Vanillin from Japan
Vanillin is a synthetic aromatic compound with a carboxylic acid group and additional oxygen functions, primarily used as a flavoring agent to mimic vanilla. It falls under HTS 2918.99.4700 as an aromatic carboxylic acid with additional oxygen function, not elsewhere specified. This classification aligns with Chapter 29 notes for chemically defined organic compounds with oxygen functions.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
21%
Rate breakdown
9903.04.628.5%Patented pharmaceutical articles that are the product of Japan, of a European Union member country, of South Korea, of Switzerland, or of Liechtenstein as provided for in subdivisions (c) and (f) of U.S. note 40 to this subchapter
9903.05.4912.5%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Verify purity certificate (min. 99%) and ensure COA specifies aromatic structure to avoid reclassification
• Include safety data sheets as it's food-grade; common pitfall is missing FDA prior notice for flavorings
• Label as 'synthetic vanillin' to distinguish from natural vanilla extracts excluded under Chapter 29 note (g)