SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of essential oil concentrates, terpenic by-products & aqueous distillates (SITC 55135) totaled $13.9M in April 2026, traded with 51 countries.
Importers of Essential Oil Concentrates, Terpenic By-Products & Aqueous Distillates paid $1.5M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 12% on $12.9M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Essential Oil Concentrates, Terpenic By-Products & Aqueous Distillates imports of $13.9M in April 2026 ran 15% above the year-to-date monthly average of $12.1M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataProcessed derivatives of essential oils—including concentrates dissolved in fixed fats or oils, terpenic by-products separated during distillation, and floral waters (aqueous distillates such as rose water or orange blossom water)—occupy a distinct commercial space between raw essential oils and finished fragrance compounds. SITC 55135 captures this heterogeneous group, which serves the cosmetics, food flavoring, and aromatherapy sectors. Terpenic by-products, particularly d-limonene recovered from citrus processing, are also used as industrial solvents and cleaning agents, giving this heading cross-sector relevance. The food-use status of aqueous distillates triggers FDA prior notice requirements, while industrial terpene fractions may be subject to different regulatory pathways.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
D-limonene and other terpene fractions recovered as by-products of essential oil processing may be classified under SITC 55135 when derived from essential oil production, but when imported primarily as industrial solvents or cleaning agents, they may fall under chemical headings instead. The intended end-use and the production process documentation both influence the correct classification; a customs broker should review the specific product specification and intended use.
FDA prior notice is required for food-use floral waters (e.g., rose water used as a food flavoring or ingredient). Floral waters imported solely for cosmetic or personal-care use are not subject to food prior notice, but they are regulated as cosmetic ingredients under the FD&C Act and must comply with cosmetic labeling and safety standards. Importers should clearly document the intended use to ensure the correct regulatory pathway is applied at entry.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| INDIA | $4.9M | $133K | -$4.8M |
| BRAZIL | $3.8M | $125K | -$3.7M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $120K | $2.1M | +$2.0M |
| SAUDI ARABIA | -- | $1.9M | +$1.9M |
| CANADA | $140K | $1.5M | +$1.4M |
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Monthly import values over time