3824.99.75 - Naphthenic acids, their water-insoluble salts and their esters

This HTS category, 3824.99.75, specifically covers naphthenic acids, their water-insoluble salts, and their esters. Naphthenic acids are a group of cyclic carboxylic acids derived from petroleum, known for their solubility in organic solvents and insolubility in water. Their salts and esters, when also demonstrating water insolubility, fall under this classification. These substances find diverse industrial applications, often as corrosion inhibitors, emulsifiers, and components in lubricants and soaps.

The distinction from sibling categories, such as 3824.99.70.00 which includes specialized mixtures for electronics and metal finishing, lies in the specific chemical nature of naphthenic acid derivatives. Unlike the complex chemical preparations in 3824.99.70.00, this subcategory focuses on a distinct family of organic acids and their derivatives. It also differs from the broader "Other" categories by providing a more granular classification for these particular chemical compounds.

Within 3824.99.75, two primary subcategories exist: 3824.99.75.10 for naphthenic acids themselves, and 3824.99.75.50 for their water-insoluble salts and esters. This subdivision allows for a more precise classification based on whether the substance is the free acid or a derivative, reflecting potential differences in their industrial utility and regulatory considerations.