Vanillin (4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) from Japan
Synthetic vanillin, chemically 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, is a guaiacol derivative produced via guaiacol oxidation or lignin processes, widely used as vanilla flavoring. Despite aldehyde function, its guaiacol ether-phenol nature places it under HTS 2909.50.20.00 per chapter numerical order rules. Imported in bulk for food and fragrance industries.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Specify 'synthetic vanillin from guaiacol' on invoice; natural vanilla extract goes to different chapter
• Provide HPLC purity certificate (>99%) to prevent downgrading to flavor mixtures classification
• FDA prior notice required for food-grade imports; ensure USP/EP compliance documentation