Ketone-phenols and ketones with other oxygen function

Subheading 291450 of the Combined Nomenclature covers quinones - organic compounds characterised by a conjugated carbonyl system incorporated in or attached to an aromatic ring. The most commercially significant substances classified here are 1,4-naphthoquinone (CAS 130-15-4) and anthraquinone (CAS 84-65-1). Naphthoquinone is a yellow crystalline solid with oxidising properties, used in organic synthesis and as an intermediate in vitamin K production. Anthraquinone - a derivative of anthracene - is a key precursor in the dye industry (reactive, acid and vat dyes) and is also used in the pulp and paper industry as a delignification auxiliary and as a bird repellent. Both compounds are low-water-solubility solids. It is important to note that coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone) is no longer classified here; since 2022 it has been assigned its own subheading 291462. Classification is governed by the General Rules for Interpretation of the CN and the Notes to Chapter 29.

Quinones classified under subheading 291450 have broad industrial applications. Anthraquinone is one of the largest-volume intermediates used for the synthesis of anthraquinonoid dyes - acid, reactive and vat types - widely applied in dyeing wool, silk and synthetic fibres. In the paper industry, anthraquinone is added to the Kraft process to improve pulp yield. Naphthoquinone serves as an intermediate in vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) synthesis and as a fungicide. Both substances fall under REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006): registration with ECHA is required for imports exceeding 1 tonne per year. Anthraquinone has been identified by ECHA as a substance of concern due to suspected carcinogenic properties and appears on the SVHC Candidate List - importers should verify the current status regularly. Classification and labelling under CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008) are mandatory, and each shipment must be supplied with a compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Importing goods under CN subheading 291450 requires submission of an electronic customs declaration with the correct 10-digit TARIC code in compliance with the Union Customs Code. The importer must hold an EORI number and submit: a commercial invoice including the CAS number and IUPAC chemical name, a transport document, a technical specification or Certificate of Analysis (CoA), a REACH-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and - when claiming a preferential duty rate - a valid proof of origin. MFN duty rates, applicable autonomous tariff suspensions and tariff quotas must be verified in the current EU TARIC database, as reduced rates may be in force for certain industrial chemicals. Any anti-dumping or other trade defence measures applicable to specific countries of origin must also be checked in TARIC. Confirmation of REACH registration with ECHA may be required by customs authorities or market surveillance officers. Import VAT is applied in the country of importation according to the applicable national rate.

Organic substances under CN code 2914 50 (Quinones: naphthoquinone) require detailed chemical documentation for customs clearance. The Safety Data Sheet must comply with REACH Annex II. Substances classified as hazardous under CLP require GHS pictogram labelling. Transport follows ADR (road) or IMDG (maritime) regulations. Some organic substances may be subject to export controls as dual-use goods. Importers should verify whether the substance requires REACH authorisation (Annex XIV) or is subject to restrictions (Annex XVII).