HS Code for Acetylsalicylic acid

Acetylsalicylic acid, widely recognized by the trade name Aspirin, is classified under HS code 2918.22. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the chemical structure of the substance. Chapter 29 of the HS nomenclature is dedicated to organic chemicals. Within this chapter, heading 2918 covers carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, as well as their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Sub-heading 2918.22 is specifically reserved for o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts, and its esters. This classification applies to the chemical in its bulk, raw form, typically appearing as a white crystalline powder or granules. The classification is determined by the presence of the phenol function without other oxygen functions, as defined by the chemical's molecular structure. It is crucial for importers and exporters to distinguish between the raw chemical substance and the finished pharmaceutical product. The bulk chemical is used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and is classified here, whereas the final dosage forms are classified in Chapter 30. The salts and esters of this acid, such as sodium acetylsalicylate, also fall under this specific code, provided they are not yet formulated into a final medicament.

Products Included

• Bulk acetylsalicylic acid powder
• Acetylsalicylic acid crystals
• Sodium acetylsalicylate (salt)
• Calcium acetylsalicylate (salt)
• Methyl acetylsalicylate (ester)
• Ethyl acetylsalicylate (ester)

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3004.90, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. If the acetylsalicylic acid is pressed into tablets or packaged for consumer use as Aspirin, it must be moved from 2918.22 to 3004.90. Another common error is confusing it with 2918.21, which is the HS code for salicylic acid, the precursor chemical that lacks the acetyl group.

FAQ

What is the HS code for acetylsalicylic acid?

The HS code for acetylsalicylic acid in its bulk, primary chemical form is 2918.22.

How does the classification change if the product is in tablet form?

If the acetylsalicylic acid is prepared in measured doses, such as tablets or capsules, or packaged for retail sale as a medicine, it is classified under HS code 3004.90 instead of 2918.22.