3823.12.00.00 - Oleic acid

This HTS category, 3823.12.00.00, specifically covers oleic acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is widely used as a chemical intermediate, lubricant, and emulsifier in various industrial applications. It is a significant component of many animal and vegetable fats and oils.

While this heading also encompasses other industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, oleic acid is distinct due to its specific chemical structure and properties. For instance, it is differentiated from stearic acid (3823.11.00.00), which is a saturated fatty acid, and from tall oil fatty acids (3823.13.00), which are a complex mixture derived from the pulping of wood. This classification focuses on oleic acid as a pure or technically pure compound or as a specific component in industrial fatty acid mixtures where it is the predominant constituent and its identity is established.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions within this specific HTS code. Classification at this level relies on confirming the identity and industrial nature of the product as oleic acid, distinguishing it from other fatty acids and related industrial products within heading 3823.