Lactic Acid
Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) is a carboxylic acid containing a hydroxyl group, classifying it under HTS 2918.19.90.00 as a carboxylic acid with alcohol function but without other oxygen functions. It is commonly used in food preservation, cosmetics, and biodegradable plastics.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If supplied as aqueous solution exceeding transport concentration limits
Solutions beyond safety/transport standards fall under Chapter 38 as chemical preparations.
If sold primarily as saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid without emphasizing alcohol function
Classification follows chapter note prioritizing latest numerical heading, but principal function determines placement.
If chemically modified for use as modified starch or inositol derivative
Case-by-case protein/vegetable extract classification could apply if principal use shifts.
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 and provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) to confirm classification as chemically defined compound
• Ensure proper labeling for food-grade vs industrial-grade to avoid reclassification under Chapter 38 mixtures
• Check for stabilizer additions that might trigger note 1(f) but confirm they don't alter general use classification
Related Products under HTS 2918.19.90.00
Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid)
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid with both carboxylic and alcohol functions, fitting HTS 2918.19.90.00 criteria. Widely used in skincare exfoliants and chemical peels at concentrations up to 70%.
Tartronic Acid
Tartronic acid (2-hydroxypropanedioic acid) contains both carboxylic acid and alcohol functions without additional oxygen groups, qualifying for 2918.19.90.00. Used in pharmaceutical intermediates and biochemical research.
Glyceric Acid
Glyceric acid features a carboxylic group with adjacent hydroxyl functionality, classified under 2918.19.90.00. Applied in sugar chemistry research and as a chiral building block.
2-Hydroxybutyric Acid
This alpha-hydroxy acid contains the required carboxylic-alcohol structure for 2918.19.90.00 classification. Used in polymer synthesis and metabolic studies.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid (alpha-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) qualifies under 2918.19.90.00 with its alpha-hydroxy carboxylic structure. Common in pharmaceutical synthesis and skincare.
Tropic Acid
Tropic acid serves as key intermediate for anticholinergic pharmaceuticals, featuring the alcohol-carboxylic acid structure of 2918.19.90.00.