Hydrocinnamic Acid Methyl Ester from China

Methyl 3-phenylpropanoate, aka hydrocinnamic acid methyl ester, is an aromatic propionic acid ester used in synthetic rose and honey fragrances. Classified under HTS 2915.50.20.00 as 'aromatic' per the propionic acid subheading and Chapter 29 priority rules. Its phenyl substitution qualifies it as aromatic within this specific code.

Duty Rate — China → United States

40.5%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
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)

Import Tips

Label with exact IUPAC name and structure diagram; customs often challenges aromatic vs aliphatic distinction

Ship with stabilizer disclosure; anti-dusting agents allowed only if not rendering specific-use per note (g)

Avoid bulk packaging mimicking mixtures—separate pure compound to prevent 3824 shift