Bacteriological Agar Strips

Bacteriological agar strips are thin, dried sheets of pure agar-agar from Gelidium algae, rehydrated for lab plating. HTS 1302.31.00.00 covers this as unmodified vegetable mucilage in strip form, not a finished diagnostic product. Ideal for sterile microbiology applications.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+17.5%17.5%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

3926.90.99Higher: 22.8% vs 17.5%

If sold as plasticized or coated agar sheets

If agar is supported on plastic film for lab use, it may be seen as plastic articles rather than pure extract.

1302.19Lower: 10% vs 17.5%

If for other vegetable saps like guar gum strips

Strips from different vegetable sources use the general vegetable extract heading 1302.19.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Sterility certificates are crucial; test for contaminants to meet USP standards

Ship in vacuum-sealed packs to maintain hydration properties

Related Products under HTS 1302.31.00.00

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.

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.