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.

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.

1302.19Lower: 10% vs 20.7%

If for other vegetable saps or extracts not qualifying as mucilages

General vegetable extracts without thickening properties are in a separate subheading of Heading 1302.

3302.10Lower: 10% vs 20.7%

If used in odoriferous preparations for beverages or perfumes

Preparations based on odoriferous substances from Chapter 13 notes shift to Chapter 33.

3003.90.01Lower: Free vs 20.7%

If formulated into medicaments or pharmaceutical preparations

Medicinal extracts are excluded from Heading 1302 per notes and classified in Chapter 30.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

• Provide seaweed extraction process details to distinguish from synthetic polymers and ensure Chapter 13 classification

• Comply with Country of Origin marking; note if reprocessed in third countries to avoid transshipment scrutiny

• Avoid packaging over 25kg bags without stabilizers, as clumping can lead to net weight disputes at customs

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.

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.

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.