Terephthalic Acid (PTA)
Terephthalic acid is an aromatic polycarboxylic acid with two carboxyl groups attached to a benzene ring, used primarily as a raw material for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins and fibers. It falls under HTS 2917.39.70.00 as an aromatic polycarboxylic acid that is neither specifically listed nor phthalic acid. This white crystalline powder is essential in the plastics and textile industries.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If sold as purified isophthalic acid
Purified isophthalic acid has specific heading 2917.36 ahead of the residual 'other' category.
If polymerized into PET resin
Polymerized forms become polyester resins classified in Chapter 39, not as acids.
If supplied as aqueous technical grade solution
Technical mixtures not meeting chemical purity standards fall under chemical preparations.
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 purity levels (>99.8%) with Certificates of Analysis (COA) to confirm classification as chemically defined compound
• Ensure proper Hazard Communication labeling as it's a respiratory irritant; DOT shipping papers required
Related Products under HTS 2917.39.70.00
Isophthalic Acid Technical Grade
Isophthalic acid is a meta-substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acid used in alkyd resins, polyester coatings, and copolyesters. Classified under HTS 2917.39.70.00 as an aromatic polycarboxylic acid not specifically enumerated elsewhere in heading 2917. This meta-isomer provides superior chemical resistance in coatings.
1,2,4,5-Tetracarboxybenzene (Pyromellitic Acid)
Pyromellitic acid, the diacid precursor to PMDA, is used in specialty polyimides and electronic materials. Classified under HTS 2917.39.70.00 as an aromatic polycarboxylic acid (four -COOH groups on benzene). Typically handled as dihydrate form.
Benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid (Hemicellic Acid)
Hemicellic acid is a tri-carboxylic aromatic acid used in resin synthesis and as a pharmaceutical intermediate. It falls under HTS 2917.39.70.00 as an aromatic polycarboxylic acid not otherwise specified. The 1,2,3-substitution pattern gives unique reactivity.
Diphenic Acid
Diphenic acid (2,2'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid) is used in polymer synthesis and as a chiral resolving agent. Although biphenyl-based, classified under HTS 2917.39.70.00 as aromatic polycarboxylic acid per Chapter 29 structure. Provides rigid linker in specialty polymers.
Mellophanic Acid
Mellophanic acid (benzene-1,2,3,5-tetracarboxylic acid) serves as a monomer for heat-resistant polymers and electronic materials. Classified HTS 2917.39.70.00 as aromatic polycarboxylic acid with unsymmetrical substitution. Enables cross-linked network structures.
Prehnitic Acid
Prehnitic acid (benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid) used in polyimide films and high-performance composites. Identical reactivity to pyromellitic acid but different substitution pattern. HTS 2917.39.70.00 as aromatic polycarboxylic acid, other.