What is HS code for glycerol?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
290545
Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol
Heading 2905 — Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
Chapter 29: Organic chemicals
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 290545 when importing or exporting glycerol, a polyhydric alcohol commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. For instance, shipments of glycerol in bulk containers for use in skincare products fall under this code.
This code specifically covers glycerol, distinguishing it from other polyhydric alcohols like mannitol or sorbitol, which have different HS codes. Glycerol is known for its viscous texture and sweet taste, making it a popular ingredient in various formulations.
When classifying glycerol, it’s important to note that it should not be confused with halogenated derivatives or other alcohols listed under the same heading. For example, HS-6 290544 covers other polyhydric alcohols, while HS-6 290546 includes glycerol derivatives.
Glycerol is often shipped in 55-gallon drums or bulk tankers, and it’s essential to ensure proper labeling and documentation to avoid customs delays. Make sure to check if any specific regulations apply to your shipment based on its end use.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
glycerol shipments · polyhydric alcohols · food grade glycerol · pharmaceutical glycerol · cosmetic glycerol · bulk glycerol · glycerol applications · glycerol regulations · glycerol packaging · glycerol classification · glycerol import export · glycerol derivatives · glycerol uses · glycerol in skincare · glycerol in food · glycerol in beverages
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Bulk glycerol for food production in 55-gallon drums
- Glycerol used in pharmaceutical formulations
- Cosmetic products containing glycerol as a moisturizer
- Glycerol shipped in ISO tanks for industrial applications
- Glycerol used as a sweetener in beverage manufacturing
- Glycerol in small bottles for personal care products
- Glycerol as a humectant in baked goods
- Glycerol for use in chemical synthesis processes
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify glycerol for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is glycerol food grade under HS-6?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the uses of glycerol in cosmetics?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can glycerol be shipped in bulk?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What packaging is required for glycerol?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Are there regulations for importing glycerol?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How does glycerol differ from other alcohols?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to determine HS code for glycerol shipments
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What are the customs requirements for glycerol
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Glycerol applications in food and pharmaceuticals
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Differences between glycerol and other polyhydric alcohols
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Understanding glycerol import regulations
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Glycerol packaging requirements for international shipping
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
What to include in glycerol shipping documents
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Glycerol use in personal care products and cosmetics
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is glycerol used for?
- Glycerol is commonly used in food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and as a humectant in various formulations.
- How should glycerol be packaged for export?
- Glycerol is typically packaged in bulk containers, such as 55-gallon drums or ISO tanks, depending on the shipment size.
- Are there specific regulations for importing glycerol?
- Yes, glycerol may be subject to food safety and chemical regulations depending on its intended use, so check local guidelines.
- Can glycerol be classified under different HS codes?
- Yes, glycerol has its own HS code (290545) and should not be confused with other polyhydric alcohols or derivatives.
- What documentation is needed for glycerol shipments?
- Documentation typically includes commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates for food or pharmaceutical use.
- Is glycerol safe for use in food products?
- Yes, food-grade glycerol is safe for consumption and commonly used as a sweetener and humectant in various food items.
- What are the physical properties of glycerol?
- Glycerol is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with a sweet taste, soluble in water and hygroscopic in nature.
- How does glycerol differ from sorbitol?
- Glycerol is a triol, while sorbitol is a hexitol; they have different chemical structures and applications, leading to different HS codes.
Continue classification
Parent context
Nearby siblings
Next best action
Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.