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
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If citric acid rather than malic acid
Citric acid has different structure (three carboxyl groups) and specific subheading within same oxygen-function category.
If pre-mixed as food preparation additive
Food preparations containing malic acid as ingredient fall in Chapter 21, not pure chemicals of Chapter 29.
If aromatic carboxylic acid with alcohol function
Chapter 29 prioritizes aromatic vs aliphatic compounds in numerical order per classification note 3.
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
• Include FDA GRAS documentation and certificate of analysis confirming >99% purity as L-malic acid
• Label shipments clearly as 'food grade' to facilitate CBP examination; avoid anti-caking agents that change classification
• Ensure enantiomeric purity certification if claiming natural L-form for labeling purposes
Related Products under HTS 2918.19.60.00
DL-Malic Acid
DL-Malic acid is a racemic mixture of L- and D-malic acid, a dicarboxylic acid with alcohol function (HOOC-CH(OH)-CH2-COOH). It falls under HTS 2918.19.60.00 as malic acid, a carboxylic acid with alcohol function but without other oxygen functions, chemically defined per Chapter 29 note (a).
Technical Grade Malic Acid
Technical grade DL-malic acid used in chemical synthesis, cleaning formulations, and industrial applications. HTS 2918.19.60.00 covers this chemically defined dicarboxylic acid with hydroxy group, regardless of end use, per Chapter 29 scope.
Malic Acid 50% Aqueous Solution
50% malic acid dissolved in water for safe transport and handling in food/pharma applications. Allowed under HTS 2918.19.60.00 per Chapter 29 note (d) as malic acid product dissolved in water, provided it's a normal transport method.
Pharmaceutical Grade L-Malic Acid USP
USP-grade L-malic acid meeting pharmacopeia standards for drug formulations and buffering. Classifies under HTS 2918.19.60.00 as pure, chemically defined malic acid enantiomer with required carboxylic/alcohol functions.