Vanillin from Mexico
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 — Mexico → United States
110%
Rate breakdown
9903.04.6095.2%Except as provided in heading 9903.04.61, patented pharmaceutical articles as provided for in subdivisions (c) and (d) of U.S. note 40 to this subchapter
9903.05.5510%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92 and 9903.05.94, articles the product of Mexico, as provided for in U.S. note 52 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