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3302

Heading 3302

Mixtures of odoriferous substances and mixtures (including alcoholic solutions) with a basis of one or more of these substances, of a kind used as raw materials in industry; other preparations based on odoriferous substances, of a kind used for the manufacture of beverages

What does heading 3302 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 3302 covers mixtures of odoriferous substances; preparations based on odoriferous substances. These products belong to Chapter 33 covering essential oils, odoriferous substances, perfumery, cosmetic and toilet preparations. They are used in the perfumery, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. Import of products of heading 3302 into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 6.5%. Cosmetic products must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, including notification via the CPNP portal. A responsible person in the EU is required for each cosmetic product. Heading 3302 is part of Chapter 33 (chemical industry products, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 3302 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 3302 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 3302

Import of products of heading 3302 into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 6.5%. A responsible person in the EU is required for each cosmetic product. Cosmetic products require notification via the CPNP portal before being placed on the EU market. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires a responsible person in the EU for each cosmetic product. Duty rates on products of heading 3302 range from 0% to 6.5%. Cosmetic ingredients must comply with the lists of permitted, prohibited and restricted substances in the annexes to the Cosmetics Regulation. When importing goods under heading 3302 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 3302 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 3302 are subject to REACH, CLP and GHS controls. Required documentation includes: Safety Data Sheets (SDS), ECHA registration, GMP certificates (for pharmaceuticals). In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 3302 - key considerations

Heading 3302 covers mixtures of odoriferous substances and mixtures based thereon used in food and perfumery industries. Fragrance compositions for perfumes: 3302. Food flavourings (e.g. vanilla, strawberry): 3302 10. Pure essential oils: 3301. Finished perfumes: 3303. Key distinction: 3302 = MIXTURES/fragrance compositions, 3301 = pure oils, 3303 = finished retail perfumery.

Frequently asked questions

What duty rates apply to mixtures of odoriferous substances (heading 3302)?
Imports of mixtures of odoriferous substances and preparations based thereon into the EU are subject to duty rates from 0% to 17.3%. The rate depends on intended use - mixtures used as raw materials in the fragrance industry carry lower rates, while preparations for beverage production (including alcoholic solutions) may face rates up to 17.3%. Heading 3302 covers fragrance compositions for perfumery, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. Food flavourings represent a significant share of imports. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and regulations govern the import of odoriferous mixtures into the EU?
Cosmetic products must comply with Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 with CPNP notification. Odoriferous substances are subject to REACH and require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Food flavourings must comply with Regulation (EC) 1334/2008. CLP labelling for allergenic ingredients is required. The 26 listed fragrance allergens must be declared on cosmetic product labels. Novel substances require EFSA safety assessment for food applications. Dual-use compositions need both food and cosmetic compliance. This applies to goods classified under heading 3302 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing odoriferous substance mixtures?
Fragrance mixtures are complex compositions requiring protection from light and high temperatures. Transport is in sealed stainless steel or aluminium containers. Quality is controlled through chromatographic analysis and sensory testing. Major suppliers of fragrance compositions are large flavour and fragrance houses from Western Europe and the USA. Trade secret protection of fragrance formulae is important. Compliance with IFRA (International Fragrance Association) guidelines is an industry standard. This applies to goods classified under heading 3302 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.