Chloroacetic Acid
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๐งช Chloroacetic Acid (Monochloroacetic Acid - MCAA)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Hazardous Materials Logistics Strategy
๐ 1. Product Definition & Classification: What is Chloroacetic Acid?
Chloroacetic Acid is a critical intermediate chemical primarily used in the production of herbicides, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics (e.g., PGA). In international trade, it is classified under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). The classification depends strictly on purity and molecular structure:
Monochloroacetic Acid (MCAA): Cl-CHโ-COOH (Single chlorine substitution).
Dichloroacetic Acid (DCAA): Clโ-CH-COOH (Two chlorine substitutions).
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCAA): Clโ-C-COOH (Three chlorine substitutions).
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- MCAA is the most common form, often sold as a melt or solid crystal. It is classified under 2915.
- Impurities/Dichloro forms may shift classification to 2915.3 or 2915.4.
- State of Matter: Liquid (Melt) vs. Solid Crystals affects packaging requirements (Hazmat Class 8) but not the HS Code itself.
๐ฆ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authoritative Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Chlorination Level |
|---|---|---|---|
2915.31.10.00 |
Monochloroacetic Acid, crude | Raw industrial grade, higher impurities | 1 Chlorine |
2915.31.90.00 |
Monochloroacetic Acid, other (Pure) | High-purity pharma/pesticide grade | 1 Chlorine |
2915.39.00.00 |
Dichloroacetic Acid | Less common intermediate, different reactivity | 2 Chlorines |
2915.40.00.00 |
Trichloroacetic Acid | Used in textile bleaching, herbicides | 3 Chlorines |
2915.39.90.00 |
Other organic acids (fallback) | If specific subheading is unclear | N/A |
๐ Critical Reminder:
- Most common MCAA falls under 2915.31.
- 2915.31.10.00 vs 2915.31.90.00 is often determined by purity % or crude vs. refined status as defined by local customs. Check local notes.
- Do NOT confuse with Inorganic Chlorides (Chapter 28). This is an Organic Acid.
๐ฐ 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharge)
โ Target Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Post-2025 Trade Rules (301 & IEEPA)
๐ฏ 1. 2915.31.10.00 & 2915.31.90.00 โโ Monochloroacetic Acid
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff (Most Favored Nation) | 5.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25% (List 3/4 Items) |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | +10% (China-specific, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 40.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 โ USITC:2915.31.10.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- Organic acids are considered high-risk chemical intermediates.
- The 301 surcharge (25%) applies because MCAA is listed in the USITC tariff schedules for Chinese goods.
- The IEEPA 10% adds further cost.
- Total: 40.7% is a significant cost driver. Many suppliers may adjust FOB prices to offset this.
๐ ๏ธ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Must show Purity %, Residue, Color, Chloride content. |
| โ MSDS / SDS (Section 15) | โ๏ธ | Confirm UN Number: UN 2928 (Chloroacetic acid, solid) or UN 1737 (if liquid solution? Check flash point) |
| โ Hazmat Declaration | โ๏ธ | Class 8 (Corrosive). Must declare on Air/Waybill. |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Specify Net/Gross Weight precisely. Corrosive damage risks require robust packaging (Drums, IBCs). |
| โ Letter of Authorization | โ๏ธ | If importing for resale or industrial use. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Corrosive Class 8, UN 2928, Purity Matters, Docs Must Match!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Solid MCAA | HS: 2915.31.10.00 + UN 2928 |
Declare as "Chemical Powder" without UN No. |
| Liquid MCAA Solution | Check Flash Point. If <60ยฐC, may be Class 3 (Flammable) + Class 8. | Assume all MCAA is solid. |
| High Purity (Pharma) | Declare as "Monochloroacetic Acid, Pure" to avoid scrutiny as "Raw Crude" if applicable. | Vague name "Acid" |
| Mix with other organics | Split shipment if possible. Mixed HS codes increase inspection risk. | Bundle under one HS code |
โ 3. Special Handling for Corrosives
| Condition | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Use HDPE Drums or Stainless Steel IBCs. Corrosive labels (Class 8) must be visible. |
| Temperature | MCAA solidifies at ~60ยฐC. If shipped in winter, ensure heated containers or it may clog valves/pumps. |
| Insurance | Declare full value. Corrosive damage claims are common if packaging fails. |
๐ 5. Global Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Surcharge (China) | Total Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 2915.31.10.00 |
5.7% | +35% (301+IEEPA) | ~40.7% | High scrutiny, Hazmat strict. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 2915.31.00.00 |
0% (Import) | N/A | 0% | Major producer/consumer. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 2915.31.00 |
6.5% | N/A (Mostly) | ~6.5% | REACH registration required. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 2915.31.10 |
10% | N/A | 10% | Anti-dumping duties may apply. Check latest notices. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 2915.31.00 |
6.5% | N/A | 6.5% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to layered surtaxes.
- EU/India focus on REACH/Compliance rather than high tariffs.
- China is the global supply hub; importing from China means facing the 40.7% US cost.
๐ 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Declaring as "Inorganic Chloride" (HS 2825)
๐ Consequence: Misclassification. HS 2915 is Organic. Fines + Retrospective Tax Adjustment.
โ Error 2: Omitting UN 2928 on Dangerous Goods Declaration
๐ Consequence: Shipment held at carrier depot. Potential return of shipment or destruction by port authority.
โ Error 3: Inconsistent Purity in COA vs. Invoice
๐ Consequence: Customs may dispute the HS subheading (e.g., 10 vs 90). Delays.
โ Error 4: Ignoring Solid vs. Liquid State
๐ Consequence: If liquid, flash point matters. If not declared as Flammable (Class 3), safety violation.
โ Correct Practice:
"Monochloroacetic Acid, 99.5% Purity, Solid Crystals, UN 2928, Class 8 Corrosive, HS 2915.31.10.00"
๐ฏ 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Safe Transit
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "2915.31 is the key, UN 2928 is the shield."
๐น "Solid melts at 60ยฐC, Pack right or else."
๐น "40.7% Tax in USA, Plan your cost."
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing Dichloroacetic Acid (DCAA), the HS Code shifts to 2915.39.00.00, which may have different surcharge applicability. Always verify the specific chlorine count.
For USA imports, consider Section 321 De Minimis ONLY if shipped via courier under $800 and if the specific HS code is exempt (rare for Hazmat). Generally, Hazmat is NOT eligible.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact your freight forwarder for Hazmat approval BEFORE booking.
๐ Ensure MSDS Section 15 explicitly states UN Number and Proper Shipping Name.
๐ Smooth clearance starts with precise chemical documentation!
โจ Precise Chemistry, Safe Logistics!
๐ผ Your supply chain depends on correct HS & Hazmat coding!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.