Pharmaceutical-Grade Agar
Pharmaceutical-grade agar is ultra-pure agar-agar from controlled algal sources, used as a laxative base or capsule filler. It is classified under tariff item 1302.31.00 as an unmodified vegetable thickener, provided it is not in dosage form.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the agar is formulated as a medicament in dosage form
Medicaments are classified under Chapter 30.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Confirm the agar is not in measured doses or packaged for retail sale as a medicament
• Provide the CBSA with a certificate of analysis showing pharmaceutical purity
• Check if the product requires a Drug Establishment Licence from Health Canada
Related Products under Tariff item 1302.31.00
Agar-Agar Flakes
Agar-agar flakes are dried and flaked extracts from red seaweed, offering a convenient form for culinary gelling without modification. They are a pure vegetable-derived mucilage, unmodified, and fall under tariff item 1302.31.00 as agar-agar.
Agar-Agar Granules
Agar-agar granules are coarse particles of pure red algae extract, dissolving easily for instant gels in beverages. They are granulated but unmodified agar-agar mucilage, falling under tariff item 1302.31.00.
Bacteriological Agar Strips
Bacteriological agar strips are thin, dried sheets of pure agar-agar from Gelidium algae, rehydrated for lab plating. They are unmodified vegetable mucilage in strip form, not a finished diagnostic product, and fall under tariff item 1302.31.00.
Cosmetic-Grade Agar-Agar
Cosmetic-grade agar-agar forms gels in hair products and creams from pure algae extract. It is a vegetable mucilage, not essential oil based, and falls under tariff item 1302.31.00 as unmodified agar-agar.
Food-Grade Agar-Agar Powder
Food-grade agar-agar powder is a high-purity extract from Gracilaria seaweed, standardized for direct use in jellies and bakery without additives. It qualifies for tariff item 1302.31.00 as unmodified agar-agar, a natural vegetable mucilage.
Food Thickener Agar Powder
Food thickener agar powder stabilizes soups and sauces as a pure red algae mucilage. It is an unmodified product, heat-stable up to 85°C, and falls under tariff item 1302.31.00.