Ethyl Lactate
Ethyl lactate is the ethyl ester of lactic acid, formed from lactic acid and ethanol. Under Chapter 29 Note 5(B), esters of ethyl alcohol with acid-function organic compounds are classified in the same heading as the corresponding acid, which is this tariff item. It is used as a biodegradable solvent in electronics cleaning and pharmaceutical applications.
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:
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
• Provide documentation confirming the ester is derived from lactic acid and ethanol
• Ensure the product is not put up for retail sale
• Check if the solvent use requires any special handling or transport documentation
Related Products under Tariff item 2918.11.00
85% Lactic Acid Food Grade
85% Lactic Acid Food Grade is an aqueous solution of lactic acid, a separate chemically defined organic compound with both carboxylic acid and alcohol functions. The water content is a normal and necessary method of putting up this product for transport and safety, as permitted by Chapter 29 Note 1(d). It is used as an acidity regulator in beverages and dairy products.
Ammonium Lactate
Ammonium lactate is the ammonium salt of lactic acid, formed from the acid-function organic compound and an inorganic base. Under Chapter 29 Note 5(C)(1), inorganic salts of organic compounds are classified in the heading appropriate to the organic compound, which is this tariff item for lactic acid salts. It is used as a lotion base in pharmaceutical moisturizers.
Bio-Based Lactic Acid 98%
Bio-Based Lactic Acid 98% is a pure chemically defined organic compound produced from corn fermentation, with the origin of the product not affecting its classification. It contains both carboxylic acid and alcohol functions, falling squarely within the scope of heading 29.18. The high purity level confirms it is a separate chemically defined compound under Chapter 29 Note 1(a).
Butyl Lactate
Butyl lactate is the butyl ester of lactic acid, formed from lactic acid and butyl alcohol. Under Chapter 29 Note 5(A), esters of acid-function organic compounds are classified with the compound that occurs last in numerical order, which is the acid (lactic acid) in this case. It is used as an industrial solvent for lacquers, inks, and coatings.
Calcium Lactate
Calcium lactate is the calcium salt of lactic acid, an inorganic salt of an organic compound with carboxylic acid and alcohol functions. Under Chapter 29 Note 5(C)(1), it is classified in the heading appropriate to the organic compound, which is this tariff item for lactic acid salts. It is widely used as a calcium supplement in food fortification.
D-(-)-Lactic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade
D-(-)-Lactic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade is the synthetic enantiomer of lactic acid, a separate chemically defined organic compound with carboxylic acid and alcohol functions. As a single stereoisomer, it qualifies under Chapter 29 Note 1(a) as a distinct chemical compound. It is used in specialized pharmaceutical applications where enantiomeric purity is critical.