2907.13.00.00 - Octylphenol, nonylphenol and their isomers; salts thereof

This HTS category, 2907.13.00.00, specifically covers octylphenol, nonylphenol, and their isomers, along with their corresponding salts. These are organic compounds characterized by a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly attached to an aromatic ring, with either an octyl (eight-carbon) or nonyl (nine-carbon) alkyl chain, or variations of these structures (isomers). They are often utilized as intermediates in the production of surfactants, resins, and other industrial chemicals, but their classification here is based on their specific chemical structure.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While both 2907.11.00.00 (phenol) and 2907.12.00.00 (cresols) are also monophenols, they refer to simpler aromatic alcohols. Phenol itself is the base molecule, and cresols are methyl-substituted phenols. Naphthols, classified under 2907.15, are aromatic alcohols derived from naphthalene, a fused ring system. This subcategory, 2907.13.00.00, is distinct due to the presence of the longer, specific octyl or nonyl alkyl chains, differentiating them from these other monophenol classes.

As a leaf node in the HTS classification system, 2907.13.00.00 does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, classification within this code relies on confirming the presence of octylphenol, nonylphenol, their isomers, or their salts. Importers and exporters should refer to chemical analysis and product documentation to ensure that the imported or exported goods precisely match the chemical structures and descriptions covered by this specific tariff line.