Provitamin A (Beta-Carotene Precursor)
Beta-carotene serves as the primary provitamin A, a carotenoid that the body converts to retinol (vitamin A) as needed. Classified under HTS 2936.90.0110 as a provitamin, this chemically defined compound is synthetically produced for use in fortified foods, supplements, and cosmetics. It meets Chapter 29 requirements for separate organic compounds used primarily as vitamin precursors.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If processed into synthetic vitamin A acetate/palmitate
Active vitamin A derivatives (retinol esters) classify under specific vitamin A subheading, later in numerical order.
If primarily used as synthetic coloring matter
Beta-carotene prepared mainly as food colorant falls under Chapter 32 synthetic organic coloring matter.
If incorporated into finished food supplements
Provitamin A in consumer-ready fortified beverages or bars classifies as food preparations in Chapter 21.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Provide HPLC analysis confirming beta-carotene isomer purity to distinguish from mixtures classifiable elsewhere
• Label as 'provitamin A' not 'vitamin A' to prevent reclassification; include conversion efficiency data
• Check EU REACH compliance for colorant use; avoid retail packaging that triggers Chapter 32 classification
Related Products under HTS 2936.90.01.10
Provitamin D2 (Ergosterol Irradiation Product)
Provitamin D2, derived from ergosterol through ultraviolet irradiation, is a sterol precursor that converts to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) upon further exposure to light. It falls under HTS 2936.90.0110 as a provitamin, chemically defined organic compound used primarily in vitamin production for nutritional supplements. This synthetic reproduction of a natural provitamin is essential for fortifying foods and pharmaceuticals.
7-Dehydrocholesterol (Provitamin D3)
7-Dehydrocholesterol is the natural provitamin D3 found in animal skin, which upon UVB exposure converts to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). This synthetic or concentrated form is imported under HTS 2936.90.0110 as a provitamin for pharmaceutical and supplement production. It qualifies as a separate chemically defined organic compound per Chapter 29 notes.
Ergosterol (Provitamin D2 Base)
Ergosterol, a yeast/fungi sterol, serves as the base provitamin D2 precursor requiring irradiation for vitamin activation. Imported under HTS 2936.90.0110 as a purified provitamin for synthetic vitamin D2 production in supplements. Meets Chapter 29 criteria for chemically defined organic compounds with vitamin precursor function.
Beta-Cryptoxanthin Provitamin A
Beta-cryptoxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid functioning as provitamin A, convertible to retinol in vivo. This synthetic isolate classifies under HTS 2936.90.0110 as a provitamin derivative used primarily for vitamin A activity in nutritional products. It adheres to Chapter 29's chemical definition for provitamin compounds.