Agar-Agar Powder from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
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