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
43%
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)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
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