Lactic Acid Oligomers from Japan
Linear oligomers of lactic acid (3-10 monomer units) with terminal carboxylic acid and hydroxyl functions. Classified 2918.99.5000 due to multiple oxygen functions on the hydroxy acid chain. Used as biodegradable plasticizers and pharma intermediates.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
23.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.04.6211%Patented pharmaceutical articles that are the product of Japan, of a European Union member country, of South Korea, of Switzerland, or of Liechtenstein as provided for in subdivisions (c) and (f) of U.S. note 40 to this subchapter
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Provide GPC/SEC analysis showing MW 200-800 Da to distinguish from polymers (3903.19)
• Specify lactide content <1% to avoid lactone classification under 2932
• Biobased content certification may qualify for duty preference programs