2909.49.20.00 - Glycerol ethers

This HTS category, 2909.49.20.00, specifically covers glycerol ethers. These are organic compounds where one or more hydroxyl groups of glycerol have been replaced by ether linkages. Glycerol ethers are characterized by their structure derived from glycerol, a simple triol, and a distinct ether functional group. They find various applications in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to polymers and food additives, often due to their solvent properties, emulsifying capabilities, or as intermediates in further chemical synthesis.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While sibling 2909.49.30.00 pertains to a very specific compound, Dipentaerythritol with a defined purity threshold, and 2909.49.60.00 encompasses all other remaining "other" ethers not otherwise specified, 2909.49.20.00 is precisely designated for glycerol ethers. This means that if a substance is demonstrably a glycerol ether, it should be classified here, even if it possesses characteristics that might otherwise align with broader "other" categories.

As this node is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification of a product under 2909.49.20.00 relies solely on its confirmation as a glycerol ether. Importers and exporters should ensure they possess adequate technical documentation, such as chemical analysis or material safety data sheets (MSDS), to substantiate that the product's chemical structure conforms to that of a glycerol ether.