Sodium Stearate from Germany
Sodium stearate is the sodium salt of stearic acid, a saturated C18 monocarboxylic acid, used primarily as a stabilizer and emulsifier in cosmetics and soaps. It falls under HTS 2915.70.01 as a salt of stearic acid per chapter notes classifying inorganic salts of organic acid-function compounds with the parent acid. Commonly found in bar soaps and personal care formulations.
Duty Rate — Germany → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.3910%Section 301 (forced labor) — European Union member state (col1 rate < 10 percent): MFN < 10% → total duty capped at 10%
Import Tips
• Verify purity certificate showing stearic acid content >90% to confirm classification under 2915.70.01 vs mixtures in Chapter 38
• Include CAS number 822-16-2 on commercial invoice and SDS for chemical identification during CBP review
• Avoid common pitfall of mislabeling as 'soap' which shifts to Chapter 34; specify as 'industrial chemical salt'