Heading 2908

Halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of phenols or phenol-alcohols

21 declarable lines

Heading 2908 covers derivatives of phenols and phenol-alcohols in which halogen, sulfo, nitro or nitroso groups have been added. The heading splits first by substituent type: 2908.11 through 2908.19 hold derivatives containing only halogen substituents and their salts, and 2908.91 through 2908.99 hold the remaining nitro, nitroso and sulfo derivatives. Most lines carry a general (MFN) rate of 5.5%, with a few specific chemical lines free.

Products in this heading

Pentachlorophenol and its salts
Tetrabromobisphenol A
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
Chlorothymol and 6-chloro-m-cresol
2,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (bisphenol AF)
p-Nitrophenol and other nitrophenols
4-Hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (1-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid)
Dinoseb and 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) and their salts

How to choose the right subheading

Confirm the base compound is a phenol or phenol-alcohol; derivatives of other parents go to other headings.
Identify the added substituent: halogen only, sulfo only, nitro or nitroso, or a mix of these.
For halogen-only derivatives, check the named compound lines in 2908.11 and 2908.19 before using a residual line.
Check whether the product is described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI, which has its own lines.
Treat salts and esters with the same subheading logic as the parent derivative.

Often confused with

Phenol itself (carbolic acid)
Unmodified phenol belongs to the parent heading; 2908 needs an added halogen, sulfo, nitro or nitroso group.
Heading 2907
Bisphenol A
Bisphenol A is a phenol-alcohol listed in 2907, not a derivative of one.
Heading 2907
Chlorobenzene
The halogen sits on a hydrocarbon ring, so it is a halogenated hydrocarbon, not a phenol derivative.
Heading 2903
Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid
A sulfonated hydrocarbon falls in 2904; 2908 requires a phenol or phenol-alcohol parent.
Heading 2904
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
This is a carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function, classified outside the phenol derivative headings.
Heading 2918

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for pentachlorophenol?

Pentachlorophenol (ISO) is classified under 2908.11.00.00. The general (MFN) rate for that line is 5.5%.

What is the duty on tetrabromobisphenol A?

Tetrabromobisphenol A falls under 2908.19.25.00. The general (MFN) rate is 5.5%.

How do I classify 4-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid?

This named compound goes in 2908.99.06.00, which carries a general (MFN) rate of Free. Other sulfo-group derivatives listed in 2908.99.03.00 pay 5.5%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.