2916.19.20.00 - Sorbic acid

This HTS category encompasses sorbic acid, an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. Sorbic acid is widely recognized for its antimicrobial properties and is primarily utilized as a preservative in food, beverages, and cosmetics to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. Its chemical structure, characterized by a six-carbon chain with two double bonds and a single carboxyl group, defines its classification within unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids.

Distinguishing sorbic acid from its sibling category, potassium sorbate (2916.19.10.00), is crucial for accurate classification. While both are derived from sorbic acid and share preservative functions, potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. This classification specifically pertains to the free acid form, sorbic acid, rather than its salt derivatives, which are classified separately.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories under 2916.19.20.00. Therefore, classification within this code is based directly on the identity of the substance as sorbic acid itself, as opposed to related compounds or derivatives. The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity and physical form of the product.