Agar-Agar Powder

Agar-agar powder is a gelatinous substance extracted from red seaweed (Gelidium and Gracilaria species), used as a vegetarian gelling agent in microbiology, desserts, and confectionery. Under HTS 1302.39.00, it is classified as a vegetable mucilage and thickener.

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%

More Specific Codes

This product may fall under a more specific subheading:

Alternative Classifications

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

1302.31.00Lower: 17.5% vs 20.7%

If specifically imported as agar-agar

1302.31.00 has dedicated subheading for agar-agar from marine algae.

1212.29.00Higher: 35% vs 20.7%

If sold as algae in bulk without extraction

Unextracted seaweeds and algae classified under 1212 as vegetable products.

3503.00Lower: 13.8% vs 20.7%

If chemically treated or alkali-modified agar

Modified thickeners fall into prepared animal/veg fillers in Chapter 35.

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

Include seaweed species origin and gel strength specs (e.g

600-1200 g/cm²) in entry docs

Comply with FDA seafood import monitoring for traceability from Asia-Pacific sources

Avoid declaring as 'modified' if native; leads to Chapter 35 reclassification

Related Products under HTS 1302.39.00

Guar Gum Powder

Guar gum powder is a natural thickener derived from the endosperm of guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), ground into a fine powder used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It falls under HTS 1302.39.00 as a mucilage and thickener from vegetable products, providing viscosity without modification.

Cassia Gum Powder

Cassia gum, extracted from Cassia tora seeds, is a natural thickener used in pet foods, canned meats, and cheese products for water-binding. HTS 1302.39.00 covers it as an other vegetable-derived mucilage.

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation using vegetable carbohydrates like corn sugar, functioning as a thickener and stabilizer. Classified under HTS 1302.39.00 as an unmodified mucilage derived from vegetable products for use in sauces, dressings, and gluten-free baking.

Locust Bean Gum Powder

Locust bean gum, extracted from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), serves as a natural gelling and thickening agent in ice cream, dairy products, and pet foods. It qualifies for HTS 1302.39.00 as a vegetable-derived mucilage and thickener, distinct from specific locust bean provisions.

Pectin Powder

Pectin powder, derived from citrus peels and apple pomace, acts as a gelling agent in jams, jellies, and yogurt. It is a natural mucilage from vegetable products, fitting HTS 1302.39.00 for unmodified thickeners.

Tara Gum Powder

Tara gum from Caesalpinia spinosa seeds provides thickening and stabilization in ice cream, sauces, and gluten-free products. As a vegetable mucilage, it is classified in HTS 1302.39.00.