HS 291829 Other

What products does HS 291829 cover?

This subheading covers "Other" carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, specifically those not elsewhere specified within Heading 2918. This includes a diverse range of organic compounds characterized by both a carboxyl group and at least one other oxygen-containing functional group, such as hydroxyl, ether, or ketone groups, provided they are not specifically enumerated in subheadings 2918.11 through 2918.23. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2918 clarify that this "Other" category serves as a residual for compounds meeting the general description of the heading but lacking a more specific classification within its preceding subheadings, encompassing various complex organic chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemical synthesis. For example, specific isomers or derivatives of hydroxy- or keto-acids not explicitly named would fall here, as per USITC and EU TARIC interpretations.

What falls outside HS 291829?

The following products are excluded from HS 291829: salicylic acid and its salts and esters (HS 2918.21), O-acetylsalicylic acid, its salts and esters (HS 2918.22), and other esters of salicylic acid and their salts (HS 2918.23), all of which have their own specific subheadings within Heading 2918. Furthermore, carboxylic acids without an additional oxygen function, such as acetic acid (HS 2915.21) or citric acid (HS 2918.15), are classified elsewhere in Chapter 29. Compounds that are not chemically defined pure organic compounds, or mixtures thereof, are also generally excluded from Chapter 29 and may fall into Chapter 38 or other chapters depending on their composition and use. For instance, formulated pharmaceutical preparations containing a compound from 291829 as an active ingredient would be classified in Chapter 30, not here.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 291829?

A common error is misclassifying specific hydroxy- or keto-acids that have their own dedicated subheadings within Heading 2918, such as lactic acid (HS 2918.11) or gluconic acid (HS 2918.16), into the residual "Other" category of 291829. Importers sometimes overlook the specific enumeration of certain compounds, leading to incorrect classification. Another frequent mistake involves classifying mixtures or preparations containing a compound from 291829, rather than the pure, chemically defined compound itself, under this subheading. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, classification must first be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. GRI 3(b) would apply if a product consists of mixtures or composite goods, which would typically lead to classification outside of Chapter 29 for formulated products. Always ensure the product is a pure, chemically defined organic compound as required by Chapter 29 notes.

How should importers classify products under HS 291829?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291829 involves a systematic review of the product's chemical structure and the WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature. First, confirm the product is a chemically defined pure organic compound. Second, verify it is a carboxylic acid with at least one additional oxygen function (e.g., hydroxyl, keto, ether). Third, meticulously check all specific subheadings within Heading 2918 (2918.11 through 2918.23) to ensure the compound is not explicitly named elsewhere. Only if the compound meets the general description of Heading 2918 but is not specified in any other subheading should it be classified under 291829. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official WCO Explanatory Notes, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and the EU TARIC database for definitive guidance and binding rulings if uncertainty persists, ensuring compliance and accurate duty assessment.