HS Code Heading

Oxygen-function amino-compounds

29.22 Heading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 2922

Heading 2922 covers 'Oxygen-function amino-compounds,' a complex and vital category within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. This classification encompasses organic compounds containing both an amino-function and an oxygen-function (e.g., hydroxyl, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxyl group) within the same molecule, provided they are not specifically excluded elsewhere. Key sub-categories include amino-alcohols (like monoethanolamine), amino-phenols, amino-ethers, amino-aldehydes, amino-ketones, and amino-acids (excluding those of 2923). This heading is critical for distinguishing these bifunctional compounds from simpler amines (2921) or compounds with only oxygen functions. The scope is broad, capturing a vast array of compounds essential for pharmaceuticals (e.g., amino acids, epinephrine), food additives (e.g., glutamic acid), cosmetics, agrochemicals, and industrial processes. Proper classification under 2922 is paramount for trade compliance, affecting tariff rates, regulatory approvals (especially for food and pharma ingredients), and customs clearance. Historically, the isolation and synthesis of amino acids and amino alcohols have been foundational to biochemistry and synthetic organic chemistry, driving advancements in medicine and nutrition. Its placement within Chapter 29 highlights its identity as a chemically defined organic compound, distinct from mixtures or biological preparations, underscoring its role as a fundamental building block in global trade.

Products Under This Code

Monoethanolamine, Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine, Choline, L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, L-Phenylalanine, L-Glutamic acid, L-Lysine, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Valine, L-Methionine, L-Cysteine, L-Serine, L-Threonine, L-Aspartic acid, L-Proline, Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Salbutamol, Levodopa, Hydroxyproline

Real World Examples

A pharmaceutical company in Germany imports high-purity L-Tyrosine from a specialized manufacturer in China for the synthesis of various drug intermediates, transported via air freight to maintain product integrity. Meanwhile, a large chemical distributor in the United States exports significant volumes of Monoethanolamine to Brazil, where it is primarily used in natural gas sweetening and the production of detergents and emulsifiers. Additionally, L-Lysine, a critical amino acid for animal feed, sees extensive trade from Chinese producers to livestock industries across Europe and North America, often shipped in bulk containers by sea.

Common Misclassification

Misclassification under 2922 is common due to the dual functionality requirement. Traders often mistakenly classify compounds with only an amino group under 2922 instead of 2921, or vice versa, if the presence of an oxygen function is overlooked. Another frequent error is confusing amino acids with peptides or proteins, which fall under Chapter 35 (Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). Similarly, if the amino and oxygen functions are part of a heterocyclic ring system, the compound might belong to 2933 or 2934, not 2922. For instance, specific amino-phospholipids should be classified under 2923, not 2922.

Subheadings 18

2922.11 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof, monoethanolamine and its salts 2922.12 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof, diethanolamine and its salts 2922.14 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof; dextropropoxyphene (INN) and its salts 2922.15 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof, triethanolamine 2922.16 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof, Diethanolammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate 2922.17 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof, Methyldiethanolamine and ethyldiethanolamine 2922.18 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof, 2-(N,N- Diisopropylamino)ethanol 2922.19 Amino-alcohols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, their ethers and esters; salts thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 2922.1 2922.21 Amino-naphthols and other amino-phenols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; their ethers and esters; salts thereof, aminohydroxynaphthalenesulphonic acids and their salts 2922.29 Amino-naphthols and other amino-phenols, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, their ethers and esters; salts thereof n.e.c. in item no. 2922.2 2922.31 Amino-aldehydes, amino-ketones and amino-quinones; other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, salts thereof 2922.39 Amino-aldehydes, amino-ketones and amino-quinones; other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function; salts thereof, excluding amfepramone (INN), methadone (INN), and normethadone (INN) and salts thereof 2922.41 Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; lysine and its esters; salts thereof 2922.42 Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; glutamic acid and its esters; salts thereof 2922.43 Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; anthranilic acid and its esters; salts thereof 2922.44 Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, and their esters; tilidine (INN) and its esters; salts thereof 2922.49 Amino-acids, other than those containing more than one kind of oxygen function, their esters; salts thereof, excluding lysine, glutamic acid, anthranalic acid and tilidine, their esters and salts thereof 2922.50 Amino-alcohol-phenols, amino-acid-phenols and other amino-compounds with oxygen function

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

China, the United States, and the European Union are leading players in the production and trade of oxygen-function amino-compounds. China is a dominant exporter of amino acids, particularly for feed and food industries. The EU and USA are significant importers and producers of pharmaceutical-grade amino compounds. Tariffs for these compounds are generally low as they are crucial raw materials. However, specific pharmaceutical APIs or highly refined food additives may face stricter regulatory requirements and potentially higher tariffs or non-tariff barriers, depending on the importing country's regulations and bilateral trade agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2922?

HS code 2922 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oxygen-function amino-compounds. Heading 2922 covers 'Oxygen-function amino-compounds,' a complex and vital category within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. This classification encompasses organic compounds containing both an amino-function and an oxygen-function (e.g., hydroxyl, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxyl group) within the same molecule, provided they are not specifically excluded elsewhere. Key sub-categories include amino-alcohols (like monoethanolamine), amino-phenols, amino-ethers, amino-aldehydes, amino-ketones, and amino-acids (excluding those of 2923). This heading is critical for distinguishing these bifunctional compounds from simpler amines (2921) or compounds with only oxygen functions. The scope is broad, capturing a vast array of compounds essential for pharmaceuticals (e.g., amino acids, epinephrine), food additives (e.g., glutamic acid), cosmetics, agrochemicals, and industrial processes. Proper classification under 2922 is paramount for trade compliance, affecting tariff rates, regulatory approvals (especially for food and pharma ingredients), and customs clearance. Historically, the isolation and synthesis of amino acids and amino alcohols have been foundational to biochemistry and synthetic organic chemistry, driving advancements in medicine and nutrition. Its placement within Chapter 29 highlights its identity as a chemically defined organic compound, distinct from mixtures or biological preparations, underscoring its role as a fundamental building block in global trade.

What products fall under HS code 2922?

Monoethanolamine, Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine, Choline, L-Tyrosine, L-Tryptophan, L-Phenylalanine, L-Glutamic acid, L-Lysine, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Valine, L-Methionine, L-Cysteine, L-Serine, L-Threonine, L-Aspartic acid, L-Proline, Epinephrine (Adrenaline), Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Salbutamol, Levodopa, Hydroxyproline

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2922?

Misclassification under 2922 is common due to the dual functionality requirement. Traders often mistakenly classify compounds with only an amino group under 2922 instead of 2921, or vice versa, if the presence of an oxygen function is overlooked. Another frequent error is confusing amino acids with peptides or proteins, which fall under Chapter 35 (Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes). Similarly, if the amino and oxygen functions are part of a heterocyclic ring system, the compound might belong to 2933 or 2934, not 2922. For instance, specific amino-phospholipids should be classified under 2923, not 2922.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 2922?

China, the United States, and the European Union are leading players in the production and trade of oxygen-function amino-compounds. China is a dominant exporter of amino acids, particularly for feed and food industries. The EU and USA are significant importers and producers of pharmaceutical-grade amino compounds. Tariffs for these compounds are generally low as they are crucial raw materials. However, specific pharmaceutical APIs or highly refined food additives may face stricter regulatory requirements and potentially higher tariffs or non-tariff barriers, depending on the importing country's regulations and bilateral trade agreements.

How is HS code 2922 structured?

HS code 2922 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (22) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.