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.
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 semi-refined or blended with other thickeners like xanthan
Blends not purely carrageenan fall under the 'Other' mucilages subheading.
If functioning as blood-grouping reagents or diagnostic preparations
Specific lab reagents from vegetable extracts are excluded to Heading 3822 per chapter notes.
If resembling natural gums like latices in industrial applications
Natural gums similar to rubber are excluded to Chapter 40.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Include USP certificate and purity assay (>90% carrageenan) to prevent reclassification as a pharmaceutical under Chapter 30
• Ensure DMF (Drug Master File) if for pharma use, and align with FDA import alerts on seaweed contaminants
• Declare exact sulfate content, as high levels may trigger additional testing or duties under environmental regs
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.
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.
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.