2905.17.00.00 - Dodecan-1-ol (Lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (Cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (Stearyl alcohol)

This HTS category, 2905.17.00.00, specifically covers long-chain saturated monohydric alcohols, commonly known as lauryl alcohol (dodecan-1-ol), cetyl alcohol (hexadecan-1-ol), and stearyl alcohol (octadecan-1-ol). These are fatty alcohols characterized by their extended hydrocarbon chains, typically containing twelve, sixteen, or eighteen carbon atoms, respectively. They are widely used as emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, and surfactants in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and detergents.

To distinguish this category from its siblings, it is important to note the length of the alcohol's carbon chain. While siblings like methanol (2905.11) and propanol (2905.12.00) are short-chain alcohols, and octanol (2905.16.00) represents an intermediate chain length, 2905.17.00.00 is reserved for alcohols with significantly longer chains, generally 12 carbons or more. This difference in chain length imparts distinct physical and chemical properties, influencing their applications and therefore their classification.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification system, there are no further subdivisions within this specific code. Therefore, classification into 2905.17.00.00 relies on the definitive identification of the alcohol as dodecan-1-ol, hexadecan-1-ol, or octadecan-1-ol. The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity and structure, specifically the number of carbon atoms in the saturated acyclic monohydric alcohol.