Heading 2909

Ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, ether-alcohol- phenols, alcohol peroxides, ether peroxides, acetal and hemiacetal peroxides, ketone peroxides (whether or not chemically defined), and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

33 declarable lines

Heading 2909 covers ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols, alcohol peroxides, ether peroxides, acetal and hemiacetal peroxides, and ketone peroxides, plus their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. The heading splits first by chemical type: acyclic ethers in 2909.11 through 2909.19, cyclic ethers in 2909.20, aromatic ethers in 2909.30, ether-alcohols in 2909.41 through 2909.49, ether-phenols in 2909.50, and peroxides in 2909.60. Within each group the lines turn on structure and end use, such as monohydric versus polyhydric alcohol ethers, or odoriferous and flavoring compounds versus pesticides.

Products in this heading

Diethyl ether
Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE)
Diethylene glycol (2,2'-oxydiethanol)
Monobutyl ether of ethylene glycol
Guaifenesin
Eugenol and isoeugenol
Decabromodiphenyl oxide
Musk ambrette and other artificial musks

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the chemical function: ether, ether-alcohol, ether-phenol or organic peroxide.
Determine the carbon structure: acyclic, cyclanic/cyclenic/cycloterpenic, or aromatic.
For acyclic ethers, decide whether the alcohol is monohydric or polyhydric.
For ether-alcohols, check whether it is a monoalkyl ether of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol and which alkyl group, since monomethyl and monobutyl have their own lines.
Check whether the product is an odoriferous or flavoring compound, a pesticide, or a product described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI.

Often confused with

Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol
These are acyclic alcohols without an ether function, so they fall in heading 2905.
Heading 2905
Phenol and cresols
Plain phenols belong to heading 2907; only ether-phenols and ether-alcohol-phenols stay in 2909.
Heading 2907
Vanillin
Vanillin is an aldehyde with an ether function and is classified as an aldehyde in heading 2912.
Heading 2912
Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide
These are three-membered ring epoxides, which heading 2910 covers separately.
Heading 2910
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
BHT is a substituted phenol, not an ether, so it goes to heading 2907.
Heading 2907

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for diethyl ether?

Diethyl ether is classified under 2909.11.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 1%.

What is the duty on eugenol?

Eugenol and isoeugenol fall under 2909.50.40.10, with a general (MFN) rate of 4.8%.

How do I classify methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE)?

MTBE is an acyclic ether of a monohydric alcohol, classified under 2909.19.14.00 with a general (MFN) rate of 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.