Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) Powder
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble cellulose ether derivative used as a thickener and stabilizer in food and pharmaceuticals. It falls under HTS 3912.31.00.90 as 'Other' carboxymethylcellulose and its salts in primary form, not specifically named elsewhere in the subheading. This powdered form is imported for industrial formulation.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl predominant
Cellulose ethers are classified by predominant monomer unit; if not 95% carboxymethyl, goes to other ethers.
If modified as dextrin or starch derivative
Dextrins and modified starches fall in Chapter 35, not Chapter 39 polymers, based on chemical structure.
If imported pre-mixed as prepared binder
Prepared chemical binders for industry are in 3824, not primary polymers in 3912.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity and salt form (e.g
• sodium) via certificate of analysis to confirm classification under carboxymethylcellulose salts
• Ensure documentation specifies 'primary form' (not compounded) to avoid reclassification into Chapter 39 finished articles
Related Products under HTS 3912.31.00.90
CMC Sodium Salt for Detergents
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt prevents soil redeposition in laundry detergents. Classified HTS 3912.31.00.90 as other CMC salts in primary granular form for industrial use. Meets chapter notes for pure cellulose ether polymers.
High-Purity CMC for Cosmetics
High-purity carboxymethylcellulose sodium for cosmetic creams and lotions as a rheology modifier. HTS 3912.31.00.90 covers this as other CMC salts in primary form, with >95% polymer content. Used in personal care formulations.
Technical Grade CMC Flakes
Technical-grade CMC in flake form for paper sizing and textile printing. Falls under HTS 3912.31.00.90 as other carboxymethylcellulose salts per predominant monomer rule. Primary form for industrial processing.
Pharma-Grade Cross-Linked CMC
Cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose for controlled-release drug matrices. Still primary polymer under HTS 3912.31.00.90 as chemically modified CMC salt per subheading note (a)(3). Imported for advanced pharma applications.
Battery CMC Binder Powder
CMC sodium binder for lithium-ion battery electrode slurries. HTS 3912.31.00.90 as other carboxymethylcellulose salt in primary form for electronics manufacturing. Critical for EV battery production.
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium USP Grade
USP-grade sodium carboxymethylcellulose is a pharmaceutical excipient for tablet binding and suspension stabilization. Classified in HTS 3912.31.00.90 as other carboxymethylcellulose salts in primary forms, meeting subheading note purity criteria. Imported as powder for direct use in drug manufacturing.