Soy Lecithin Emulsifier from China

Soy lecithin is a natural non-ionic surfactant extracted from soybeans, functioning as an emulsifier in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its fatty substance composition from vegetable phospholipids qualifies it under this HTS code as it meets surface-active criteria without being soap. Used in chocolate production and lotions for stabilizing oil-water mixtures.

Duty Rate — China → United States

29%

Rate breakdown

9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Include extraction process documentation proving vegetable origin to distinguish from synthetic lecithins

Ensure product passes the Chapter note emulsion stability test at 0.5% concentration

Avoid retail packaging over 1.4 kg to prevent shift to auxiliary preparation subheadings