HS Code Subheading

Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), citric acid

2918.14 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 291814

Citric acid is a widely used natural organic acid, with substantial international trade driven by its extensive applications. It is primarily known for its role as an acidulant, flavoring agent, and preservative in the food and beverage industry, but also finds significant use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products due to its chelating properties. Major importers include countries with large food and beverage manufacturing sectors, such as the USA, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are typically large-scale fermentation producers, predominantly from China. Key trade considerations include its various forms (anhydrous, monohydrate), purity grades (food, pharmaceutical), and its competitive pricing, often influenced by corn prices (as a feedstock). Its global demand is robust and consistently growing.

Products Under This Code

Citric acid anhydrous, Citric acid monohydrate, Citric acid for food, Citric acid for beverages, Citric acid for pharmaceuticals, Citric acid for detergents, Citric acid for cosmetics

Real World Examples

Jungbunzlauer Citric Acid, ADM Citric Acid, Cargill Citric Acid, Weifang Ensign Industry Citric Acid, Gadot Biochemical Industries Citric Acid

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with 291812 (tartaric acid) or 291811 (lactic acid) due to similar applications as food acidulants, or with 291815 (salts and esters of citric acid) if the specific acid form is not distinguished.

Products Classified Under 2918.14

Citric acid

Related Codes

2918.11 Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), lactic acid, its salts and esters 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 2918.15 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, Germany, and Japan are top importers, while China, Thailand, and Belgium are leading exporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 291814?

HS code 291814 covers: Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), citric acid. Citric acid is a widely used natural organic acid, with substantial international trade driven by its extensive applications. It is primarily known for its role as an acidulant, flavoring agent, and preservative in the food and beverage industry, but also finds significant use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products due to its chelating properties. Major importers include countries with large food and beverage manufacturing sectors, such as the USA, Germany, and Japan. Exporters are typically large-scale fermentation producers, predominantly from China. Key trade considerations include its various forms (anhydrous, monohydrate), purity grades (food, pharmaceutical), and its competitive pricing, often influenced by corn prices (as a feedstock). Its global demand is robust and consistently growing.

What products fall under HS code 291814?

Citric acid anhydrous, Citric acid monohydrate, Citric acid for food, Citric acid for beverages, Citric acid for pharmaceuticals, Citric acid for detergents, Citric acid for cosmetics

What are common misclassifications for HS code 291814?

Can be confused with 291812 (tartaric acid) or 291811 (lactic acid) due to similar applications as food acidulants, or with 291815 (salts and esters of citric acid) if the specific acid form is not distinguished.

How is HS code 291814 structured?

HS code 291814 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 (14) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.