Citral Natural (from Lemon Grass Oil)
Citral is an acyclic aldehyde (chemically 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal) extracted from lemon grass oil, used primarily as a flavoring and fragrance compound in food and cosmetics. It falls under HTS 2912.19.10.00 as a chemically defined acyclic aldehyde classified as an odoriferous or flavoring compound. This natural form meets Chapter 29 note (a) for separate chemically defined organic compounds.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 5.5% | +35.0% | 40.5% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 5.5% | +10.0% | 15.5% |
| 🇨🇦Canada | 5.5% | +10.0% | 15.5% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 5.5% | +10.0% | 15.5% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 5.5% | +10.0% | 15.5% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If further processed into finished fragrance mixtures for perfumes
Blends containing citral with other aroma compounds become mixtures of odoriferous substances, classified in Chapter 33 rather than pure aldehydes.
If synthetic or containing significant impurities/additives
Only pure citral qualifies under .10; other acyclic aldehydes or impure forms fall into the residual 'other' subheading.
If put up in retail packaging as flavor extract
Retail-ready flavoring preparations shift from pure chemical classification to Chapter 33 for consumer flavor products.
Not sure which classification is right?
Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity via GC-MS analysis to confirm it meets 'chemically defined' criteria under Chapter 29; impurities over trace levels may shift classification
• Include Certificate of Analysis (CoA) specifying citral content and natural origin to avoid reclassification as mixtures under 2912.19.50
• Label as 'odoriferous compound' if for fragrance use to support tariff justification during CBP review
Related Products under HTS 2912.19.10.00
Citral Extra (High Purity Flavor Grade)
Citral Extra is a refined, high-purity form of citral (≥96% purity) used in food flavorings to impart lemon-lime notes in beverages and confectionery. It qualifies for HTS 2912.19.10.00 as a separate acyclic aldehyde specifically denoted as a flavoring compound. Adheres to Chapter 29 scope for odoriferous organic compounds.
Citral 95% Technical Grade
Technical grade citral at 95% purity serves as a fragrance intermediate in detergent and cleaner formulations, providing citrus scent profiles. Falls under HTS 2912.19.10.00 due to its acyclic aldehyde structure and odoriferous properties as a flavor/fragrance compound. Complies with Chapter 29 for chemically defined compounds.
Beta-Citral (Neral Isomer) Fragrance Grade
Beta-citral (neral), the Z-isomer of citral, is isolated for specialized fragrance applications in fine perfumes and aromatherapy oils. Classified in HTS 2912.19.10.00 as citral, encompassing its isomeric forms as odoriferous acyclic aldehydes. Fits Chapter 29 note (b) for isomer mixtures.
Synthetic Citral (Geranial/Neral) USP Grade
Synthetic citral, a mixture of geranial and neral isomers, is a high-purity acyclic aldehyde used in pharmaceutical flavoring and as a vitamin A precursor. Classified under HTS 2912.19.10.00 as an odoriferous/flavoring compound per its primary use in scents and tastes. Meets Chapter 29 requirements for chemically defined organic compounds without other oxygen functions.