Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy aromatic carboxylic acid used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for exfoliation and antibacterial properties. Classified under HTS 2918.99.4700 as an aromatic carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function (hydroxy group). Meets Chapter 29 requirements for separate chemically defined compounds.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณChina6.5%โ€”6.5%
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝMexico6.5%โ€”6.5%
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆCanada6.5%โ€”6.5%
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ชGermany6.5%โ€”6.5%
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ตJapan6.5%โ€”6.5%

Alternative Classifications

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

2918.15Higher: 13.7% vs 6.5%

If lacking the additional hydroxy oxygen function

Basic aromatic carboxylic acids without extra oxygen go to earlier 2918.15; numerical order rule applies.

2922.50.25.00Same rate: 6.5%

If for pharmaceutical salts or derivatives

Chapter note (C)(1) classifies inorganic salts with the organic acid, but amino acid derivatives shift to 2922.

3304.99.50.00Higher: 35% vs 6.5%

If when incorporated into finished cosmetic preparations

Finished beauty products exclude pure compounds, moving to Chapter 33 per section notes.

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Import Tips & Compliance

โ€ข Provide TSCA certification for cosmetic use; ensure <1% impurities to stay in pure compound heading

โ€ข FDA cosmetic notification required; pitfall is bulk packaging mistaken for Chapter 38 mixtures

โ€ข Declare exact hydroxy position in technical file to confirm oxygen function classification

Related Products under HTS 2918.99.47.00

Vanillin

Vanillin is a synthetic aromatic compound with a carboxylic acid group and additional oxygen functions, primarily used as a flavoring agent to mimic vanilla. It falls under HTS 2918.99.4700 as an aromatic carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function, not elsewhere specified. This classification aligns with Chapter 29 notes for chemically defined organic compounds with oxygen functions.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxybenzoic acid, serves as a key ingredient in acne treatments and aspirin synthesis. It qualifies for HTS 2918.99.4700 due to its aromatic carboxylic acid structure with an additional phenolic hydroxy oxygen function. Excluded from other chapters as a pure compound per Chapter 29 notes.

4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid is an aromatic compound used as a preservative precursor in parabens production. Falls under HTS 2918.99.4700 as a carboxylic acid with phenolic oxygen function. Pure form aligns with Chapter 29(a) for chemically defined organics.

Gallic Acid

Gallic acid, or 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, is used in inks, pharmaceuticals, and as an antioxidant. Classified in HTS 2918.99.4700 for its aromatic carboxylic structure with multiple phenolic oxygen functions. Qualifies under Chapter 29 as a separate defined compound.

Veratric Acid

Veratric acid (3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid) is an aromatic carboxylic acid used in organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals. HTS 2918.99.4700 covers its additional methoxy oxygen functions on the benzene ring. Complies with Chapter notes for halogenated/nitrosated derivatives exclusion.

Ethyl Vanillin

Ethyl vanillin is an aromatic aldehyde-carboxylic derivative enhanced for flavor intensity over vanillin. Though primarily an aldehyde, classified under HTS 2918.99.4700 prioritizing carboxylic oxygen function per Chapter numerical order rule. Used widely in food and confectionery.