HS Code for Crude glycerol

Crude glycerol is classified under HS code 1520.00. This is a unique single-level heading within Chapter 15 that specifically covers "Glycerol, crude; glycerol waters and glycerol lyes." The classification is straightforward because the heading is specific to the unrefined state of the product. Crude glycerol is a byproduct of the manufacture of soap or the production of fatty acids and biodiesel (transesterification). It typically has a purity of less than 95% by weight. The presence of water, salts, and organic impurities characterizes the "crude" status. Glycerol waters are the aqueous residues from the hydrolysis of fats, while glycerol lyes are the residues from soap making. Because heading 1520.00 is a specific four-digit heading that does not have further subheadings in the standard international nomenclature, all forms of unrefined glycerol, regardless of the industrial process that created them, are consolidated here. This follows GRI 1, as the product description perfectly matches the heading text.

Products Included

• Crude glycerin (purity < 95%)
• Glycerol waters
• Glycerol lyes
• Saponification lyes
• Biodiesel byproduct glycerol (unrefined)

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is HS code 2905.45, which is for refined glycerol (glycerin) with a purity of 95% or higher (calculated on the weight of the dry product). Importers often fail to check the purity levels, leading to incorrect filings. Another misclassification is 3824.99, a general category for chemical mixtures, but since glycerol has a specific heading in Chapter 15, 1520.00 takes precedence according to the rules of specificity.

FAQ

What is the HS code for crude glycerol?

The HS code for crude glycerol is 1520.00.

What purity level distinguishes crude from refined glycerol?

Generally, glycerol with a purity of less than 95% by weight is classified as crude under 1520.00, while glycerol with 95% or higher purity is classified as refined under 2905.45.