Sorbic Acid from Japan
Sorbic acid (2,4-hexadienoic acid, CH3CH=CH-CH=CHCOOH) is a polyunsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid used as a food preservative. Falls under HTS 2916.19.50.00 as 'other' unsaturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid. Its conjugated double bonds characterize its antimicrobial properties.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Include FDA GRAS status documentation and food-grade certificates for food import compliance
• Specify purity >99% and absence of sorbate esters to maintain pure compound classification
• Declare potassium sorbate content if trace; salts classified with parent acid per Chapter 29 note 5(C)