Tartaric acid
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2918120000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2942003500 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2942005000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824993990 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Tartaric Acid (Acidum Tartaricum)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Tartaric Acid"?
Tartaric acid, a weak organic dicarboxylic acid found in many plants (especially grapes), is a versatile chemical raw material. In international trade, it is primarily classified as a specific organic chemical compound.
Key Identity: * Chemical Name: Tartaric Acid * HS Chapter: 29 (Organic Chemicals) * Specific Category: Carboxylic acids with alcohol function but without other oxygen function.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is pure Tartaric Acid (a single compound) β It falls under HS 2918.12.00.00.
- If it is a mixture (e.g., mixed with other organic substances, binders, or inorganic compounds) β It may fall under HS 3824.99.29.00 or 3824.99.39.90 depending on composition.
- Do not confuse with general "organic compounds" (HS 2942) or "preparations" (HS 3824) unless the purity and definition strictly change.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided DATA, here are the relevant HS Codes for Tartaric Acid and related chemical mixtures:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (China Origin to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
2918.12.00.00 |
Tartaric Acid (Carboxylic acids with alcohol function...) | Pure Tartaric Acid, Food Grade (E334), Pharmaceutical Grade | 25.0% |
2942.00.35.00 |
Other organic compounds: Aromatic or modified aromatic: Other... | Not Applicable (Tartaric is aliphatic, not aromatic) | 0.0% |
2942.00.50.00 |
Other organic compounds: Other | Not Applicable (Too generic; specific code 2918.12 overrides) | 0.0% |
3824.99.29.00 |
Mixtures containing 5%+ aromatic substances... | Not Applicable (Pure Tartaric is not a mixture with aromatics) | 31.5% |
3824.99.39.90 |
Mixtures of two or more inorganic compounds... | Not Applicable (Tartaric is organic) | 25.0% |
π Key Insight:
-2918.12.00.00is the exclusive and correct code for pure Tartaric Acid.
- Codes under 2942 ("Other organic compounds") are incorrect for Tartaric Acid because Section XXIX (Chapter 29) provides a specific heading for carboxylic acids with alcohol functions (2918). Specific always overrides general.
- Codes under 3824 are only relevant if the product is a mixture (e.g., a cleaning solution or binder containing Tartaric Acid mixed with other substances). If it is pure, do NOT use 3824.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates apply (Subject to change based on trade policies)
π― 1. 2918.12.00.00 ββ Tartaric Acid (Pure)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff (MFN) | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Valuation exceeds $800 threshold for most commercial shipments; even if < $800, Section 301 often excludes certain chemical categories or requires strict compliance) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2918.12.00.00 β USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 (Section 301 List 4A) |
π Explanation:
- Tartaric Acid is listed in Section 301 List 4A.
- Although the base MFN rate is 0%, the 25% punitive tariff applies to Chinese-origin goods.
- Total Duty: 25%. This is a significant cost factor for importers.
- Unlike some consumer electronics, organic chemicals like Tartaric Acid are critical raw materials for food and pharma, but they are not exempt from current trade war tariffs.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Tartaric Acid", CAS Number (77-93-6), Purity (e.g., 99.5%), Physical Form (Crystals/Powder). |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Critical to prove it is pure Tartaric Acid (HS 2918) and NOT a mixture (HS 3824). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) | βοΈ | For safety handling and customs hazard assessment. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Tartaric Acid (CAS 77-93-6)" and HS Code 2918.12.00.00. Do not use generic "Organic Chemical". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net weight and gross weight must match. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If claiming any potential exemptions (rare for this code), but mainly for tracking. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Specify CAS, Prove Purity, Avoid 'Other', Pay the 25%!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Tartaric Acid | HS 2918.12.00.00, Desc: "Tartaric Acid, CAS 77-93-6, 99% Purity" |
Declaring as "Other Organic Compounds" (2942) β Risk of Misclassification Penalties |
| Tartaric Acid Mixture | HS 3824.99..., Desc: "Preparation containing Tartaric Acid..." |
Declaring as pure acid to avoid tariffs β Fraud Risk |
| Food Grade vs. Industrial | Both use 2918.12.00.00 |
Different codes? No. Purity does not change HS, only usage. |
β 3. Special Handling Notes
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Food Grade (E334) | Ensure FDA registration if imported for food use. HS code remains 2918.12.00.00. |
| Pharma Grade | Requires DEA/FDA compliance if applicable. HS code remains 2918.12.00.00. |
| Mistaken Classification | If declared under 2942.00.50.00 (0% tax), customs will likely audit. If found incorrect, you face back duties + penalties. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2918.12.00.00 |
25% | Section 301 List 4A. High duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 2918.12.00.00 |
3.4% (Import) | Lower base rate. No additional punitive tariffs for import. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2918.12.00 |
0% | Generally zero duty for organic acids. No trade war tariffs. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2918.12.00 |
0% | Free trade agreement may apply, but generally low duty. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA imposes a 25% tariff on pure Tartaric Acid from China.
- EU and Japan are more tariff-friendly.
- If sourcing for the US market, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from India or EU) to mitigate the 25% duty if volumes are high.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Tartaric Acid as "Other Organic Compounds" (2942.00.50.00) to avoid tariffs.
π Consequence: Customs will reclassify, impose 25% duty + penalties + interest.
β Error 2: Using CAS Number 8477-40-5 (wrong CAS) or omitting CAS.
π Consequence: Customs may hold shipment for inspection, causing delays.
β Error 3: Mixing Pure Tartaric Acid with other binders but declaring as pure acid.
π Consequence: Misclassification. If itβs a mixture, it might fall under 3824 with different tax rules.
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 301 List 4A applicability.
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties.
β Correct Practice:
"Tartaric Acid, Food Grade, CAS 77-93-6, 99.5% Purity, Crystalline Solid, HS 2918.12.00.00, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Control
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Pure Acid: 2918.12, Duty 25%. Mixture: 3824, Duty Varies. CAS 77-93-6 is Key!"
πΉ "Don't Guess 'Other', Be Specific. Avoid Penalties, Stay Compliant."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes of Tartaric Acid to the US, consult a customs broker about Exclusions (if any are active for List 4A chemicals) or consider Bonded Warehousing to defer duty payment until final sale.
Pre-ruling is highly recommended for large shipments to ensure classification stability.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your freight forwarder + Provide CAS 77-93-6 + Confirm Purity > 99%
π Ensure your Commercial Invoice matches HS 2918.12.00.00 exactly.
πΌ Save costs, avoid seizures, and clear customs smoothly!
β¨ Precise Classification, Profitable Trade!
πΌ Every percent of duty matters.
Customer Reviews
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) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β 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 β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β 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.