Iota Carrageenan Food Grade from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
23.2%
Rate breakdown
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)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• 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