Mandelic Acid from China
Mandelic acid (alpha-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) is an aromatic alpha-hydroxy acid with both carboxylic acid and alcohol functions on adjacent carbons. It qualifies under HTS 2918.19.20.00 per additional U.S. note 3 to section VI for these specific compounds. Commonly used in skincare for exfoliation and in pharmaceuticals as an antibacterial agent.
Duty Rate — China → United States
24%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
Import Tips
• Provide detailed chemical structure and CAS number (90-64-2) to confirm aromatic alcohol function classification
• For cosmetic-grade imports, separate bulk chemical from finished products to avoid Chapter 33 duties
• Watch for contamination; impure lots may be reclassified under general 2918.19 provisions