Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Powder from Japan
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 — 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
• 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