Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the benzene ring, making it a carboxylic acid with alcohol function but no other oxygen functions. It falls under HTS 2918.19.31.00 as an aromatic compound in this category, used primarily in skincare and pharmaceutical applications. This classification follows chapter notes prioritizing the alcohol function in aromatic carboxylic acids.
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 salicylic acid salts like sodium salicylate
Chapter note 5(C)(1) classifies inorganic salts of organic acids with the parent organic compound, but sodium salts may shift to specific salt provisions later in numerical order.
If formulated into pharmaceutical preparations
Chapter note 2(e) excludes immunological/medicinal products of Chapter 30; finished pharma products move out of pure Chapter 29 compounds.
If impure mixture or technical grade with additives
Only chemically defined compounds stay in Chapter 29 per note 1(a); mixtures or preparations with impurities fall to Chapter 38.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity certificate to confirm it meets 'chemically defined organic compound' per chapter note (a); ensure COA specifies aromatic structure and alcohol function
• Common pitfall: misclassification as Chapter 30 pharmaceutical if impure
• Label as 'not for retail sale' to avoid heading 3212 exclusions
Related Products under HTS 2918.19.31.00
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid (alpha-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) is an aromatic alpha-hydroxy acid with a single -OH group on the alpha carbon, qualifying as a carboxylic acid with alcohol function. Classified under HTS 2918.19.31.00 as 'other' aromatic acids without additional oxygen functions beyond the alcohol. Used in chemical synthesis and skincare for exfoliation.
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
4-Hydroxybenzoic acid features a carboxylic acid and phenolic hydroxyl group on a benzene ring, classified as aromatic carboxylic acid with alcohol function. HTS 2918.19.31.00 covers this 'other' category for compounds without further oxygen functions. Widely used as a preservative precursor in cosmetics and food.
Vanillic Acid
Vanillic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid) has a phenolic -OH and methoxy group but is classified by its primary carboxylic acid with alcohol function. Fits HTS 2918.19.31.00 as aromatic 'other' per chapter note prioritizing alcohol function. Used in flavorings, pharmaceuticals, and antioxidants.
Homovanillic Acid
Homovanillic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid) is an aromatic carboxylic acid with phenolic alcohol function, no additional oxygen beyond heading scope. HTS 2918.19.31.00 applies to this 'other' aromatic compound, common in biochemical research and neurotransmitter metabolite analysis.
Gentisic Acid
Gentisic acid (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid) possesses two phenolic -OH groups but classified under single alcohol function for tariff purposes in aromatic carboxylic acids. HTS 2918.19.31.00 as 'other'; used in analgesics and antioxidants.
Protocatechuic Acid
Protocatechuic acid (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) is an aromatic compound with carboxylic acid and two adjacent phenolic hydroxyls, fitting 'alcohol function' category. Classified in HTS 2918.19.31.00; natural metabolite used in supplements.