3823 - Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining; industrial fatty alcohols:

This HTS category, 3823, encompasses a range of industrial chemicals derived from fatty sources. It specifically includes monocarboxylic fatty acids used in various industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, lubricants, and plastics. Additionally, this heading covers "acid oils from refining," which are byproducts generated during the processing of fats and oils, often containing free fatty acids and other impurities. The "industrial" qualifier emphasizes that these substances are not for direct consumption or pharmaceutical use but rather serve as raw materials or intermediates in manufacturing processes.

It is important to distinguish this category from other headings within Section VI that might also deal with oils and fats. For instance, while Chapter 15 covers animal or vegetable fats and oils themselves, and products derived from their splitting, Chapter 38 is for miscellaneous chemical products that are either more processed or are specific industrial chemical preparations. Unlike entries in Chapter 15, the products here are generally purified or further processed for specific industrial functions rather than being bulk commodities of fats and oils.

Within HTS 3823, further distinctions are made based on the specific type of product. Subcategory 3823.70 specifically addresses industrial fatty alcohols, which are distinct from the monocarboxylic fatty acids covered under the broader heading. Fatty alcohols are typically derived from fatty acids and have their own unique set of industrial applications, commonly found in the production of surfactants, emollients, and plasticizers. The separation reflects the different chemical structures and downstream uses of these related but distinct chemical compounds.