Food-Grade Lemon Essential Oil
Food-grade lemon essential oil is a GRAS-certified product used for flavoring beverages and foods, obtained by distillation from lemon peels. Even though it is intended for food use, it remains classified as an essential oil of lemon under tariff item 3301.13.00. It meets FCC standards for safety and purity.
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 oil is mixed with other substances for food flavoring
Mixtures of odoriferous substances for food or drink industries are classified under heading 33.02.
If the product is prepared as a sauce or seasoning
Prepared food flavorings may fall under this heading if not pure essential oils.
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
• Obtain a letter of certification confirming GRAS status and FCC compliance for customs review
• Ensure the product is labeled as food-grade to avoid misclassification under food additive headings
• Keep records of the distillation process to prove it is an essential oil, not an oleoresin
Related Products under Tariff item 3301.13.00
Bergamot Lemon Hybrid Essential Oil
Bergamot lemon hybrid essential oil is derived from the Citrus bergamia hybrid, a variety of lemon citrus fruit. Its unique floral-citrus profile makes it suitable for perfumery applications. As an essential oil of lemon citrus fruit, it falls under tariff item 3301.13.00, which covers essential oils of lemon.
Cold-Pressed Lemon Peel Essential Oil
Cold-pressed lemon peel essential oil is obtained by mechanically pressing the peels of lemons, retaining natural terpenes for a fresh citrus scent. It is a non-terpeneless essential oil of lemon, suitable for aromatherapy and fragrance use. This product is classified under tariff item 3301.13.00 as an essential oil of lemon.
Lemon Absolute
Lemon absolute is a concentrated product obtained through solvent extraction of lemon peel, used in high-end perfumery for its intense and long-lasting fragrance. As an absolute of lemon essential oil, it is explicitly included in tariff item 3301.13.00. This product retains the aromatic characteristics of lemon in a more concentrated form.
Lemon Essential Oil (Terpeneless)
Terpeneless lemon essential oil is produced by removing terpenes from lemon peel oil through steam distillation, resulting in a more concentrated and stable citrus aroma. It is classified under tariff item 3301.13.00, which explicitly covers terpeneless essential oils of lemon. This product is ideal for applications requiring a stronger flavor or fragrance profile.
Lemon Oil Concrete
Lemon oil concrete is a waxy semi-solid product obtained from lemon flowers or peels via enfleurage or solvent extraction. Tariff item 3301.13.00 explicitly includes concretes of lemon essential oils. It is used as a base in fine fragrances due to its concentrated aromatic properties.
Lemon Oil Extracted Oleoresin
Lemon oil extracted oleoresin is produced by solvent extraction of lemon peels, concentrating both oils and resins. It is included under tariff item 3301.13.00 if it meets the criteria for an essential oil of lemon, though exclusions may apply if it is primarily a resinoid. This product is used in spice and flavor applications.