Lactic Acid from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
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