L-Malic Acid Food Grade

L-Malic acid, the naturally occurring enantiomer, used as acidulant in beverages and confectionery. Classified under HTS 2918.19.60.00 as pure malic acid meeting Chapter 29 requirements for separate chemically defined organic compounds with carboxylic acid and alcohol functions.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณChina4%+25.0%29%
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝMexico4%โ€”4%
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆCanada4%โ€”4%
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ชGermany4%โ€”4%
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ตJapan4%โ€”4%

Alternative Classifications

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

2918.15Lower: 13.7% vs 29%

If citric acid rather than malic acid

Citric acid has different structure (three carboxyl groups) and specific subheading within same oxygen-function category.

2106.90.52.00Lower: 17.5% vs 29%

If pre-mixed as food preparation additive

Food preparations containing malic acid as ingredient fall in Chapter 21, not pure chemicals of Chapter 29.

2918Same rate: 29%

If aromatic carboxylic acid with alcohol function

Chapter 29 prioritizes aromatic vs aliphatic compounds in numerical order per classification note 3.

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Import Tips & Compliance

โ€ข Include FDA GRAS documentation and certificate of analysis confirming >99% purity as L-malic acid

โ€ข Label shipments clearly as 'food grade' to facilitate CBP examination; avoid anti-caking agents that change classification

โ€ข Ensure enantiomeric purity certification if claiming natural L-form for labeling purposes