About HS Code 2917
Heading 2917 covers polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, along with their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. This classification is crucial for compounds possessing two or more carboxyl (-COOH) groups, such as adipic acid (dicarboxylic) or citric acid (tricarboxylic). These chemicals are foundational intermediates in the production of a vast array of industrial and consumer goods. The scope includes aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic polycarboxylic acids, emphasizing their role in polymer synthesis (e.g., nylons, polyesters), plasticizers, food and beverage additives, and pharmaceuticals. Distinguishing these from monocarboxylic acids (2916) or carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions (2918) is a key aspect of accurate classification. This heading's significance in international trade underscores its impact on global manufacturing supply chains. Its placement within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) reinforces the meticulous classification required for these complex chemical entities, vital for both regulatory compliance and economic analysis.
Products Under This Code
Adipic acid, phthalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, trimellitic acid, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, sodium citrate, potassium tartrate, diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, citric acid monohydrate, trimesic acid, malonic acid, itaconic acid
Real World Examples
A US-based chemical company routinely imports adipic acid from China, a critical raw material for manufacturing nylon 6,6, which is then used in various textiles and engineering plastics. These shipments typically traverse the Pacific Ocean in large bulk containers. Concurrently, an EU food and beverage conglomerate sources vast quantities of citric acid from Thailand, leveraging its properties as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in soft drinks and confectionery, often via established sea routes through the Suez Canal. Additionally, a Japanese chemical firm exports significant volumes of terephthalic acid to Vietnam for the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, a key component in beverage bottles and synthetic fibers, utilizing efficient shipping lanes across the South China Sea.
Common Misclassification
Misclassification under HS 2917 often occurs when traders fail to correctly identify the number of carboxyl groups. A common error is confusing polycarboxylic acids with HS 2916 (Unsaturated acyclic or cyclic monocarboxylic acids), especially when the compound also features unsaturation or a cyclic structure. For example, a dicarboxylic acid might be mistakenly classified as monocarboxylic. Another frequent mistake involves HS 2918 (Carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function), particularly for polycarboxylic acids like citric acid that also possess a hydroxyl group. The rule here is that if a product clearly fits the description of a polycarboxylic acid, it is classified under 2917, even if it has other oxygen functions.
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Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
China, the USA, Germany, India, and Brazil are prominent players in the global trade of polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives. These chemicals are globally used across diverse industries including polymers, food, and pharmaceuticals. Trade agreements, such as those within the WTO framework or specific bilateral FTAs, often dictate the tariff rates, which can significantly influence sourcing decisions and market competitiveness. Regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding food safety and industrial chemical handling, are stringent in major importing regions like the EU and North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2917?
HS code 2917 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acids; polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxy-acids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Heading 2917 covers polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, along with their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. This classification is crucial for compounds possessing two or more carboxyl (-COOH) groups, such as adipic acid (dicarboxylic) or citric acid (tricarboxylic). These chemicals are foundational intermediates in the production of a vast array of industrial and consumer goods. The scope includes aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic polycarboxylic acids, emphasizing their role in polymer synthesis (e.g., nylons, polyesters), plasticizers, food and beverage additives, and pharmaceuticals. Distinguishing these from monocarboxylic acids (2916) or carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions (2918) is a key aspect of accurate classification. This heading's significance in international trade underscores its impact on global manufacturing supply chains. Its placement within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) reinforces the meticulous classification required for these complex chemical entities, vital for both regulatory compliance and economic analysis.
What products fall under HS code 2917?
Adipic acid, phthalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, trimellitic acid, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, succinic anhydride, sodium citrate, potassium tartrate, diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, citric acid monohydrate, trimesic acid, malonic acid, itaconic acid
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2917?
Misclassification under HS 2917 often occurs when traders fail to correctly identify the number of carboxyl groups. A common error is confusing polycarboxylic acids with HS 2916 (Unsaturated acyclic or cyclic monocarboxylic acids), especially when the compound also features unsaturation or a cyclic structure. For example, a dicarboxylic acid might be mistakenly classified as monocarboxylic. Another frequent mistake involves HS 2918 (Carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function), particularly for polycarboxylic acids like citric acid that also possess a hydroxyl group. The rule here is that if a product clearly fits the description of a polycarboxylic acid, it is classified under 2917, even if it has other oxygen functions.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2917?
China, the USA, Germany, India, and Brazil are prominent players in the global trade of polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives. These chemicals are globally used across diverse industries including polymers, food, and pharmaceuticals. Trade agreements, such as those within the WTO framework or specific bilateral FTAs, often dictate the tariff rates, which can significantly influence sourcing decisions and market competitiveness. Regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding food safety and industrial chemical handling, are stringent in major importing regions like the EU and North America.
How is HS code 2917 structured?
HS code 2917 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (17) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.