2918.14.00.00 - Citric acid

This HTS category, 2918.14.00.00, specifically enumerates Citric acid. Citric acid is a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. It is widely used as a food additive for flavoring and preserving. In industrial applications, it serves as a chelating agent, an antioxidant, and a cleaning agent. This classification is for pure citric acid, whether in its anhydrous or monohydrate form, and its salts and esters are classified under separate subheadings.

The distinction between this subheading and its siblings lies in the specific organic acid identified. For instance, while 2918.11 covers lactic acid, and 2918.12.00.00 covers tartaric acid, this subheading is exclusively for citric acid. Similarly, 2918.15 deals with the salts and esters of citric acid, meaning that only the free acid form of citric acid falls under 2918.14.00.00.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subdivisions under 2918.14.00.00. Therefore, all forms and preparations of citric acid, excluding its salts and esters which have dedicated subheadings, are classified here. This ensures a precise identification for import and export purposes, distinguishing it from other carboxylic acids with alcohol functions.