SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of cresols and their salts (SITC 51242) totaled $864K in April 2026, traded with 4 countries.
Importers of Cresols and Their Salts paid $123K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $864K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Cresols and Their Salts imports of $864K in April 2026 ran 23% below the year-to-date monthly average of $1.1M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataCresols — ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers of methylphenol — are produced as coal-tar byproducts or via toluene sulfonation and serve as intermediates for herbicides (MCPA, MCPP), antioxidants, disinfectants, and specialty resins. The isomer distribution of a commercial cresol mixture is commercially significant: pure para-cresol commands a premium as a precursor to BHT antioxidant, while mixed cresols are used in industrial disinfectants and wire enamel solvents. Importers should document the isomer composition on the certificate of analysis, as mixed versus single-isomer product may affect both classification and end-use regulatory requirements.
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At the SITC level, all cresol isomers and their mixtures fall under this heading. At the HTS 10-digit level, however, individual isomers may be enumerated separately from mixed cresols, so the certificate of analysis specifying isomer purity is essential for selecting the correct tariff line and avoiding CBP examination.
Yes — cresols are listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory, and importers must certify TSCA compliance at entry. Certain cresol-based disinfectant formulations may also require EPA registration under FIFRA if they are imported as finished antimicrobial products rather than as chemical intermediates.
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Monthly import values over time