2915.11.00.00 - Formic acid

This category specifically encompasses pure formic acid, also known as methanoic acid. Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, characterized by its single carbon atom and the presence of both an aldehyde and a carboxylic acid functional group. It is a volatile, colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is a highly corrosive substance. Its primary uses include leather tanning, textile dyeing, as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed, and in chemical synthesis.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. While this node covers the acid itself, the sibling category 2915.12.00.00 is reserved for the various salts formed when formic acid reacts with a base, such as sodium formate or potassium formate. Another sibling, 2915.13, pertains to the esters of formic acid, which are compounds formed by the reaction of formic acid with an alcohol, like methyl formate or ethyl formate. Therefore, the presence of the free carboxylic acid functional group is the defining characteristic of goods classified under 2915.11.00.00.

As this node represents a leaf category within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. Classification within this specific code is determined by the chemical identity of the substance as formic acid. Customs officers will verify the composition through documentation and potentially physical inspection to ensure it is not a salt or ester of formic acid, which would necessitate classification under the aforementioned sibling codes.