2918.11.51.00 - Other

This HTS category, 2918.11.51.00, encompasses "Other" lactic acid derivatives that are not specifically classified under subheading 2918.11.10.00, which covers pure lactic acid itself. This designation typically includes salts and esters of lactic acid. Salts of lactic acid, such as calcium lactate or sodium lactate, are formed when lactic acid reacts with a base. Esters of lactic acid, on the other hand, are created through the reaction of lactic acid with an alcohol. These derivatives often find use in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, due to their acidic or ester properties.

The key distinction of this category from its sibling, 2918.11.10.00, lies in the presence of a salt or ester linkage. While 2918.11.10.00 is reserved for the unadulterated compound of lactic acid, this subheading is for compounds where lactic acid has undergone a chemical modification to form a salt with a metal or organic cation, or an ester through reaction with an alcohol. This differentiation is crucial for accurate tariff assessment, as the specific chemical structure dictates its properties and potential applications.

As this is a leaf node in the HTS classification system, there are no further subcategories branching from 2918.11.51.00. Therefore, the focus remains on the precise identification of lactic acid salts and esters. Classification within this heading requires careful examination of the chemical composition to confirm it is indeed a derivative of lactic acid and not another carboxylic acid or a more complex organic compound.