Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Powder from China
Monosodium glutamate is the monosodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid, used primarily as a flavor enhancer in food products. This white crystalline powder falls under HTS 2922.42.10.00 as it is specifically the monosodium salt of glutamic acid, matching the chemical definition in the chapter notes for oxygen-function amino-acids and their salts.
Duty Rate — China → United States
44%
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
• Ensure certification as food-grade MSG with purity >99% to meet FDA standards; provide Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting monosodium glutamate content
• Common pitfall: mislabeling as general flavoring leading to incorrect classification under Chapter 32