Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic perfluorinated carboxylic acid with the formula C7F15COOH, classified under HTS 2915.90.18.10 as a saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid that is fully fluorinated. It is a chemically defined organic compound used primarily in industrial applications despite regulatory restrictions.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported as a fluorinated alcohol precursor rather than the carboxylic acid
Halogenated derivatives of acyclic alcohols fall under heading 2903 when not yet converted to the carboxylic acid form.
If imported as part of a chemical mixture or solution exceeding Chapter 29 concentration limits
Chemical preparations containing PFOA as a minor component are classified in Chapter 38 rather than as pure compounds.
If for other fluorinated carboxylic acids that are not specifically PFOA
Different chain length perfluorocarboxylic acids fall under the broader 'other' saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids category.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify chemical purity and provide Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming it meets the perfluorooctanoic acid specification to avoid misclassification
• Include Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and comply with TSCA regulations as PFOA is subject to EPA import restrictions and notifications
• Avoid common pitfalls like incorrect declaration as general carboxylic acids; specify 'perfluorooctanoic acid' explicitly on commercial invoice
Related Products under HTS 2915.90.18.10
Ammonium Perfluorooctanoate
Ammonium perfluorooctanoate is the ammonium salt of perfluorooctanoic acid (C7F15COO⁻NH4⁺), explicitly covered under HTS 2915.90.18.10 as a salt of this specific perfluorinated carboxylic acid. It was historically used as a processing aid in fluoropolymer production like Teflon.
Sodium Perfluorooctanoate
Sodium perfluorooctanoate (C7F15COONa) is the sodium salt form of PFOA, classified under HTS 2915.90.18.10 per Chapter Note 5(C)(1) which directs organic salts to the heading of the parent acid. Used in surfactant applications and chemical synthesis.
PFOA Potassium Salt
The potassium salt of perfluorooctanoic acid (C7F15COOK) qualifies under HTS 2915.90.18.10 as a salt of the named perfluorinated acid, following classification rules for organic salts. Applied in emulsifier formulations for specialty polymers.
PFOA Lithium Salt
Lithium perfluorooctanoate (C7F15COOLi), a metal salt of PFOA, is classified in HTS 2915.90.18.10 following the parent perfluorooctanoic acid classification rule from Chapter Note 5(C)(3). Used in advanced material synthesis.