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.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China3.2%+17.5%20.7%
🇲🇽Mexico3.2%+10.0%13.2%
🇨🇦Canada3.2%+10.0%13.2%
🇩🇪Germany3.2%+10.0%13.2%
🇯🇵Japan3.2%+10.0%13.2%

Alternative Classifications

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

1302.32.00Lower: 17.5% vs 20.7%

If derived primarily from specific pectin sources like citrus peels

Pectic substances and pectinates have their own subheading within Heading 1302, separate from carrageenan mucilages.

2918.19Lower: 14% vs 20.7%

If chemically synthesized or heavily modified beyond natural extraction

Synthetic organic derivatives of carboxylic acids, including modified polysaccharides, move to Chapter 29.

3824.99Lower: 15% vs 20.7%

If prepared as a chemical mixture for industrial non-food use

Prepared binders or chemical preparations not elsewhere specified fall under Chapter 38.

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Import Tips & Compliance

• Obtain FDA prior notice and GRAS affirmation documentation to prevent holds at entry for food safety compliance

• Label shipments clearly as 'carrageenan' to match HTS specificity and avoid reclassification to broader categories

• Test for heavy metals and microbial contamination common in seaweed extracts to meet US import standards and prevent rejections

Related Products under HTS 1302.39.00.10

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.

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.