Duty Rates
General (Column 1 - MFN)
Free
This item enters the United States duty-free. No import duty is charged regardless of origin country.
Column 2 Rate (Non-Tariff Treaty Countries)
This rate applies to countries without normal trade relations (most-favored-nation status) with the United States:
50%
Column 2 rates are substantially higher than Column 1 rates and are rarely applied in modern international trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
What HTS 2905.49.30.00 Covers
This covers xylitol, a five-carbon sugar alcohol (polyol) classified among polyhydric alcohols in heading 2905. It applies to xylitol as a separate chemically defined compound, typically imported as a white crystalline powder or granules.
Notes for Importers
Xylitol is widely imported as a sugar substitute for chewing gum, sugar-free candy, oral care products, and tabletop sweeteners. It must be essentially pure to stay in Chapter 29: blends with other sweeteners or food preparations containing xylitol shift to Chapter 21 or other food chapters. Do not confuse it with sorbitol or mannitol, which have their own provisions.
Product Category
Chemical Products
This chapter includes inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers, and industrial chemical preparations.
Classification Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| HTS Code | 2905.49.30.00 |
| Description | Xylitol |
| Chapter | 29 - Chemical Products |
| General Duty Rate | Free |
| Rate Type | Free |
| Special Rates | |
Related HTS Codes
Other tariff codes under the same heading:
- 2905.11.10.00 — Imported only for use in producing synthetic natural gas (SNG) or for direct use as a fuel
- 2905.11.20 — Other
- 2905.12.00 — Propan-1-ol (Propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (Isopropyl alcohol)
- 2905.13.00.00 — Butan-1-ol (n-Butyl alcohol)
- 2905.14.10.00 — tert-Butyl alcohol, having a purity of less than 99 percent by weight
- 2905.14.50 — Other
- 2905.16.00 — Octanol (Octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof
- 2905.17.00.00 — Dodecan-1-ol (Lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (Cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (Stearyl alcohol)
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are classified under 2905.49.30.00?
Pure xylitol in bulk forms such as crystalline powder or granules, imported as a chemical or food-grade sweetening ingredient.
Does this code cover xylitol-sweetened gum or candy?
No. Finished foods that merely contain xylitol are classified as food preparations in other chapters, most often Chapter 17 or 21 depending on the product.
Is sorbitol classified here too?
No. Sorbitol (D-glucitol) has its own provisions within heading 2905, and mannitol likewise has a separate line. This code is specific to xylitol.
What is the HTS code 2905.49.30.00 used for?
HTS code 2905.49.30.00 is the harmonized tariff schedule code for Xylitol. This code is used to classify and identify this product type for customs clearance, duty calculation, and trade statistics.
What is the Column 2 rate for HTS 2905.49.30.00?
The Column 2 rate is the tariff duty rate applicable to goods from countries that do not have normal trade relations with the United States. This rate is typically higher than Column 1 (Most Favored Nation) rates and is rarely used in modern trade due to most-favored-nation agreements.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods classified under HTS 2905.49.30.00?
While not always required, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended for most imports. A customs broker can help ensure proper HTS classification, prepare customs documentation, pay duties correctly, and avoid delays or penalties. Your broker should be familiar with Chemical Products products.
Which countries receive special tariff rates for HTS 2905.49.30.00?
Multiple free trade agreements and trade preference programs provide reduced or free tariffs for eligible HTS classifications. Common programs include USMCA (Canada, Mexico), various bilateral FTAs (Korea, Australia, Singapore), GSP for developing countries, and AGOA for eligible African nations. Check the special rates section on this page.
How does HTS code 2905.49.30.00 affect my import costs?
The HTS code determines the applicable duty rate (either free or a percentage/specific amount), whether your product qualifies for trade agreement benefits, any quota restrictions, and special documentation requirements. Proper classification directly impacts your import expenses, so verify the correct code with your supplier or a customs professional.