Agar-Agar Flakes
Agar-agar flakes are dried and flaked extracts from red seaweed, offering a convenient form for culinary gelling without modification. Classified under HTS 1302.31.00.00 as pure agar-agar, a vegetable-derived mucilage and thickener not altered chemically. It is widely used in desserts, microbiology, and vegan recipes.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported as raw, unextracted seaweed
Unprocessed red algae or seaweeds are classified under heading 1212 as algae for food or other uses, prior to extraction into agar.
If the product is pectin or pectates instead
Pectic substances from citrus or apples use 1302.32, differentiating by source and chemical nature from agar-agar.
If for chemically modified or prepared chemical thickeners
If agar-agar undergoes chemical modification for industrial use, it may fall under prepared binders or chemical products in 3824.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Provide botanical origin documentation (e.g
• Gelidium spp.) to distinguish from other algal products
• Check for moisture content to prevent mold issues during shipping; use proper packaging
• Avoid importing in consumer-ready confectionery packs, as it could be reclassified under 1704 or 2106
Related Products under HTS 1302.31.00.00
Vegan Gelatin Agar-Agar
Vegan gelatin agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to animal gelatin, extracted from red seaweed for use in marshmallows and puddings. It fits HTS 1302.31.00.00 as pure agar-agar mucilage, unmodified and derived from vegetable products. Excludes sweetened confectionery forms.
Organic Agar-Agar Powder
Organic agar-agar powder is certified organic extract from wild-harvested red algae, free of pesticides for natural foods. HTS 1302.31.00.00 applies to this pure, unmodified mucilage thickener from vegetable sources. USDA organic certification enhances marketability.
Agar-Agar Granules
Agar-agar granules are coarse particles of pure red algae extract, dissolving easily for instant gels in beverages. Falls under HTS 1302.31.00.00 as granulated but unmodified agar-agar mucilage. Used in drinks and low-sugar jams.
Strip Agar for Labs
Strip agar for labs consists of flexible, pure agar-agar sheets from Gracilaria, cut for electrophoresis or culturing. HTS 1302.31.00.00 covers this form as unmodified vegetable-derived mucilage. Not for diagnostic kits.
High-Gel-Strength Agar-Agar
High-gel-strength agar-agar from premium Gelidium algae provides firm gels for canning and biotech. Classified HTS 1302.31.00.00 as natural, unmodified thickener. Gel strength over 1000 g/cm².
Food Thickener Agar Powder
Food thickener agar powder stabilizes soups and sauces as a pure red algae mucilage. HTS 1302.31.00.00 for unmodified product. Heat-stable up to 85°C.