HS 291813 Salts and esters of tartaric acid
Quick Answer: HS code 291813 covers the salts and esters derived from tartaric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid often found in grapes and other fruits. In plain terms, this includes various chemical compounds like potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar) and sodium tartrate, which are widely used in food and beverage industries as leavening agents, antioxidants, and flavor enhancers, as well as in pharmaceuticals and industrial applications. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty landscape is crucial. The UK and EU generally apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for products classified under this heading. In the US, duty rates vary, with some specific subheadings attracting a 4% ad valorem duty, while others are "Free." Importers should verify the precise 10-digit US HTS subheading for accurate duty assessment. Given the "Free" rates in major markets, trade considerations often focus on regulatory compliance, such as food safety standards, rather than significant tariff barriers.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2918130000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2918130000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291813 | — | — | — |
| 2918131000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 2918132000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 2918133000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 2918135000 | 4.4% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2918.13?
Imports of Salts and esters of tartaric acid may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291813 cover?
This subheading covers salts and esters of tartaric acid, which is a dicarboxylic acid. Specifically, it includes chemical compounds formed when the hydrogen atoms of tartaric acid's carboxyl groups are replaced by a metal or an organic radical, respectively. Examples include potassium sodium tartrate (Rochelle salt), potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar), and various alkyl tartrates used in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. The scope is defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system, ensuring consistent global application for these specific derivatives of tartaric acid.
What falls outside HS 291813?
The following products are excluded from HS 291813: tartaric acid itself, which is classified under HS 291812. Additionally, preparations containing salts or esters of tartaric acid, but formulated for specific end-uses such as food preparations (e.g., baking powders containing cream of tartar, which fall under Chapter 21), or pharmaceutical preparations (e.g., medicaments of Chapter 30), are also excluded. Furthermore, complex organic chemicals where the tartrate moiety is merely a minor component or a functional group within a larger, more specifically defined chemical compound, would typically be classified according to the predominant chemical function or structure, often in other subheadings of Chapter 29 or even different chapters.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291813?
A common error is misclassifying tartaric acid itself under HS 291813 instead of its correct subheading, HS 291812. Another frequent mistake involves classifying complex mixtures or finished products containing tartaric acid salts or esters here, rather than under their specific end-use chapters (e.g., Chapter 21 for food preparations or Chapter 30 for medicaments). Importers sometimes overlook General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which dictates that mixtures and composite goods should be classified by the material or component that gives them their essential character, leading to incorrect placement of multi-ingredient products. Similarly, misinterpreting the "salt" or "ester" definition can lead to incorrect classification of other tartaric acid derivatives not explicitly covered.
How should importers classify products under HS 291813?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291813 involves first confirming that the product is indeed a salt or ester of tartaric acid, and not tartaric acid itself or a complex preparation. Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review the chemical name, CAS number, and chemical structure against the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29, specifically Heading 2918. They must ensure the product is not a finished good classified elsewhere by essential character. Consulting the USITC HTS or EU TARIC system for specific rulings or binding tariff information (BTI) on similar products is highly recommended. Always apply General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, ensuring the product precisely matches the description "Salts and esters of tartaric acid."
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2918.13 (Salts and esters of tartaric acid) in key markets?
The MFN duty rates for HS 2918.13 vary by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' duty rate (0.00% ad valorem) as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database also indicates a 'Free' duty rate (0.00% ad valorem) for most MFN imports. The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) similarly applies a 'Free' duty rate (0.00% ad valorem). However, other countries may apply different rates; for instance, some developing nations might have MFN rates around 4% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their destination country using the official tariff schedule of that nation.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Salts and esters of tartaric acid' under HS 2918.13?
HS 2918.13 specifically covers 'Salts and esters of tartaric acid'. The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical structure: the product must be a salt or an ester derived from tartaric acid. This excludes tartaric acid itself (which falls under HS 2918.12) and other derivatives that are not salts or esters. Importers should ensure that the chemical name, CAS number, and structural formula on their product documentation clearly confirm it is a salt or ester of tartaric acid to avoid misclassification. Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 provides further guidance on the scope of organic chemicals.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2918.13 under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are often available for HS 2918.13, potentially reducing the import duty to 0.00% ad valorem, even in markets where an MFN rate might otherwise apply. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating in Mexico or Canada would typically enter the U.S. duty-free. Similarly, goods originating from countries with which the EU has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or under schemes like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also qualify for preferential duty-free entry into the EU. To claim preferential rates, importers must provide valid proof of origin, such as a certificate of origin or an origin declaration, demonstrating that the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria of the respective trade agreement.
What specific documentation is required for importing 'Salts and esters of tartaric acid' under HS 2918.13?
Standard import documentation for HS 2918.13 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. For chemical products, additional documentation is often crucial: a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) detailing the chemical composition, purity, and specifications is highly recommended. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is also typically required for regulatory compliance and safe handling. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, GSP Form A) or an origin declaration is mandatory. Importers should also check for any specific chemical import regulations or licensing requirements in the destination country, although 'Salts and esters of tartaric acid' are generally not subject to stringent controls like certain hazardous chemicals.