U.S. imports of Salicylic Acid & Its Salts and Esters (SITC 51393) totaled $7.7M in August 2026, imported from 17 countries.
Importers of Salicylic Acid & Its Salts and Esters paid $741K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 9.14% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataSalicylic acid occupies a dual commercial role as both a pharmaceutical active ingredient (keratolytic agent in dermatology) and a chemical intermediate for aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and other salicylate esters. Its salts — notably sodium salicylate — and esters such as methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) each have distinct regulatory and end-use profiles. Shipments intended for pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drug use are subject to FDA review, and importers should verify that the supplier holds appropriate drug-establishment registration and that the material meets USP or equivalent pharmacopeial specifications.
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150 import shipments a month
Yes, methyl salicylate is an ester of salicylic acid and is classified under this heading. When used as a pharmaceutical or flavoring agent, it is subject to FDA oversight. High-concentration methyl salicylate products are also subject to child-resistant packaging requirements under CPSC rules when sold at retail, a consideration that affects finished-product importers more than bulk chemical importers.
USP-grade salicylic acid is required for pharmaceutical and OTC drug applications and must meet strict limits on heavy metals, related substances, and residual solvents. Technical-grade material used in dye or rubber chemical synthesis has looser specifications. Importers should specify the grade contractually and obtain a certificate of analysis for each lot, as mixing grades can create compliance liability if pharmaceutical-use material fails USP testing.
Basic heading 278 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 51393 · $7.7M of $27.5B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Malaysia and Germany together supply 47% of it. India pays 16.5% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$7.7MYoY · free account
Exports
$1.4MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $86.1M of Salicylic Acid & Its Salts and Esters and exported $14.5M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.