Lactic Acid from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
29%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 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(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• 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