HS Code for Cetyl alcohol

Cetyl alcohol, also known as hexadecan-1-ol, is classified under HS code 2905.17. This code specifically identifies saturated monohydric alcohols, including dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol), and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). As a chemically defined organic compound, cetyl alcohol fits into Chapter 29. The classification is based on its molecular structure as a primary saturated alcohol with a chain length of 16 carbons. It is widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent. For a product to be classified under 2905.17, it must meet the purity standards of a "chemically defined compound" as per the General Notes to Chapter 29. This means it should not be a complex mixture of various fatty alcohols, which would shift the classification to Chapter 38.

Products Included

• Pure cetyl alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol)
• Cetyl alcohol flakes (chemically pure)
• N-hexadecyl alcohol
• Cetyl alcohol pellets for pharmaceutical use
• High-purity hexadecanol for laboratory research

Common Misclassification

A common error is classifying industrial-grade cetyl alcohol under HS code 3823.70, which covers industrial fatty alcohols. The distinction depends on the purity and whether the product is a mixture of fatty alcohols (like cetearyl alcohol) or a chemically defined single substance. If the product contains significant amounts of other alcohols like stearyl alcohol, it is no longer a single compound and must be moved to 3823.70. It may also be confused with 2905.19, which is a residual category for other saturated monohydric alcohols.

FAQ

What is the HS code for cetyl alcohol?

The HS code for chemically pure cetyl alcohol is 2905.17.

Is cetyl alcohol the same as cetearyl alcohol for customs purposes?

No, cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols and is typically classified under 3823.70 as an industrial fatty alcohol mixture, whereas 2905.17 is for the pure single compound.