Stearyl Alcohol (Octadecanol)
Stearyl alcohol, or 1-octadecanol, is a saturated C18 fatty alcohol obtained by hydrogenation of stearic acid from animal fats or vegetable sources like shea butter. It qualifies for HTS 3823.70.40.00 as an other industrial fatty alcohol derived from animal/vegetable fatty substances, commonly employed in industrial lubricants and polymer additives.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If synthetic geraniol/nerol type or acyclic polyhydric
Pure synthetic alcohols or those with multiple OH groups move to specific Chapter 29 subheadings.
If chemically defined mixtures with additives
Blends exceeding simple fatty alcohol purity may classify as prepared chemical mixtures.
If animal-derived incomplete reduction product
Acid oils from animal fat refining remain in heading 1518 if not fully converted to alcohols.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Submit GC-MS analysis proving C18 chain predominance and natural fatty substance derivation
• Avoid packaging suggesting retail cosmetic use, which could trigger reclassification to Chapter 34
• Monitor EU REACH Annex XVII restrictions on animal-derived substances for downstream compliance
Related Products under HTS 3823.70.40.00
Oleyl Alcohol (Industrial Grade)
Oleyl alcohol is a long-chain unsaturated fatty alcohol derived from oleic acid in vegetable oils like olive or palm oil through hydrogenation and reduction processes. It falls under HTS 3823.70.40.00 as an industrial fatty alcohol from vegetable origin, used primarily in manufacturing surfactants, lubricants, and cosmetics. This classification applies to alcohols not specifically provided for elsewhere in the subheading.
Cetyl Alcohol (Cetostearyl Alcohol Blend)
Cetyl alcohol, a C16 fatty alcohol mixture often blended with stearyl alcohol, is produced by reduction of palmitic/stearic acids from animal tallow or vegetable oils like coconut or palm. Classified under HTS 3823.70.40.00 as other industrial fatty alcohols from fatty substances of animal/vegetable origin, it's widely used as an emulsifier in pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
Behenyl Alcohol (Docosanol)
Behenyl alcohol, a C22 fatty alcohol derived from rapeseed or other vegetable oils via high-pressure hydrogenation of behenic acid, is classified under HTS 3823.70.40.00 as other industrial fatty alcohols from vegetable origin. It's utilized in high-performance cosmetics, waxes, and pharmaceutical ointments for its thickening properties.
Isostearyl Alcohol
Isostearyl alcohol is a branched-chain C18 fatty alcohol produced by skeletal isomerization of oleyl alcohol from vegetable oils. It meets HTS 3823.70.40.00 criteria as an other industrial fatty alcohol from vegetable fatty substances, valued in synthetic lubricants and emollient esters.
C12-C18 Vegetable-Derived Fatty Alcohol Blend
A mixed-chain C12-C18 fatty alcohol blend from coconut/palm kernel oil hydrogenation, used in detergent and emulsifier production. Classified as HTS 3823.70.40.00 'other' since no specific chain-length subheading applies to this broad industrial mixture from vegetable origin.
Tallow-Derived Industrial Stearyl/Cetyl Alcohol
Stearyl/cetyl alcohol mixture from beef tallow fatty acids, reduced for industrial use in candles, polishes, and rubber processing. Falls under HTS 3823.70.40.00 as other fatty alcohols from animal origin, distinguished from vegetable-derived or specific chain types.