Polyethylene glycol Hs Code

Polyethylene glycol harmonized system code

Product Overview Polyethylene glycol (PEG) classified under HS Code 340420 is a versatile polyether compound characterized by its water-soluble, non-ionic polymer structure. It is available in various molecular weights, typically ranging from 200 to 35,000 g/mol, affecting its viscosity and physical state—from liquid to waxy solids. The product is manufactured through ethylene oxide polymerization, ensuring high purity levels with minimal residual monomers and consistent molecular weight distribution. HS Code 340420 specifically encompasses polyethylene glycols and their derivatives, including mono- and diesters, differentiated by molecular weight and functionalization. Commercially, PEG is widely utilized in food processing as a stabilizer and anti-foaming agent, in retail for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as a solvent and carrier, and in industrial applications such as polymer processing and chemical synthesis. Its chemical inertness, biocompatibility, and solubility confer significant advantages in cross-sector applications, positioning it as a critical raw material in international trade for manufacturers and distributors requiring reliable quality and standardized specifications. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The HS Code 340420 falls under Chapter 34 (Soap, Organic Surface-Active Agents), Heading 3404 (Artificial and Prepared Waxes), with the subheading 20 designating polyethylene glycol and its derivatives. This classification is based on the product’s chemical composition and application as a surface-active agent and polymer intermediate. Trade professionals recognize this code for customs declarations, tariff assessment, and regulatory compliance. Polyethylene glycol is typically packaged in hermetically sealed drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), or pallets, employing moisture-resistant and contamination-proof materials to preserve product integrity during transit. Standard quality attributes include molecular weight range verification, viscosity measurements, and absence of heavy metals or residual catalysts, ensuring compliance with international standards such as ISO 9001 and REACH regulations. Shipping conditions require temperature-controlled environments in some cases to prevent degradation or phase changes. The accurate classification under HS Code 340420 facilitates streamlined customs clearance, tariff application, and adherence to WTO trade agreements, supporting efficient global supply chain operations.

Polyethylene glycol Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils of a kind used as mould release preparations (heading 15.17); (b) Separate chemically defined compounds; or (c) Shampoos, dentifrices, shaving creams and foams, or bath preparations, containing soap or other organic surface-active agents (heading 33.05, 33.06 or 33.07). 2.- For the purposes of heading 34.01, the expression “soap” applies only to soap soluble in water. Soap and the other products of heading 34.01 may contain added substances (for example, disinfectants, abrasive powders, fillers or medicaments). Products containing abrasive powders remain classified in heading 34.01 only if in the form of bars, cakes or moulded pieces or shapes. In other forms they are to be classified in heading 34.05 as “scouring powders and similar preparations”. 3.- For the purposes of heading 34.02, “organic surface-active agents” are products which when mixed with water at a concentration of 0.5 % at 20 C and left to stand for one hour at the same temperature : (a) give a transparent or translucent liquid or stable emulsion without separation of insoluble matter; and (b) reduce the surface tension of water to 4.5 x 10-2 N/m (45 dyne/cm) or less. 4.- In heading 34.03 the expression “petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals” applies to the products defined in Note 2 to Chapter 27. 5.- In heading 34.04, subject to the exclusions provided below, the expression “artificial waxes and prepared waxes” applies only to : (a) Chemically produced organic products of a waxy character, whether or not water-soluble; (b) Products obtained by mixing different waxes; (c) Products of a waxy character with a basis of one or more waxes and containing fats, resins, mineral substances or other materials. The heading does not apply to : (a) Products of heading 15.16, 34.02 or 38.23, even if having a waxy character; (b) Unmixed animal waxes or unmixed vegetable waxes, whether or not refined or coloured, of heading 15.21; (c) Mineral waxes or similar products of heading 27.12, whether or not intermixed or merely coloured; or (d) Waxes mixed with, dispersed in or dissolved in a liquid medium (headings 34.05, 38.09, etc.).