Arbutin (Hydroquinone-β-D-Glucopyranoside) from Japan
Arbutin is a hydroquinone glucoside from bearberry leaves, under HTS 2938.90.00.00. Widely used in cosmetics as skin-lightening agent and pharmaceutical intermediate.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
15%
Rate breakdown
9903.04.6211.3%Pharmaceuticals: patented pharma from JP/EU/KR/CH/LI — 15% floor rate
9903.05.900%Articles already subject to Section 232 (steel/aluminum/copper + derivatives, autos + parts, wood, medium/heavy vehicles + parts, semiconductors, patented pharma) — U.S. note 52(f)
Import Tips
• File FDA cosmetic notification if destined for personal care products
• Certify hydroquinone content <2% to avoid drug classification
• Include glucoside bond hydrolysis stability data