Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA)
Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) is a separate chemically defined organic compound used primarily as a raw material for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for bottles and fibers. It is an aromatic polycarboxylic acid that falls under this tariff item. Chapter 29 note 1(a) covers separate chemically defined organic compounds.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the product is a derivative of terephthalic acid, such as dimethyl terephthalate.
Esters of terephthalic acid are classified under the residual subheading for other aromatic polycarboxylic acid derivatives.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Clearly label the product as PTA with purity specifications on the bill of lading and commercial invoice
• Ensure the product is not dissolved in a solvent that makes it suitable for a specific use, which could affect classification
• Verify if the product is subject to any anti-dumping or countervailing duties
Related Products under Tariff item 2917.36.00
Ammonium Terephthalate
Ammonium terephthalate is the ammonium salt of terephthalic acid, a chemically defined organic compound. It is used as a blowing agent in plastics and as a chemical intermediate. Under Chapter 29, inorganic salts of organic acids are classified with the parent organic compound, making this salt classifiable under the tariff item for terephthalic acid and its salts.
Calcium Terephthalate Salt
Calcium terephthalate is a divalent salt of terephthalic acid, used in flame-retardant plastics and as a catalyst. As an inorganic salt of an organic acid, it is classified with the parent acid under Chapter 29. The tariff item explicitly covers terephthalic acid and its salts, including calcium terephthalate.
Disodium Terephthalate Salt
Disodium terephthalate is the sodium salt of terephthalic acid, used in specialty polymers and as a chemical intermediate. It is a separate chemically defined compound and an inorganic salt of an organic acid. Under Chapter 29, it is classified with the parent acid, terephthalic acid, in this tariff item.
High-Purity Terephthalic Acid (HPTA)
High-purity terephthalic acid (HPTA) is a separate chemically defined organic compound with purity above 99.99%, used for pharmaceutical-grade PET and specialty films. It is an aromatic polycarboxylic acid that precisely matches the description of this tariff item. Chapter 29 note 1(a) includes separate chemically defined organic compounds whether or not containing impurities.
Industrial Grade Terephthalic Acid
Industrial grade terephthalic acid, typically 99.5% purity, is a separate chemically defined compound used as feedstock for polyester fiber production. It is an aromatic polycarboxylic acid that falls under this tariff item. Chapter 29 note 1(a) covers separate chemically defined organic compounds, and impurities do not affect classification.
Monopotassium Terephthalate
Monopotassium terephthalate is a partially neutralized salt of terephthalic acid, used in niche chemical syntheses and polymer modifiers. As an inorganic salt of an organic acid, it is classified with the parent acid under Chapter 29. The tariff item explicitly includes salts of terephthalic acid.