2918.11.10.00 - Lactic acid 🖩

This HTS category specifically covers **lactic acid**, a naturally occurring organic acid produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates. It is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant, flavor enhancer, and preservative. While it can also find applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics, its classification here is for the pure chemical compound itself, rather than finished goods containing it.

Distinguishing this category from its sibling, 2918.11.51.00 (Other), is straightforward. This specific subheading is exclusively for lactic acid. The "Other" subheading is a residual category for any other salts or esters of lactic acid that do not meet the specific criteria for classification under a more precise subheading. Therefore, if the product is identified as lactic acid, it falls under this specific code.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories to introduce. Classification under 2918.11.10.00 is final. Importers and exporters should ensure that the product being declared is indeed lactic acid, characterized by its chemical structure and primary properties as an alpha-hydroxy acid, to ensure accurate tariff classification.