HS Code Subheading

Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), lactic acid, its salts and esters

2918.11 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 291811

Lactic acid, its salts, and esters are versatile organic compounds with significant applications across multiple industries. They are widely used in food and beverages as an acidulant and preservative, in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and increasingly in the production of biodegradable plastics (polylactic acid, PLA). International trade is driven by the growing demand for natural, sustainable, and functional ingredients. Major importers include countries with large food processing, pharmaceutical, and bioplastics industries, such as the USA, China, and European nations. Exporters are often countries with strong biochemical production capabilities, particularly in Asia. Key considerations include different grades (food, pharmaceutical, industrial), optical purity (L-lactic acid vs. D-lactic acid), and the shift towards bio-based production methods, impacting sourcing and market dynamics.

Products Under This Code

L-Lactic acid, D-Lactic acid, DL-Lactic acid, Sodium lactate, Calcium lactate, Ethyl lactate, Methyl lactate, Polylactic acid (PLA) monomer

Real World Examples

Corbion Lactic Acid, Galactic Lactic Acid, NatureWorks Ingeo (PLA), Purac Lactic Acid, Jungbunzlauer Sodium Lactate

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with other carboxylic acids like 291814 (citric acid) if the specific alcohol function is overlooked, or with 382499 (chemical products n.e.c.) if it's part of a formulated mixture.

Products Classified Under 2918.11

Lactic acid

Related Codes

2918.12 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), tartaric acid 2918.13 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function); salts and esters of tartaric acid 2918.14 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), citric acid 2918.15 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of citric acid 2918.16 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), gluconic acid, its salts and esters 2918.17 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid (benzilic acid) 2918.18 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), chlorobenzilate (ISO) 2918.19 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), other than lactic, tartaric, citric, and gluconic acids and their salts and esters 2918.21 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), salicylic acid and its salts 2918.22 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

USA, China, and Germany are top importers, while Thailand, China, and the Netherlands are leading exporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 291811?

HS code 291811 covers: Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), lactic acid, its salts and esters. Lactic acid, its salts, and esters are versatile organic compounds with significant applications across multiple industries. They are widely used in food and beverages as an acidulant and preservative, in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and increasingly in the production of biodegradable plastics (polylactic acid, PLA). International trade is driven by the growing demand for natural, sustainable, and functional ingredients. Major importers include countries with large food processing, pharmaceutical, and bioplastics industries, such as the USA, China, and European nations. Exporters are often countries with strong biochemical production capabilities, particularly in Asia. Key considerations include different grades (food, pharmaceutical, industrial), optical purity (L-lactic acid vs. D-lactic acid), and the shift towards bio-based production methods, impacting sourcing and market dynamics.

What products fall under HS code 291811?

L-Lactic acid, D-Lactic acid, DL-Lactic acid, Sodium lactate, Calcium lactate, Ethyl lactate, Methyl lactate, Polylactic acid (PLA) monomer

What are common misclassifications for HS code 291811?

Can be confused with other carboxylic acids like 291814 (citric acid) if the specific alcohol function is overlooked, or with 382499 (chemical products n.e.c.) if it's part of a formulated mixture.

How is HS code 291811 structured?

HS code 291811 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.