HS Code for Citric acid

Citric acid is classified under HS code 2918.14. This code is part of Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2918 is dedicated to carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions (such as alcohol, phenol, aldehyde, or ketone functions) and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids. Citric acid is a tri-carboxylic acid with one alcohol group, chemically known as 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid. The classification 2918.14 is specific to the acid itself, which is naturally occurring in citrus fruits but commercially produced via fermentation. This includes both the anhydrous form and the monohydrate form. The Harmonized System provides this specific subheading because citric acid is a high-volume industrial chemical used extensively in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries as an acidulant and chelating agent. To be classified here, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound, meaning it should not be mixed with other ingredients that would change its character into a prepared food additive or a medicament.

Products Included

• Anhydrous citric acid in powder or granular form
• Citric acid monohydrate used in food and beverage production
• High-purity USP/BP grade citric acid for pharmaceutical applications
• Technical grade citric acid for industrial cleaning and descaling
• Citric acid crystals used as a preservative in canning

Common Misclassification

Citric acid is often confused with its salts and esters, which are classified under HS code 2918.15. While the acid and its salts are chemically related, the HS system separates them into distinct subheadings. Another common misclassification involves HS code 3824.99, which covers chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries not elsewhere specified. If citric acid is mixed with other substances, such as sodium bicarbonate for bath bombs or effervescent cleaners, it moves to Chapter 38 or 33. Furthermore, if citric acid is packaged as a retail-ready descaler with added surfactants, it might be classified under 3402 as a cleaning preparation.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Citric acid?

The specific HS code for citric acid, whether anhydrous or monohydrate, is 2918.14.

Can citric acid be classified in Chapter 30?

Only if it is put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale specifically as a medicament, which is extremely rare for pure citric acid. Standard bulk or retail citric acid remains in 2918.14.