Vanillin from China
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.
Duty Rate — China → United States
29.8%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 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(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• 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