Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) Type I
GMS Type I is glycerol (polyhydric alcohol) monoesterified with stearic acid from vegetable sources, self-emulsifying grade. Primarily used in margarine and whipped toppings. Qualifies under HTS 3402.42.20.20 as non-ionic vegetable-derived ester.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported primarily as continuous-action fat for margarine production
Food-industry fatty esters without strong surfactant properties classify under Chapter 15.
If crude mixtures containing stearic acid and glycerol without distillation
Unrefined reaction products fall under 3823 as industrial fatty mixtures.
If formulated as polishing/scouring preparation with abrasives
Chapter notes exclude abrasive powders in non-bar forms from 3401-3402 into 3405.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Submit Certificate of Analysis showing monostearate content >90% and vegetable stearin source
• Comply with FDA 21 CFR 182.1505 for direct food additive affirmation
• Package in nitrogen-flushed drums to prevent hydrolysis during ocean transit
Related Products under HTS 3402.42.20.20
Sorbitan Monooleate Emulsifier
Sorbitan monooleate is a non-ionic surfactant derived from sorbitol (a polyhydric alcohol) esterified with oleic acid from vegetable oils. It functions as an emulsifier in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Classified under HTS 3402.42.20.20 as an ester of polyhydric alcohol from fatty substances of vegetable origin.
Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR)
PGPR is an ester of polymerized glycerol (polyhydric alcohol) with ricinoleic acid from castor oil, used as a chocolate emulsifier. It meets non-ionic surfactant criteria per Chapter 34 note 2. Falls under HTS 3402.42.20.20 due to vegetable fatty substance ether-ester structure.
Sucrose Stearate Surfactant
Sucrose stearate consists of sucrose (polyhydric alcohol) esterified with stearic acid from vegetable tallow or palm. Used in cosmetics as mild emulsifier and stabilizer. HTS 3402.42.20.20 covers these non-ionic esters from vegetable fatty substances.
PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate
This ethoxylated sorbitan laurate combines sorbitan laurate ether-ester with polyethylene glycol chains. Derived from coconut lauric acid (vegetable). Used in personal care cleansers; HTS 3402.42.20.20 for polyhydric alcohol ether-esters.
Decaglycerol Decaoleate
Decaglycerol decaoleate is a polyglycerol ester with 10 oleic acid chains from vegetable oils. Functions as water-in-oil emulsifier in creams and lotions. HTS 3402.42.20.20 applies to these complex polyhydric alcohol esters.
Pentaerythritol Tetrastearate
Pentaerythritol (tetrahydroxy polyhydric alcohol) fully esterified with stearic acid from palm/veg sources. Used as lubricant and stabilizer in plastics/PVC. Non-ionic surfactant properties qualify under HTS 3402.42.20.20.