2918.19.15.00 - Other

This HTS category, 2918.19.15.00, specifically covers phenylglycolic acid (also known as mandelic acid), its salts, and esters, excluding the pure acid itself which falls under a preceding sibling classification. Phenylglycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid with an aromatic ring and a carboxylic acid group, commonly utilized in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its exfoliating and antimicrobial properties.

The distinction between this code and its sibling, 2918.19.12.00, lies in the specificity of the product. While the sibling is designated for mandelic acid itself, this category is intended for derivatives of mandelic acid, namely its salts (e.g., sodium mandelate, ammonium mandelate) and esters (e.g., methyl mandelate, ethyl mandelate). These salts and esters are formed through chemical reactions involving the carboxylic acid group or the hydroxyl group of mandelic acid, altering its physical and chemical properties for various applications.

As a leaf node within the HTS structure, 2918.19.15.00 does not have further subcategories. Therefore, the focus for classification under this code rests on identifying whether the imported or exported substance is indeed a salt or an ester derived from phenylglycolic acid, as opposed to the pure acid itself. Practical classification will often involve reviewing chemical specifications, Certificates of Analysis, and product literature to confirm the identity and form of the merchandise.