Coal Tar Creosote for Wood Preservation from Japan
Creosote is a dark, oily liquid distilled from coal tar, consisting wholly of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) naturally found in coal tar. It is used primarily as a wood preservative for railroad ties, utility poles, and marine pilings to protect against rot and insects. Classified under HTS 3824.99.21.00 because it contains 5% or more aromatic substances entirely derived from natural coal tar components.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Obtain EPA TSCA certification as creosote is regulated as a hazardous substance; provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Verify 100% coal tar origin via supplier certificates to avoid misclassification into synthetic mixtures