Agar-Agar Powder from China
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.
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
• 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