3823.11.00.00 - Stearic acid

This classification covers stearic acid, an important industrial saturated fatty acid. Stearic acid is primarily derived from animal fats and vegetable oils through processes like hydrolysis and fractional distillation. It is characterized by its long hydrocarbon chain (C18) and is solid at room temperature, appearing as a waxy white substance. Its primary industrial uses include the production of soaps, candles, cosmetics, lubricants, and as a component in rubber and plastics manufacturing.

While other industrial fatty acids are classified at the same level, stearic acid is distinguished by its specific chemical structure and its widespread, general-purpose applications across various industries. Unlike oleic acid (3823.12.00.00), which is an unsaturated fatty acid with different physical properties and applications, stearic acid is a saturated monocarboxylic acid. Tall oil fatty acids (3823.13.00) are a mixture derived from the processing of wood pulp and possess a unique composition distinct from pure stearic acid.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories for stearic acid under 3823.11.00.00. Therefore, classification at this level is definitive for pure stearic acid and mixtures where stearic acid is the predominant component, provided they are intended for industrial uses as outlined by the parent chapter. The key determinant for classification here is the chemical identity as stearic acid, excluding other fatty acids or acid oils from refining unless specifically provided for elsewhere.