3823.13.00 - Tall oil fatty acids

This HTS category, 3823.13.00, specifically classifies "tall oil fatty acids." Tall oil fatty acids are a group of unsaturated fatty acids derived from the fractional distillation of tall oil, a byproduct of the kraft pulping process in the manufacture of wood pulp. These acids are characterized by their complex mixtures of oleic, linoleic, and other unsaturated fatty acids, with varying degrees of saturation. They find industrial applications in the production of soaps, detergents, lubricants, alkyd resins, and as emulsifiers.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 3823.11.00.00 (Stearic acid) and 3823.12.00.00 (Oleic acid), is crucial. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a specific chain length, while oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Tall oil fatty acids, on the other hand, are a mixed stream of fatty acids, predominantly unsaturated, with a characteristic composition that differentiates them from purified individual fatty acids. The parent category, "Industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; acid oils from refining," encompasses a broader range of such substances, with this subcategory providing a specific classification for the distinct product derived from tall oil.

The subcategories for 3823.13.00 further refine the classification based on the presence of rosin. Subcategory 3823.13.00.20 applies to tall oil fatty acids containing less than two percent rosin, a component also derived from tall oil. Subcategory 3823.13.00.40 covers all other tall oil fatty acids. This distinction is important for trade purposes, as the presence and quantity of rosin can affect the product's properties and intended uses, necessitating a more granular classification.