Powdered Agar-Agar
Powdered agar-agar is a gelatinous substance extracted from red algae, primarily Gelidium and Gracilaria species, used as a thickening agent in food applications. It falls under HTS 1302.31.00.00 as it is unmodified agar-agar derived from vegetable (algal) products, serving as a mucilage and thickener. This classification excludes modified versions or those used in medicaments.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If chemically modified or derived from locust beans or guar
Modified vegetable mucilages or those from different plant sources fall under the broader 1302.39 for other vegetable-derived thickeners.
If pre-mixed into food preparations or additives
When agar-agar is incorporated into finished food products or blends, it classifies as a food preparation under Chapter 21 rather than a pure extract.
If put up in dosage form for medicinal use
Agar-agar formulated as a bulk medicinal product or in measured doses shifts to medicaments in heading 3003, excluding pure extracts.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity and origin certificates to confirm it is unmodified agar-agar from red algae, avoiding reclassification as a modified thickener
• Ensure food-grade labeling and compliance with FDA import requirements for direct food additives
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.