Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
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. It falls under HTS 2922.42.5000 as 'other' glutamic acid salts, distinct from specified medical or bulk forms, typically imported as a white crystalline powder for seasoning applications.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If put up as a retail food seasoning blend
Blends containing MSG with other flavorings for retail sale shift to Chapter 21 as mixed seasonings, not pure chemical compounds.
If it's the free acid form without salt
Pure glutamic acid (not its salt) is classified under the 'other' amino-acids subheading in 2922.49.
If imported as a prepared food additive solution
Dissolved preparations for specific food uses may fall under chemical preparations in Chapter 38 rather than pure salts.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity levels and ensure food-grade certification to meet FDA standards; provide Certificate of Analysis showing it's monosodium L-glutamate
• Common pitfall: misclassifying as a mixture if blended with other seasonings
Related Products under HTS 2922.42.50.00
Monopotassium Glutamate
Monopotassium glutamate is the potassium salt of glutamic acid, serving as a low-sodium alternative to MSG in food flavoring. Classified under HTS 2922.42.5000 as an 'other' salt of glutamic acid, it's imported as a powdered umami enhancer compliant with chapter notes for separate organic compounds.
Calcium Diglutamate
Calcium diglutamate is a calcium salt of glutamic acid, used in supplements and as a calcium source in fortified foods. It qualifies for HTS 2922.42.5000 under 'other' glutamic acid salts per chapter notes on inorganic salts of organic acids classified with the organic component.
Ammonium Glutamate
Ammonium glutamate is the ammonium salt of glutamic acid, utilized in biochemical research and as a nutrient in cell culture media. It is classified in HTS 2922.42.5000 as 'other' salts of glutamic acid, fitting chapter provisions for salts of acid-function compounds.
Magnesium Glutamate
Magnesium glutamate, a magnesium salt of L-glutamic acid, is employed in nutritional supplements for its dual mineral and amino acid benefits. Under HTS 2922.42.5000, it is an 'other' glutamic acid salt, classified with the organic acid per chapter note 3(C)(1).
L-Glutamic Acid Monosodium Salt Hydrate
This is the hydrated form of monosodium glutamate, containing crystal water, used in food and pharma intermediates. It remains under HTS 2922.42.5000 as 'other' glutamic salts, as hydration does not alter the core chemical classification per chapter notes.
Disodium Glutamate
Disodium glutamate is the disodium salt form of glutamic acid, applied in specialty foods and buffers. Classified as 'other' under HTS 2922.42.5000, it adheres to rules for salts of amino-acids with the organic parent compound.