About HS Code 220720
This category covers denatured ethyl alcohol and other denatured spirits of any strength. Denatured alcohol has additives that make it unfit for human consumption, thereby exempting it from excise duties typically levied on alcoholic beverages. It is a crucial industrial chemical used in a vast array of products, including solvents, fuels, cosmetics, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals. The trade volume is substantial, driven by manufacturing sectors worldwide that require a cost-effective and readily available solvent or fuel component. Importers are diverse industries needing denatured alcohol for their production processes. Exporters are countries with large-scale ethanol production capabilities and sophisticated chemical processing industries. Compliance with denaturing specifications is critical for trade.
Products Under This Code
Denatured ethanol, methylated spirits, industrial methylated spirits (IMS), rubbing alcohol (denatured), bioethanol fuel, solvent alcohol, hand sanitizer base.
Real World Examples
Isopropyl alcohol (often denatured ethanol blend), hand sanitizers (ethanol-based), windshield washer fluid, shellac thinner, bioethanol fuel.
Common Misclassification
Frequently confused with 2207.10 (undenatured ethyl alcohol) if the 'denatured' status is not clearly declared, which has significant tax and regulatory implications.
Products Classified Under 2207.20
Industry
This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.
Trade Overview
The USA, Brazil, and India are major producers and exporters, while industrial nations globally are significant importers for various applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 220720?
HS code 220720 covers: Ethyl alcohol and other spirits; denatured, of any strength. This category covers denatured ethyl alcohol and other denatured spirits of any strength. Denatured alcohol has additives that make it unfit for human consumption, thereby exempting it from excise duties typically levied on alcoholic beverages. It is a crucial industrial chemical used in a vast array of products, including solvents, fuels, cosmetics, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals. The trade volume is substantial, driven by manufacturing sectors worldwide that require a cost-effective and readily available solvent or fuel component. Importers are diverse industries needing denatured alcohol for their production processes. Exporters are countries with large-scale ethanol production capabilities and sophisticated chemical processing industries. Compliance with denaturing specifications is critical for trade.
What products fall under HS code 220720?
Denatured ethanol, methylated spirits, industrial methylated spirits (IMS), rubbing alcohol (denatured), bioethanol fuel, solvent alcohol, hand sanitizer base.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 220720?
Frequently confused with 2207.10 (undenatured ethyl alcohol) if the 'denatured' status is not clearly declared, which has significant tax and regulatory implications.
How is HS code 220720 structured?
HS code 220720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (22) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.