Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether used in paints, cosmetics, and construction as a thickener and stabilizer. Classified under HTS 3912.39.00.00 as other cellulose ethers in primary forms, with the hydroxyethyl groups contributing over 95% by weight to the polymer content.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If cellulose nitrate derivative
Cellulose nitrates have specific subheadings separate from ethers.
If blended with polyester resins exceeding predominance
Polymer blends classified by predominant monomer unit per subheading notes.
Not sure which classification is right?
Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Include technical data sheets showing ether substitution levels; ensure no plasticizer additives to stay in primary forms; check for anti-dumping duties on Asian suppliers
Related Products under HTS 3912.39.00.00
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)
Carboxymethyl cellulose is a cellulose ether derivative produced by reacting cellulose with sodium hydroxide and chloroacetic acid, used as a thickener in food and pharmaceuticals. It falls under HTS 3912.39.00.00 as a cellulose ether not elsewhere specified, meeting the criteria for primary form polymers where the cellulose ether structure predominates.
Methylcellulose Powder
Methylcellulose is a methyl ether of cellulose used in food as a thickener and in pharmaceuticals for controlled-release tablets. It qualifies for HTS 3912.39.00.00 as a primary form cellulose ether where methyl groups predominate over other comonomers.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
HPMC is a semisynthetic cellulose ether combining hydroxypropyl and methyl groups, widely used in pharmaceuticals, construction mortars, and vegan capsules. Under HTS 3912.39.00.00 as other cellulose ethers, classified by predominant monomer units per chapter notes.
Ethylcellulose Granules
Ethylcellulose is an ethyl ether derivative of cellulose used as a coating agent in tablets and in inks. It falls under HTS 3912.39.00.00 for other cellulose ethers in primary granular form, compliant with polymer predominance rules.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (NaCMC)
Although specific, NaCMC fits 'other' if not purely matching carboxymethyl subheading specs; used in detergents, food, and oil drilling. HTS 3912.39.00.00 covers when ether content meets general criteria.
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC)
HPC is a derivative used in tablet coatings, hot-melt extrusion, and cosmetics for film-forming properties. Classified in HTS 3912.39.00.00 as other cellulose ethers based on hydroxypropyl predominance.