HS 291822 o-Acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters
Quick Answer: HS Code 291822 specifically covers o-Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as Aspirin, along with its various salts and esters. This classification is crucial for pharmaceutical and chemical industries. For importers into the UK and EU, the standard duty rate is 0.00% ad valorem, indicating duty-free entry for these products. In the United States, the general duty rate is 6.5% ad valorem. However, significant preferential duty treatment is available, with many countries qualifying for a "Free" rate under various trade agreements (e.g., A*, AU, BH, CL). Importers should verify their country of origin for potential duty exemptions. Additionally, a punitive rate of 15.4¢/kg + 47.5% exists for certain non-market economy countries, highlighting the importance of accurate country of origin determination and trade policy awareness.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2918220000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2918220000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291822 | — | — | — |
| 2918225000 | 6.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2918221000 | 6.5% | Free (17 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 2918.22?
Imports of o-Acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters 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, and 16 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291822 cover?
This subheading covers o-acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, and its various salts and esters. This specific chemical compound is characterized by the presence of a carboxylic acid function and an ester function, both attached to a benzene ring, with the acetyl group on the phenolic oxygen. The WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature for Chapter 29, specifically Heading 2918, details carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions and their derivatives. HS 291822 precisely identifies this widely used pharmaceutical active ingredient, as reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system, ensuring consistent global classification for this specific chemical entity.
What falls outside HS 291822?
The following products are excluded from HS 291822: salicylic acid itself (HS 291821), which lacks the acetyl group; other esters of salicylic acid that are not o-acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., methyl salicylate, typically found in HS 291829); and formulations or medicaments containing o-acetylsalicylic acid as an active ingredient. For instance, tablets or capsules of aspirin, even if consisting solely of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and excipients, are classified under Chapter 30, specifically Heading 3004, as medicaments. Bulk o-acetylsalicylic acid intended for further processing into medicaments remains in 291822, but once formulated into dosage forms, it shifts to Chapter 30.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291822?
A common error is misclassifying formulated aspirin products, such as tablets or capsules, under HS 291822 instead of Chapter 30. This mistake often arises from failing to apply General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(a), which prioritizes headings providing the most specific description. While 291822 specifically describes the chemical compound, Heading 3004 more specifically describes medicaments. Another frequent misstep involves confusing o-acetylsalicylic acid with other salicylates or their derivatives, such as salicylic acid (291821) or other esters (291829), necessitating careful chemical structure verification. Importers must ensure the product is indeed the pure chemical compound or its direct salts/esters, not a preparation.
How should importers classify products under HS 291822?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291822 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the imported substance as o-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts, or its esters through chemical analysis or supplier documentation (e.g., Certificate of Analysis, Material Safety Data Sheet). Importers and customs brokers must then 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. Crucially, verify that the product is in bulk form and not a prepared medicament, which would fall under Chapter 30. Consult the latest editions of the USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff for specific national duty rates and any additional import requirements or regulations associated with this chemical.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS 2918.22 (o-Acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters) in key markets?
The MFN duty rates for HS 2918.22 vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' duty rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for MFN (General) treatment. In contrast, some developing nations or specific trade blocs might apply higher MFN rates, such as 6.5% ad valorem, or even complex rates like '15.4¢/kg + 47.5%' in certain outlier scenarios. Importers should always consult the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) of the country of importation for the precise MFN rate applicable at the time of entry.
Are there preferential duty rates available for o-Acetylsalicylic acid (HS 2918.22) under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are widely available for HS 2918.22 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special programs. For imports into the United States, for instance, a 'Free' preferential rate is often applicable for goods originating from countries such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) under their respective FTAs. Additionally, programs like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer duty-free treatment for eligible developing countries (indicated by 'A*' or 'A' in some tariff schedules). Importers must ensure compliance with the specific Rules of Origin criteria of the relevant agreement to claim preferential treatment, which typically involves providing a Certificate of Origin or similar documentation.
What are the key classification criteria for o-Acetylsalicylic acid under HS 2918.22?
HS 2918.22 specifically covers 'o-Acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the substance. o-Acetylsalicylic acid is commonly known as Aspirin. For classification under this subheading, the product must be chemically pure or commercially pure o-Acetylsalicylic acid, or a salt (e.g., sodium acetylsalicylate) or an ester thereof. This subheading falls under Chapter 29, which covers 'Organic chemicals,' and more specifically under heading 2918, 'Carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives.' Importers should ensure their product's chemical name and structure precisely match the description to avoid misclassification.
What documentation is typically required to import o-Acetylsalicylic acid (HS 2918.22)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2918.22 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, EUR.1, or other FTA-specific certificates) is essential, demonstrating that the goods meet the Rules of Origin of the respective trade agreement. Furthermore, as a pharmaceutical active ingredient, importers may need to comply with specific regulatory requirements from health authorities (e.g., FDA in the US, EMA in the EU). This could involve providing a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and potentially registration or notification with the relevant regulatory body, depending on the intended use and the importing country's regulations for pharmaceutical raw materials.