Guaiacol USP Grade

Guaiacol is a naturally occurring organic compound classified as an ether-phenol, used primarily as an expectorant in cough syrups and as a chemical intermediate. It falls under HTS 2909.50.4500 as a chemically defined ether-phenol product listed in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI. This monomethoxy phenol derivative is essential in pharmaceutical and flavor applications.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China5.5%+25.0%30.5%
🇲🇽Mexico5.5%5.5%
🇨🇦Canada5.5%5.5%
🇩🇪Germany5.5%5.5%
🇯🇵Japan5.5%5.5%

Alternative Classifications

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

2909.50Same rate: 30.5%

If synthetic guaiacol not meeting note 3 specifications

Synthetic ether-phenols excluding those in additional U.S. note 3 fall under the general subheading.

3302.10.50.00Lower: 19.4% vs 30.5%

If when imported as fragrance compound for retail perfumery

Mixtures containing guaiacol as fragrance ingredient shift to Chapter 33 for retail preparations.

3824.99Lower: 15% vs 30.5%

If formulated as industrial chemical preparation

Blends exceeding 70% guaiacol with additives classify as chemical preparations in Chapter 38.

Not sure which classification is right?

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Import Tips & Compliance

Verify USP grade certification and provide detailed chemical analysis (COA) to confirm classification under additional U.S. note 3

Ensure proper labeling with CAS number (90-05-1) and purity percentage to avoid reclassification as a mixture

Obtain FDA prior notice for pharmaceutical-grade imports and check REACH compliance for EU-sourced material

Related Products under HTS 2909.50.45.00

4-Methoxyphenol (Mequinol)

4-Methoxyphenol, also known as mequinol, is an ether-phenol used in dermatological treatments for hyperpigmentation and as a polymerization inhibitor. Classified under HTS 2909.50.4500 per additional U.S. note 3 to section VI as a chemically defined ether-phenol derivative. Its phenolic ether structure fits the chapter's specific organic compound criteria.

2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol (Creosol)

Creosol is a methylated ether-phenol compound derived from guaiacol, used as a disinfectant and flavorant in pharmaceuticals. It qualifies for HTS 2909.50.4500 as a product described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI, meeting the chemically defined ether-phenol classification. The compound's structure features both phenolic hydroxyl and ether functionality.

1-Naphthol-4-methoxy (4-Methoxy-1-naphthol)

4-Methoxy-1-naphthol is a naphthol ether derivative used in dye manufacturing and as a pharmaceutical intermediate. This chemically defined ether-phenol is specifically included under HTS 2909.50.4500 per additional U.S. note 3 to section VI. Its fused ring structure with ether-phenol functionality defines its tariff classification.

2-tert-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol

2-tert-Butyl-4-methoxyphenol serves as an antioxidant in rubber and plastics, featuring ether-phenol functionality. Classified under HTS 2909.50.4500 as a product in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI due to its chemically defined structure. The bulky tert-butyl substitution provides steric hindrance for oxidative stability.

4-Ethoxyphenol

4-Ethoxyphenol is an alkyl ether-phenol used in organic synthesis and as a fragrance intermediate. It meets HTS 2909.50.4500 criteria as a chemically defined ether-phenol specified in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI. The ethoxy substitution distinguishes it from simple phenolic compounds.

3-Methoxyphenol (m-Guaiacol)

m-Guaiacol (3-methoxyphenol) is an isomeric ether-phenol used in pharmaceutical synthesis and as a resin intermediate. Classified under HTS 2909.50.4500 per additional U.S. note 3 to section VI for chemically defined ether-phenols. Its meta-substitution pattern provides unique reactivity profiles.