Analysis
Subheading 2905.11 covers methanol (Methyl alcohol), within heading 2905. The first six digits are shared by every country that uses the Harmonized System, so this part of the code is the same in the US, UK and EU schedules; the 2 US tariff lines below it are national.
1 of its 2 lines with a percentage rate are duty-free at the general rate (50%) and 1 are dutiable, from duty-free up to 5.5%. The median line pays 2.75%.
The spread of 5.5 percentage points between the cheapest and dearest lines makes misclassification expensive here. The highest rate, 5.5%, applies to 2905.11.20 (methanol (Methyl alcohol): other).
The US splits it as follows: 2905.11.10 for imported only for use in producing synthetic natural gas (SNG) or for… (duty-free) and 2905.11.20 for methanol (Methyl alcohol): other (5.5%).
By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing (325199). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.
Tariff lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2905.11.10 | Imported only for use in producing synthetic natural gas (SNG) or for direct use as a fuel | Free |
| 2905.11.20 | Methanol (Methyl alcohol): other | 5.5% |