2918.12.00.00 - Tartaric acid

This category, HTS 2918.12.00.00, specifically classifies tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid, commonly found in grapes and tamarinds, characterized by its dicarboxylic acid structure with two hydroxyl groups. It is widely utilized in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant, antioxidant, and emulsifier, and also finds applications in pharmaceuticals and industrial processes.

It is important to distinguish this classification from its siblings. HTS 2918.11 covers lactic acid, a distinct organic acid with a single carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group, which is produced through fermentation. HTS 2918.13, on the other hand, covers the salts and esters derived from tartaric acid, meaning it classifies compounds formed by reacting tartaric acid with bases or alcohols, rather than the acid itself. Other sibling categories, such as HTS 2918.14.00.00 for citric acid, cover different organic acids with varying chemical structures and properties.

As this HTS code represents a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, classification decisions within this code will focus on the purity and presentation of tartaric acid, ensuring that the product is indeed pure tartaric acid and not a salt, ester, or a different organic acid within the broader scope of carboxylic acids with alcohol functions.