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 HTS 1302.31.00.00 as unmodified agar-agar, a natural vegetable mucilage thickener. This ensures compliance for culinary imports excluding pharmaceutical forms.

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.

2918.19.90Higher: 29% vs 17.5%

If synthetically produced or chemically derived

Synthetic carboxylic acids or derivatives mimicking agar properties fall under Chapter 29 organic chemicals, not natural vegetable extracts.

2102.20.40Same rate: 17.5%

If when used as inactive yeast additives with agar

Agar mixed with yeasts for baking preparations shifts to heading 2102, excluding pure thickeners.

Not sure which classification is right?

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Import Tips & Compliance

Obtain FDA prior notice and ensure GRAS status affirmation for seamless entry

Label with exact gel strength (e.g

600-1200 bloom) to match specifications and avoid disputes

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.