What is HS code 291816 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
291816
Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), gluconic acid, its salts and esters
Heading 2918 — Acids; carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
Chapter 29: Organic chemicals
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 291816 when importing or exporting gluconic acid, a carboxylic acid with an alcohol function. This could include shipments of gluconic acid in bulk containers or packaged for retail use.
Gluconic acid is distinct from other carboxylic acids like citric acid (HS-6 291816) or acetic acid (HS-6 291811), which have different chemical structures and uses. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate classification.
This HS-6 line specifically covers gluconic acid and its salts and esters, which are used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products. If you're dealing with derivatives like glucono-delta-lactone, you may need to look at other HS codes.
When shipping gluconic acid, ensure proper documentation that specifies the product's chemical nature and intended use. This will help customs brokers process your shipment smoothly.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
gluconic acid import · gluconic acid export · carboxylic acids · organic chemicals · chemical classification · food grade gluconic acid · pharmaceutical gluconic acid · gluconic acid salts · cleaning products · chemical mixtures · retail packaging · bulk gluconic acid · glucono-delta-lactone · chemical documentation · customs clearance · industrial applications
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Bulk shipment of gluconic acid for food processing
- Retail packaging of gluconic acid for dietary supplements
- Gluconic acid used in a cleaning product formulation
- Export of gluconic acid salts for pharmaceutical applications
- Glucono-delta-lactone in food products
- Gluconic acid used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster
- Gluconic acid in a chemical mixture for industrial use
- Samples of gluconic acid for research and development
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify gluconic acid?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is gluconic acid food grade?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the uses of gluconic acid?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I export gluconic acid?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are gluconic acid salts?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to package gluconic acid for shipping?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What documents do I need for gluconic acid import?
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 classify gluconic acid for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What are the applications of gluconic acid in industry
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Differences between gluconic acid and other carboxylic acids
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Requirements for importing gluconic acid
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What is the shelf life of gluconic acid
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
How to ship gluconic acid safely
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Gluconic acid in dietary supplements regulations
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Understanding gluconic acid derivatives for classification
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 is gluconic acid used for?
- Gluconic acid is commonly used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and as a cleaning agent due to its mild acidity and chelating properties.
- Do I need special permits to import gluconic acid?
- Typically, gluconic acid does not require special permits, but check local regulations, especially if it’s intended for food or pharmaceutical use.
- Can gluconic acid be used in cosmetics?
- Yes, gluconic acid is often used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster and skin conditioning agent.
- What packaging is required for shipping gluconic acid?
- Gluconic acid should be packaged in leak-proof containers, clearly labeled, and accompanied by safety data sheets for transport.
- How do I find the right HS code for my product?
- Consult with a customs broker or use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to find the appropriate HS code based on the product's composition and use.
- What is the difference between gluconic acid and glucono-delta-lactone?
- Glucono-delta-lactone is a cyclic ester of gluconic acid and is often used as a food additive, while gluconic acid is the open-chain form.
- Is gluconic acid safe for food use?
- Yes, gluconic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use and is commonly used in various food products.
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