HS Code for Octyl alcohol

Octyl alcohol, also known as octanol, is classified under HS code 2905.16. This classification falls under Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2905, which covers acyclic alcohols and their derivatives. Subheading 2905.16 is dedicated to octanol and its various isomers. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule: it must be a saturated monohydric alcohol with a chain of eight carbon atoms. This includes n-octanol (1-octanol) and its branched isomers, most notably 2-ethylhexanol, which is a major industrial chemical used in plasticizer production. As a separate chemically defined compound, it meets the criteria for Chapter 29, provided it is not mixed with other substances in a way that creates a prepared industrial product.

Products Included

• n-Octyl alcohol (1-Octanol)
• 2-Ethylhexanol (Isooctyl alcohol)
• 2-Octanol (Capryl alcohol)
• Isomers of saturated monohydric octanol
• High-purity octyl alcohol for laboratory use

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3823.70, which covers industrial fatty alcohols. If the octyl alcohol is part of a mixture of fatty alcohols derived from natural fats and oils and does not meet the purity standards of a "separate chemically defined compound," it belongs in Chapter 38. Another error is using 2905.19, which is a residual category for other saturated monohydric alcohols. Since octanol has its own specific subheading (2905.16), using the "other" category is a violation of GIR 1. Additionally, if the alcohol is unsaturated, it would move to 2905.22 or 2905.29.

FAQ

What is the HS code for octyl alcohol?

The specific HS code for octyl alcohol and its isomers is 2905.16.

Is 2-ethylhexanol classified under this code?

Yes, 2-ethylhexanol is an isomer of octanol and is explicitly included under HS code 2905.16.