What is HS code for palmitic acid?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
291570
Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts and esters
Heading 2915 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
Chapter 29: Organic chemicals
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 291570 when importing or exporting palmitic acid, stearic acid, or their salts and esters. For example, if you are shipping a bulk container of stearic acid for use in cosmetics, this code is appropriate.
This code specifically covers saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, which are fatty acids commonly used in food, cosmetics, and industrial applications. It's important to distinguish this from HS-6 291590, which covers other saturated monocarboxylic acids not specified here.
When considering HS-6 291570, note that it includes not just the acids themselves but also their salts and esters. For instance, if you are exporting sodium stearate, a common soap ingredient, this code applies.
Be aware that while both palmitic and stearic acids fall under this code, they have different applications. Palmitic acid is often used in food products, while stearic acid is more common in personal care items.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
palmitic acid shipments · stearic acid classification · saturated fatty acids · acids and their salts · monocarboxylic acids · fatty acid esters · cosmetic ingredient codes · food grade acids · industrial applications acids · bulk fatty acids · chemical import codes · exporting stearic acid · palmitic acid uses · sodium stearate classification · acids in cosmetics · food emulsifiers · pharmaceutical acids
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Bulk shipment of stearic acid for use in soap manufacturing
- Palmitic acid supplied to a food processing plant
- Sodium stearate exported for cosmetic formulations
- Palmitic acid esters used in food emulsifiers
- Stearic acid used in the production of candles
- Salts of palmitic acid supplied to a pharmaceutical company
- Stearic acid in bulk for industrial lubricants
- Cosmetic creams containing palmitic acid as an ingredient
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify stearic acid for export?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Are there any salts of palmitic acid under HS-6?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products use HS-6 291570?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Differences between palmitic and stearic acid codes?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use HS-6 291570 for fatty acid esters?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the applications of stearic acid?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Is sodium stearate classified under HS-6 291570?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to determine the correct HS code for palmitic acid?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What are the uses of stearic acid in cosmetics?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Are there specific regulations for importing fatty acids?
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Classification of palmitic acid esters for shipping
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Guidelines for exporting stearic acid to the EU
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
How to classify salts of fatty acids in trade?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What documentation is needed for HS-6 291570 shipments?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What products fall under HS-6 291570?
- HS-6 291570 covers palmitic acid, stearic acid, their salts, and esters, commonly used in food, cosmetics, and industrial applications.
- Can I classify sodium stearate under HS-6 291570?
- Yes, sodium stearate, a salt of stearic acid, is classified under HS-6 291570.
- What is the difference between HS-6 291570 and HS-6 291590?
- HS-6 291570 is for palmitic and stearic acids and their derivatives, while HS-6 291590 covers other saturated monocarboxylic acids.
- Is there a specific use for palmitic acid?
- Palmitic acid is often used in food products and as an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care items.
- What documentation do I need for importing stearic acid?
- You will typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, and possibly a certificate of analysis depending on the destination country's regulations.
- How do I classify fatty acid esters for export?
- Fatty acid esters derived from palmitic or stearic acid can be classified under HS-6 291570, as they are considered derivatives of these acids.
- Are there any restrictions on importing palmitic acid?
- Restrictions may vary by country, so check local regulations regarding the import of food-grade and cosmetic-grade palmitic acid.
- What are the applications of stearic acid in industry?
- Stearic acid is widely used in the production of soaps, candles, lubricants, and as an emulsifier in food and cosmetics.
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