Vanillin from China

Vanillin is a synthetic aromatic aldehyde-phenol compound used primarily as a flavoring agent to impart vanilla flavor in food and beverages. It falls under HTS 2912.49.26.00 as an aromatic aldehyde with other oxygen function, specifically featuring both aldehyde and phenolic hydroxyl groups. This classification applies to its chemically defined structure as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde.

Duty Rate — China → United States

30.5%

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

Verify purity certificates as vanillin must meet FCC/USP standards for food use; impurities may trigger reclassification

Include detailed chemical composition on commercial invoice to confirm aromatic aldehyde-phenol status under Chapter 29

Avoid common pitfall of mislabeling as 'natural vanilla extract' which falls under Chapter 33; synthetic forms stay in 2912