HS Code for Stearic acid

Stearic acid of industrial grade is classified under HS code 3823.11. This classification falls under Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3823 specifically addresses industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining. Stearic acid (octadecanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid frequently derived from animal fats or vegetable oils through the process of hydrolysis and subsequent distillation or fractionation. For classification under 3823.11, the product must be of an industrial grade. In the context of the Harmonized System, this typically means it is a mixture of fatty acids where stearic acid is the predominant component, but it is not a chemically pure isolated isomer. Commercial stearic acid often contains significant proportions of palmitic acid and other fatty acids. The industrial grade is used extensively in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, rubber vulcanization, and plastics. The classification is determined by the purity level and the intended industrial application. If the product is a mixture of various fatty acids obtained from the processing of fats and oils, and it is sold for industrial use rather than as a laboratory reagent, it remains firmly within 3823.11.

Products Included

• Commercial stearic acid (double or triple pressed)
• Industrial grade octadecanoic acid
• Stearic acid flakes for rubber processing
• Stearic acid beads for cosmetic formulation
• Stearin (industrial grade)

Common Misclassification

Stearic acid is often confused with HS code 2915.70. The distinction lies in the purity of the substance. Chapter 29 is reserved for separate chemically defined compounds. If the stearic acid is 90% or more pure (by weight, calculated on the anhydrous product), it must be classified under 2915.70. Most industrial-grade products do not meet this threshold and thus belong in 3823.11. Another misclassification is 1519, which was an older code used in some jurisdictions but has largely been replaced by 3823 in the modern HS nomenclature.

FAQ

What is the HS code for stearic acid?

The HS code for industrial-grade stearic acid is 3823.11. Chemically pure stearic acid (90%+) is 2915.70.

Is stearic acid classified as a vegetable oil?

No, while it is derived from oils, stearic acid is a fatty acid resulting from the chemical breakdown (hydrolysis) of those oils and is classified as a chemical product in Chapter 38, not as a fat or oil in Chapter 15.