Powdered Agar-Agar from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
17.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
Import Tips
• 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