Terephthalic Acid (PTA)

Terephthalic acid is an aromatic polycarboxylic acid used primarily as a raw material in producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for bottles and fibers. It falls under HTS 2917.39.30.00 as a product described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI, specifically covering certain aromatic polycarboxylic acids subject to quantitative limitations.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China6.5%+25.0%31.5%
🇲🇽Mexico6.5%6.5%
🇨🇦Canada6.5%6.5%
🇩🇪Germany6.5%6.5%
🇯🇵Japan6.5%6.5%

Alternative Classifications

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

2917.39.20.00Higher: 41.5% vs 31.5%

If dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) form

The ester derivative DMT of terephthalic acid classifies under the specific subheading for aromatic esters rather than the acid itself.

3907.61.00Higher: 41.5% vs 31.5%

If polymerized into PET resin

Polymerized forms like PET resin shift from Chapter 29 organic chemicals to Chapter 39 plastics.

2917.36.00.00Higher: 41.5% vs 31.5%

If classified as terephthalic acid specifically

Some tariff schedules have more specific subheadings for terephthalic acid outside note 3 products.

Not sure which classification is right?

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Import Tips & Compliance

Verify quota availability under additional U.S. note 3 to section VI before shipping, as imports are subject to annual quantitative limits

Provide certificate of analysis confirming purity >99.8% and aromatic structure to avoid misclassification

Related Products under HTS 2917.39.30.00

1,4-Naphthalenedicarboxylic Acid

Aromatic polycarboxylic acid derived from naphthalene, used in high-performance polyester resins and liquid crystal polymers. Included in HTS 2917.39.30.00 under additional U.S. note 3 to section VI for specific aromatic diacids subject to import quotas.

Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT)

Dimethyl terephthalate is the dimethyl ester of terephthalic acid, an aromatic polycarboxylic acid derivative used in polyester fiber and film production. Classified under HTS 2917.39.30.00 due to inclusion in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI for quota-controlled aromatic compounds.

Isophthalic Acid (IPA)

Isophthalic acid, a meta-isomer of benzene dicarboxylic acid, is an aromatic polycarboxylic acid used in resin, coating, and copolyester production. It qualifies for HTS 2917.39.30.00 as specified in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI for import quota management.

Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) Flakes

High-purity terephthalic acid in flake form (>99.99% purity) for direct polymerization into PET without ester interchange. Falls under HTS 2917.39.30.00 per additional U.S. note 3 to section VI due to its status as a quota-controlled aromatic polycarboxylic acid.

Phthalic Anhydride (Technical Grade)

Cyclic anhydride of ortho-phthalic acid, an aromatic polycarboxylic acid derivative used in plasticizer and resin manufacturing. Subject to HTS 2917.39.30.00 classification per additional U.S. note 3 to section VI for quota management.

Trimellitic Anhydride (TMA)

Trimellitic anhydride is a tri-carboxylic aromatic acid anhydride used in wire enamel coatings and high-temperature plastics. Falls under HTS 2917.39.30.00 as described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI for quota-controlled aromatic polycarboxylic derivatives.