Purified terephthalic acid (PTA)
精对苯二甲酸
Purified terephthalic acid is the first feedstock for PET resin and polyester fibre. Chinese PTA capacity is the largest in the world, concentrated in Hengli (Dalian), Yisheng (Ningbo), and Sinopec (Yangzi). The China-to-PET-resin chain is vertically integrated for most large producers, with PX-PTA-PET running on the same coastal complex. PTA does not carry IMDG dangerous-goods classification for routine sea transport; ships in bulk 1 t big bags or container-loaded paper bags. US imports carry no Section 301 on bulk PTA at the time of writing. This cluster aggregates CAS 100-21-0 across the regulatory matrix and the PTA hub. The PTA grade spec for bottle-resin versus fibre-resin is the loadbearing buying decision and the cornerstone hub walks through it.
Glossary
Terms you will meet on this lane
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FOB, Free On Board
Incoterm under which the seller delivers the goods on board the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk and cost transfer to the buyer once the cargo crosses the ship's rail. The buyer arranges and pays for sea freight, marine insurance, and all destination-side costs.
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CIF, Cost, Insurance, and Freight
Incoterm under which the seller is responsible for the cost of the goods, marine insurance, and sea freight to the named destination port. Risk transfers from seller to buyer when the goods are loaded on board at the origin port, but cost responsibility extends to destination port arrival.
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DDP, Delivered Duty Paid
Incoterm under which the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer's named destination, including all transport, customs clearance, duties, taxes, and unloading at destination. The most seller-heavy Incoterm, often misused in China-export quotes.
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HS Code, Harmonized System Code
A six-digit international product classification code used by customs authorities worldwide to identify goods, assess duties, and apply trade controls. Countries extend the six-digit base with additional digits for tariff and statistical purposes (10-digit HTS in the US, 8-digit CN code in the EU, 10-digit AHECC in Australia).
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VAT Rebate, VAT Export Rebate
The Chinese government refund of value-added tax paid on inputs used to produce goods for export. Set as a percentage of the export FOB value, varying by HS code and adjusted by the State Administration of Taxation. Rebates of 13%, 9%, 6%, or 0% are typical for chemical exports. The rebate is the single largest policy lever the Chinese government uses to influence which chemicals are exported and at what scale.
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Section 301, Section 301 Tariffs
Additional tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese-origin goods under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The current List 1, 2, 3, and 4A tariffs add 7.5 to 25 percent on top of the standard MFN duty rate, applied at HS-code level.
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COA, Certificate of Analysis
A document issued by the manufacturer (or by an accredited third-party lab) certifying that a specific batch of a chemical or material meets the agreed specification. Lists tested parameters, results, the test methods used, and a batch number that ties back to production.
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SDS, Safety Data Sheet
The 16-section document that communicates the hazards, handling, storage, and emergency response information for a chemical product. Required at destination customs for any classified hazardous chemical and at the buyer's site for worker safety. SDS is the GHS-aligned successor to the older MSDS format.
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Packing List, Packing List
Document issued by the shipper detailing the contents, packaging, weights, and dimensions of every package in the shipment. Used by the carrier for stowage planning, by customs for entry verification, and by the buyer for receiving inspection.
Regulatory matrix
Cross-jurisdiction compliance
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Purified terephthalic acid under REACH
European Union listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Purified terephthalic acid under TSCA
United States of America listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Purified terephthalic acid under IECSC
People's Republic of China listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Purified terephthalic acid under AICIS
Australia listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
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Purified terephthalic acid under K-REACH
Republic of Korea listing status, classifications, importer obligations.
Cornerstone hub
Buying chain end to end
Where it is made
Chinese industrial parks on this product line
Sourzi operator note
Bottle-grade versus fibre-grade PTA is the spec call that decides the price and the destination plant. The colour value on the COA matters more than the absolute purity for bottle-grade applications.
Curated by Sean. Primary-source verified per the regulatory drafting rules in Sourzi CLAUDE.md.
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