Vanillin (4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) from Mexico
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 — Mexico → United States
15.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.5510%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 10% ad valorem on products of Mexico
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