Ethanol|HTS Code

Ethanol harmonized system code

Product Overview Ethanol classified under HTS 2207.10 (220710) is undenatured ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH, CAS 64-17-5) with an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% ABV. Key characteristics include aqueous ethanol solution ranges typically 5–79.99% v/v, specific gravity approximately 0.789–0.998 (dependent on ABV), boiling point 78.37°C (pure ethanol), colorless appearance and volatile odor, and purity quantified by analytical assay methods (GC‑FID; reported as % v/v or % w/w). Processing levels encompass fermentation-derived potable/distilled products and rectified botanical extracts; denaturation is absent under this subheading. Product classifications within 2207.10 are commonly segmented commercially by intended use and specification: potable/food-grade (USP/EP/FDA‑compliant), laboratory/reagent grade (analytical, tight water control), and technical/industrial undenatured ethanol (solvent, extraction, cosmetics). Commercial applications include beverage production, pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulation, laboratory reagents, solvent for extraction and synthesis, and specialty cleaning agents. Typical CoA parameters include ABV (% v/v), water by Karl Fischer (% or mg/kg), methanol and volatile impurities (ppm), acidity, and refractive index at 20°C to confirm specification conformance. HTS Code Classification & Trade Specifications HTSUS structure locates Ethanol in Chapter 22 (Beverages, spirits and vinegar), Heading 2207 (Ethyl alcohol, undenatured and denatured), with Subheading 2207.10 (220710) specifically covering undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% ABV. Classification rationale rests on denaturation status and measured alcoholic strength: undenatured material identifiable as ethanol (C2H5OH) and confirmed by laboratory testing (GC‑FID for assay, Karl Fischer for water). Trade considerations for customs and logistics include standard commercial packagings — stainless steel ISO tanks and tank containers for bulk, UN‑rated steel drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and food‑grade totes for packaged loads — with preservation measures such as sealed containers, nitrogen‑blanketed headspace and moisture control for sensitive grades. Shipping requires hazardous goods documentation (UN1170 Ethanol or Ethanol solution), Hazard Class 3, applicable packing group determined by flash point, and compliance with IMDG, IATA and 49 CFR rules. Required trade documentation includes SDS, CoA, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and accurate HTSUS entry; quality standards commonly referenced are USP/EP for food/pharmaceutical and ASTM D4806 for fuel applications.

Ethanol Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Products of this Chapter (other than those of heading 22.09) prepared for culinary purposes and thereby rendered unsuitable for consumption as beverages (generally heading 21.03); (b) Sea water (heading 25.01); (c) Distilled or conductivity water or water of similar purity (heading 28.53); (d) Acetic acid of a concentration exceeding 10 % by weight of acetic acid (heading 29.15); (e) Medicaments of heading 30.03 or 30.04; or (f) Perfumery or toilet preparations (Chapter 33). 2.- For the purposes of this Chapter and of Chapters 20 and 21, the “alcoholic strength by volume” shall be determined at a temperature of 20 C. 3.- For the purposes of heading 22.02, the term “non-alcoholic beverages” means beverages of an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 0.5 % vol. Alcoholic beverages are classified in headings 22.03 to 22.06 or heading 22.08 as appropriate.