Methyl Benzilate from China
Methyl benzilate is the methyl ester of benzilic acid, a chemically defined aromatic carboxylic acid with alcohol function but without other oxygen function. It falls under HTS 2918.19.1100 as a specific enumerated product in the subcategory for aromatic derivatives. This compound is typically used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical synthesis.
Duty Rate — China → United States
43.3%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Verify purity certificates to confirm it meets the chemically defined compound criteria per Chapter 29 notes; provide detailed chemical analysis reports for CBP review
• Ensure packaging complies with UN standards for chemical transport
• Avoid misclassification as a mixture by documenting single-isomer content