Carrageenan Powder Kappa Type
Kappa carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii), used primarily as a gelling and thickening agent in food products. It falls under HTS 1302.39.00.10 as a mucilage and thickener derived from vegetable products, specifically carrageenan, without modifications that would classify it elsewhere. This powder form is widely used in dairy desserts, meat products, and pet foods for texture enhancement.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 3.2% | +17.5% | 20.7% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 3.2% | +10.0% | 13.2% |
| 🇨🇦Canada | 3.2% | +10.0% | 13.2% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 3.2% | +10.0% | 13.2% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 3.2% | +10.0% | 13.2% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If not specifically carrageenan, such as guar gum or locust bean gum
Other vegetable-derived mucilages and thickeners fall under the residual 'Other' subheading within the same heading.
If chemically modified or semi-processed into a food preparation base
Dextrins and modified starches, including highly processed vegetable thickeners, are classified in Chapter 35 as prepared binders.
If blended with sugars or flavors for direct food use as a prepared additive
Mixtures with more than 10% sucrose or confectionery-like preparations shift to Chapter 21 as food preparations.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity and seaweed origin via Certificate of Analysis to comply with FDA food additive regulations and avoid misclassification as modified
• Include detailed seaweed species (e.g
• Kappaphycus alvarezii) in documentation to confirm it qualifies as carrageenan under Chapter 13
• Beware of high moisture content leading to customs weight disputes; ensure proper drying and packaging for accurate duty calculation
Related Products under HTS 1302.39.00.10
Iota Carrageenan Food Grade
Iota carrageenan, derived from red seaweed like Eucheuma spinosum, provides elastic gel properties ideal for dairy and dessert applications. Classified under HTS 1302.39.00.10 as an unmodified vegetable mucilage and thickener specifically identified as carrageenan. It remains in this category as long as it meets the chapter notes excluding modified or medicinal forms.
Lambda Carrageenan Thickener
Lambda carrageenan from red algae serves as a non-gelling thickener for sauces, dressings, and beverages due to its high viscosity. It is explicitly covered by HTS 1302.39.00.10 as carrageenan, a vegetable-derived mucilage, provided it excludes exclusions like essential oils or medicaments per chapter notes. Commonly imported in bulk powder for food manufacturing.
Refined Carrageenan USP Grade
Refined USP-grade carrageenan is a highly purified extract from red seaweed meeting United States Pharmacopeia standards for pharmaceutical and food use. It qualifies under HTS 1302.39.00.10 as carrageenan mucilage, as it is not a medicament (Heading 3003/3004) nor modified per exclusions. Used in capsules, suspensions, and controlled-release drug formulations.
Semi-Refined Carrageenan Flakes
Semi-refined carrageenan flakes, extracted from Kappaphycus seaweed, offer cost-effective thickening for meat processing and pet food. Classified in HTS 1302.39.00.10 as carrageenan-derived vegetable thickener, distinct from fully refined grades but still unmodified per chapter definitions. Flake form facilitates easier dissolution in water-based systems.