Vanillin
Vanillin is a phenolic aldehyde with methoxy ether substitution (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), valued for vanilla flavor and odor. Technically an ether-phenol derivative under HTS 2909.50.4050 when imported as odoriferous compound, though aldehyde function noted. Synthetic vanillin dominates global imports.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If classified primarily as vanilla aldehyde
Chapter 29 numerical order places aldehyde function (2912) after ether-phenols (2909), potentially overriding classification.
If vanilla flavor preparations for retail
Flavor mixtures containing vanillin as flavoring base classify under Chapter 33 retail provisions.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• For synthetic vanillin, provide guaiacol synthesis route to establish ether-phenol parent structure per Chapter 29 ester/salt rules
• Natural vanillin from vanilla beans requires purity certificate (>99%) for compound classification vs
• Chapter 32 extracts
• Watch for sugar acetal derivatives which shift to heading 2940 per Chapter notes
Related Products under HTS 2909.50.40.50
Guaiacol
Guaiacol is a naturally occurring organic compound with the formula C6H4(OH)OCH3, classified as an ether-phenol used primarily as an odoriferous compound due to its smoky, phenolic aroma. It falls under HTS 2909.50.4050 as an other odoriferous ether-phenol compound not specifically excluded by chapter notes. Commonly extracted from wood creosote, it's employed in flavorings and fragrances.
Anethole
Anethole (trans-anethole) is a phenylpropanoid ether-phenol compound responsible for the licorice flavor in anise and fennel, chemically defined as C6H4(OCH3)(CH=CHCH3). It qualifies under HTS 2909.50.4050 as an other odoriferous ether-phenol derivative used in flavorings. Synthetic or natural forms are imported for food and fragrance industries.
Eugenol
Eugenol is an allyl chain-substituted guaiacol (ether-phenol) with formula C10H12O2, prized for its clove-like odor and flavor profile. Classified under HTS 2909.50.4050 as an other odoriferous ether-phenol compound per Chapter 29 definitions. Widely imported from clove oil distillation for perfumery and dental applications.
Ethyl Vanillin
Ethyl vanillin is a synthetic ether-phenol analog of vanillin with ethoxy substitution, offering intensified vanilla odor and flavor. Classified under HTS 2909.50.4050 as other odoriferous ether-phenol compound consistent with Chapter 29 definitions. Preferred in confectionery for cost-effective vanilla profile.
Methyl Eugenol
Methyl eugenol is an allylbenzene ether compound with phenolic methoxy group, used for spicy-floral odor in perfumery. Falls under HTS 2909.50.4050 as chemically defined odoriferous ether-phenol derivative per Chapter 29. Subject to regulatory scrutiny due to safety concerns.
Piperonal
Piperonal (heliotropin) is a benzodioxole ether-phenol derivative with intense floral-vanilla odor used in lily-of-the-valley perfumes. Classifies under HTS 2909.50.4050 as odoriferous ether-phenol per Chapter 29 heterocyclic provisions. Key synthetic fragrance intermediate.