Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA)

Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) is a chemically defined organic compound used primarily as a raw material in producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for bottles and fibers. It falls under HTS 2917.36.00.00 as it is specifically terephthalic acid, an aromatic polycarboxylic acid, meeting Chapter 29 note (a) for separate chemically defined compounds.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China6.5%+35.0%41.5%
🇲🇽Mexico6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇨🇦Canada6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇩🇪Germany6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇯🇵Japan6.5%+10.0%16.5%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

2917.39Lower: 16.5% vs 41.5%

If chemically modified with ester groups

Dimethyl terephthalate, an ester derivative, classifies under the later numerical heading 2917.39 per Chapter 29 classification note.

3824.99Lower: 15% vs 41.5%

If impure or containing significant solvents

Mixtures with impurities or solvents not qualifying as Chapter 29 products shift to mixtures of chemicals in Chapter 38.

3105.30.00.00Lower: 25% vs 41.5%

If formulated as a fertilizer additive

When put up for retail fertilizer use, it falls outside Chapter 29 per exclusions and into Chapter 31.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Verify purity levels (>99.9%) via certificate of analysis to confirm classification; ensure proper hazardous material shipping documentation as it's a combustible solid; avoid misdeclaration as dimethyl terephthalate which falls under 2917.39

Related Products under HTS 2917.36.00.00

Disodium Terephthalate Salt

Disodium terephthalate is the sodium salt of terephthalic acid, used in specialty polymers and as a chemical intermediate. It is classified under HTS 2917.36.00.00 as explicitly including salts of terephthalic acid per the heading description and Chapter 29 note on inorganic salts.

Monopotassium Terephthalate

Monopotassium terephthalate is a partially neutralized salt of terephthalic acid, employed in niche chemical syntheses and polymer modifiers. Covered by HTS 2917.36.00.00 as a salt of the specified aromatic polycarboxylic acid, aligning with Chapter 29 definitions.

Industrial Grade Terephthalic Acid

Industrial grade terephthalic acid (typically 99.5% purity) serves as feedstock for polyester fiber production. It qualifies under HTS 2917.36.00.00 as a separate chemically defined compound per Chapter 29 note (a), despite minor impurities.

Terephthalic Acid with Stabilizer

Terephthalic acid containing a minimal stabilizer for transport stability, used in PET resin manufacturing. Allowed under HTS 2917.36.00.00 per Chapter 29 note (f) as the addition is necessary for preservation without changing general use.

Terephthalic Acid Aqueous Solution

A dilute aqueous solution of terephthalic acid for lab or small-scale polymer applications. Classifiable under HTS 2917.36.00.00 via Chapter 29 note (d) as products of the heading dissolved in water.

Calcium Terephthalate Salt

Calcium terephthalate, a divalent salt used in flame-retardant plastics and catalysts. Falls under HTS 2917.36.00.00 as a salt of terephthalic acid, with classification following the organic acid parent per Chapter notes.