Heading 2917

Polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

36 declarable lines

Heading 2917 covers polycarboxylic acids, meaning acids with two or more carboxyl groups, plus their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. The heading splits first by structure: acyclic compounds in 2917.11 through 2917.19, cyclic non-aromatic compounds in 2917.20, and aromatic compounds in 2917.32 through 2917.39. Within each group the lines move from specific named chemicals to residual Other lines, with separate breakout lines for plasticizers.

Products in this heading

Oxalic acid and its salts and esters
Adipic acid and adipate esters used as plasticizers
Maleic anhydride
Phthalic anhydride
Terephthalic acid and dimethyl terephthalate
Dioctyl orthophthalate (a common PVC plasticizer)
Isophthalic acid
Trimellitic anhydride

How to choose the right subheading

Structure of the carbon chain: acyclic lines 2917.11 to 2917.19, cyclic non-aromatic line 2917.20, aromatic lines 2917.32 to 2917.39.
The specific chemical identity: named acids and anhydrides such as oxalic, adipic, maleic, phthalic, terephthalic and isophthalic have their own lines.
Whether the product is an acid, an anhydride, a salt, or an ester, since each form falls on a different line.
End use as a plasticizer, which has dedicated breakout lines in both the acyclic and aromatic groups.
Whether the compound is derived in whole or in part from aromatic hydrocarbons, which shifts some acyclic lines to a higher rate line.

Often confused with

Acetic acid
It has only one carboxyl group, so it is a monocarboxylic acid.
Heading 2915
Acrylic acid
It is an unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid.
Heading 2916
Citric acid
It is a carboxylic acid that also carries an additional oxygen function.
Heading 2918
Benzoic acid
It is a cyclic monocarboxylic acid, not a polycarboxylic acid.
Heading 2916
Ethylene glycol
It is an alcohol with hydroxyl groups, not a carboxylic acid.
Heading 2905

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for maleic anhydride?

Maleic anhydride derived in whole or in part from benzene or other aromatic hydrocarbons is 2917.14.10.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 6.5%. Other maleic anhydride is 2917.14.50.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 4.2%.

What is the duty on phthalic anhydride?

Phthalic anhydride is classified under 2917.35.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 6.5%.

How do I classify an adipate ester used as a plasticizer?

Adipic acid ester plasticizers fall under 2917.12.20.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 6.5%. If the adipate ester is not a plasticizer, it goes on the residual line 2917.12.50.00, also at 6.5%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.