ether-phenol used primarily as an odoriferous compound due to its smoky, phenolic aroma. It falls under HTS 2909.50.4050 as an other odoriferous ether-phenol compound not specifically excluded by chapter notes. Commonly extracted from wood creosote, it's employed in flavorings and fragrances.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China4.8%+25.0%29.8%
🇲🇽Mexico4.8%4.8%
🇨🇦Canada4.8%4.8%
🇩🇪Germany4.8%4.8%
🇯🇵Japan4.8%4.8%

Alternative Classifications

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

3302.10.10.00Lower: 17.5% vs 29.8%

If when put up in retail packaging with dilution for perfumery

Mixtures containing odoriferous ether-phenols prepared as retail perfume products fall under Chapter 33 rather than pure Chapter 29 compounds.

2916.20.50.00Lower: 28.7% vs 29.8%

If classified primarily by alcohol function over ether-phenol

Per Chapter 29 note on oxygen functions, compounds with competing alcohol groups may classify under later numerical headings like 2916 for cyclanic alcohols.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Verify purity and chemical identity via Certificate of Analysis to confirm classification as chemically defined ether-phenol under Chapter 29 note (a)

Include Safety Data Sheets (SDS) documenting odoriferous use to distinguish from medicinal applications potentially reclassified elsewhere

Avoid common pitfalls by ensuring no added solvents render it suitable for specific non-general use per Chapter 29 note (e)

Related Products under HTS 2909.50.40.50

Anethole

Anethole (trans-anethole) is a phenylpropanoid ether-phenol compound responsible for the licorice flavor in anise and fennel, chemically defined as C6H4(OCH3)(CH=CHCH3). It qualifies under HTS 2909.50.4050 as an other odoriferous ether-phenol derivative used in flavorings. Synthetic or natural forms are imported for food and fragrance industries.

Eugenol

Eugenol is an allyl chain-substituted guaiacol (ether-phenol) with formula C10H12O2, prized for its clove-like odor and flavor profile. Classified under HTS 2909.50.4050 as an other odoriferous ether-phenol compound per Chapter 29 definitions. Widely imported from clove oil distillation for perfumery and dental applications.

Vanillin

Vanillin is a phenolic aldehyde with methoxy ether substitution (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), valued for vanilla flavor and odor. Technically an ether-phenol derivative under HTS 2909.50.4050 when imported as odoriferous compound, though aldehyde function noted. Synthetic vanillin dominates global imports.

Ethyl Vanillin

Ethyl vanillin is a synthetic ether-phenol analog of vanillin with ethoxy substitution, offering intensified vanilla odor and flavor. Classified under HTS 2909.50.4050 as other odoriferous ether-phenol compound consistent with Chapter 29 definitions. Preferred in confectionery for cost-effective vanilla profile.

Methyl Eugenol

Methyl eugenol is an allylbenzene ether compound with phenolic methoxy group, used for spicy-floral odor in perfumery. Falls under HTS 2909.50.4050 as chemically defined odoriferous ether-phenol derivative per Chapter 29. Subject to regulatory scrutiny due to safety concerns.

Piperonal

Piperonal (heliotropin) is a benzodioxole ether-phenol derivative with intense floral-vanilla odor used in lily-of-the-valley perfumes. Classifies under HTS 2909.50.4050 as odoriferous ether-phenol per Chapter 29 heterocyclic provisions. Key synthetic fragrance intermediate.