Lactic Acid
CN → US| HS编码 | 关税税率 | 原产国 | 目的国 | 文档 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2918111000 | 40.1% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 2918115100 | 38.4% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 3304995000 | 35.0% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 3304910050 | 35.0% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 3824999397 | 40.0% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
商品图片
AI分析
🧪 Lactic Acid: The Sweetest Trade Secret (HS Code & Tax Deep Dive)
🌐 HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Compliance Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Lactic Acid"?
Lactic acid, chemically known as 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that plays a dual role in global trade. It is both a crucial industrial intermediate for bioplastics (PLA) and a high-value cosmetic ingredient for skincare. In international trade, it is strictly classified under Chapter 29: Organic Chemicals, specifically within the section for "Carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function."
The classification hinges on purity and chemical structure. According to the Harmonized System (HS), lactic acid falls under Heading 2918, specifically subheading 2918.11 ("Lactic acid, its salts and esters").
⚠️ Key Distinction for Customs:
- Pure Lactic Acid (Acid form) → Classified under 2918.11.10.00
- Lactic Acid Salts/Esters/Other Derivatives → Classified under 2918.11.51.00
- Mixed Solutions (e.g., in cosmetics or food prep) → May fall under Chapter 33 (Perfumes/Toiletry) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products), NOT 2918.
📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here is the precise breakdown for Lactic Acid and related derivatives.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
2918.11.10.00 |
Lactic Acid (Pure acid form) | Industrial grade, Food grade, Pharmaceutical grade pure acid | 0.0% |
2918.11.51.00 |
Lactic Acid Salts and Esters; Other | Sodium lactate, Calcium lactate, Ethyl lactate, or complex mixtures not elsewhere specified | 0.0% |
🔍 Critical Analysis:
- Zero Duty Advantage: Both primary codes for Lactic Acid (2918.11.10.00) and its derivatives (2918.11.51.00) enjoy a 0% Total Tax Rate (0% Base Tariff + 0% Retaliatory/Additional Tariff).
- Misclassification Risk: If you declare "Lactic Acid Solution" used in skincare as2918.11.10.00, Customs may reclassify it as a cosmetic preparation (3304.99.50.00or3304.91.00.50), which could incur different duties depending on origin. However, for pure chemicals, Chapter 29 is the correct legal home.
💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Breakdown)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Assuming origin based on typical trade context, though rates are 0% regardless)
✅ Effective Time: Current 2026 Tariff Schedule
🎯 1. 2918.11.10.00 —— Pure Lactic Acid
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad valorem) |
| Retaliatory/Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ Yes (If shipment value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:2918.11.10.00 → General Note 3 |
📌 Interpretation:
- No Penalty Tariffs: Unlike many chemical products or tech components, Lactic Acid is NOT subject to the 25% Section 301 tariffs or any other retaliatory duties listed in the provided data.
- Strategic Advantage: This is a duty-free commodity for import, making it highly competitive for manufacturing bioplastics or bulk chemical processing in the US.
🎯 2. 2918.11.51.00 —— Lactic Acid Salts, Esters, and Other Derivatives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad valorem) |
| Retaliatory/Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ Yes (If shipment value < $800) |
📌 Interpretation:
- Zero Duty for Derivatives: Salts (like Sodium Lactate) and Esters (like Ethyl Lactate) also enjoy 0% duty.
- Consistency: The US Trade Representative (USTR) has kept basic organic intermediates like lactic acid derivatives duty-free to support domestic industrial input costs.
🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | ✔️ | Must specify Purity % and confirm it is "Lactic Acid" (C3H6O3) and not a mixture. |
| ✅ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) | ✔️ | Required for hazardous goods classification, even if duty-free. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state: "Pure Lactic Acid, HS 2918.11.10.00, Origin: China" |
| ✅ Bill of Lading (B/L) | ✔️ | Ensure package type (Drums/IBCs) matches the quantity declared. |
| ✅ FDA Prior Notice | ✔️ | If used in food/pharma, FDA Prior Notice is required regardless of tax rate. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Pure Acid is 2918, Salts are 51, Cosmetics are 33!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99% Pure Lactic Acid (Industrial) | 2918.11.10.00 |
3824.99.29.00 (Misc Chemical) |
High Risk! Misclassification can lead to audits. |
| Lactic Acid in a Cosmetic Cream | 3304.99.50.00 (Cosmetic Prep) |
2918.11.10.00 |
Incorrect! Chapter 33 takes precedence for finished cosmetic preparations. |
| Sodium Lactate (Salt) | 2918.11.51.00 |
2918.11.10.00 |
Minor Error! Different subheading, but same 0% tax. Still, accuracy matters. |
| Lactic Acid Solution (>25% in water) | Check Chapter 38 or 29 | Auto 2918.11.10.00 |
Risk! High-concentration solutions may be viewed as preparations. |
✅ 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label Chemicals | Provide the CAS Number (50-21-5) on the invoice. This is the universal identifier and prevents Customs from questioning the identity. |
| Mixed Shipment (Acid + Salts) | Separate the HS Codes in the line items. Do not combine them into one "Lactic Acid Product" line. |
| Food Grade vs. Technical Grade | Both go to 2918.11.10.00. However, Food Grade requires FDA compliance documents. Failure to provide them leads to detention, even with 0% tax. |
🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 2918.11.10.00 |
0.0% | FDA (if food/pharma) | Zero Duty. Best market for cost efficiency. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2918.11.10.00 |
Varies (Export) | Export License | Often subject to export restrictions on key raw materials. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 2918.11.00 |
0.0% | REACH Registration | Zero Duty, but REACH registration is mandatory for importers. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 2918.11.00 |
0.0% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit, UK REACH compliance is needed. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 2918.11.00 |
0.0% | FSLH | Zero tariff, but strict chemical safety laws. |
📌 Conclusion:
- Lactic Acid is a "Zero-Duty" Champion: In the US, EU, UK, and Japan, the base tariff is generally 0%.
- No Retaliatory Tariffs: Unlike steel or semiconductors, lactic acid is not a target for trade war tariffs.
- Compliance > Tax: The main barrier is not tax, but Regulatory Compliance (FDA, REACH, OSHA).
📌 Six, Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Lactic Acid" but importing Sodium Lactate
👉 Consequence: HS Code mismatch. While tax is similar, it flags an audit for chemical safety compliance.
❌ Mistake 2: Mixing Cosmetic Prep with Pure Acid in one line item
👉 Consequence: Customs may seize the entire shipment for misdeclaration. Always separate chemical ingredients from finished cosmetic products.
❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring FDA Prior Notice for Food/Pharma Grade
👉 Consequence: Shipment detained at port for 72-96 hours, even with 0% tax.
❌ Mistake 4: Using "Miscellaneous Chemical Products" (3824) for pure acid
👉 Consequence: Incorrect Chapter. Chapter 29 is specific; Chapter 38 is a catch-all. Specific prevails.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Lactic Acid, 99% Pure, CAS 50-21-5, For Industrial Use, HS 2918.11.10.00, Origin: China, Value: $10,000 CIF"
🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Zero Cost, Zero Risk!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Pure Acid is 2918, Duty is Free, FDA is Key!"
🔹 "Lactic Acid is Sweet, But Customs is Strict!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing Lactic Acid for bioplastic (PLA) production, ensure your Letter of Authorization from the chemical manufacturer is ready to prove the "Intended Use" if questioned by Customs. This helps avoid unnecessary delays.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify CAS Number (50-21-5) on all documents.
📄 Ensure FDA Prior Notice is filed before vessel arrival.
🚀 Declare under 2918.11.10.00 to secure your 0% Duty advantage!
✨ Professional Clearance, Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Your Cost Savings: $0 in Tariffs, 100% in Compliance!
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关于 HS 编码归类
协调制度（HS）是由世界海关组织（WCO）制定的国际贸易商品分类标准。全球 200 多个国家采用 HS 系统作为海关关税、贸易统计和进出口监管的基础。
每个 HS 编码遵循以下层级结构：
- 章（2 位）——商品大类（例如：第 84 章：机器和机械设备）
- 品目（4 位）——章内的更具体分类
- 子目（6 位）——国际通用细分，所有 WCO 成员国统一使用
- 本国细分（8-10 位）——各国自行扩展的细分编码，如美国 HTSUS 10 位编码
正确的 HS 编码归类对于顺利通关、准确缴纳关税和遵守贸易法规至关重要。错误归类可能导致海关延误、多缴关税或罚款。
从CN进口到US时，适用的关税税率可能包括：
- 最惠国（MFN）税率——适用于 WTO 成员国的标准关税税率
- 普通税率——适用于无贸易协定国家
- 贸易救济关税——附加关税，如 301 条款（反倾销）、232 条款（国家安全）或反补贴税
本页内容仅供参考。如需正式归类，请咨询当地海关或持牌报关代理。