Potassium Lactate
Potassium lactate is the potassium salt of lactic acid, a carboxylic acid with an alcohol function. It is used as a food preservative (E326), flavor enhancer, and humectant in meat products and baked goods. As a salt of lactic acid, it falls under tariff item 2918.11.00, which covers lactic acid, its salts, and esters.
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 salt of another carboxylic acid with alcohol function
This covers other salts of carboxylic acids with alcohol function.
If imported as part of a food preparation or seasoning blend
Food preparations containing potassium lactate with other additives may be classified under this heading.
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
• Verify that the potassium lactate meets Canadian food additive standards if intended for food use
• Keep documentation showing it is a separate chemically defined compound
• Be aware that if mixed with other ingredients, it may be classified elsewhere
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.