2917.11.00.00 - Oxalic acid, its salts and esters

This HTS category, 2917.11.00.00, specifically covers oxalic acid, along with its various salts and esters. Oxalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the formula (COOH)₂. Its salts are formed when the acidic hydrogen atoms are replaced by metal ions (e.g., sodium oxalate, potassium oxalate), and its esters are formed when the hydrogen atoms of the carboxyl groups are replaced by organic alkyl or aryl groups. These compounds find widespread industrial applications, including as cleaning agents, bleaching agents, and in various chemical synthesis processes.

To distinguish this category from its siblings, it is important to note that while all fall under "Acyclic polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their derivatives," 2917.11.00.00 is exclusively for oxalic acid and its direct derivatives. For example, sibling category 2917.12 covers only adipic acid and its salts/esters, which is a different acyclic dicarboxylic acid. Similarly, 2917.13.00 focuses on azelaic and sebacic acids, and 2917.14 is dedicated to maleic anhydride, a cyclic unsaturated anhydride. Category 2917.19 serves as a residual category for other acyclic polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives not specifically listed elsewhere within this group.

As this node is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification under 2917.11.00.00 is final for oxalic acid, its salts, and esters. When classifying, customs officials will look for the chemical identity of the imported substance to confirm it is indeed oxalic acid, or a direct salt or ester thereof, to ensure correct duty and tax assessment.