Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Granules

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semi-synthetic polysaccharide derivative used in pharmaceuticals for capsule shells and as a thickener. Classified under HTS 3913.90.20.90 as a modified natural polysaccharide in primary granular form. It qualifies due to its cellulose base and primary (non-formulated) state.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China5.8%+25.0%30.8%
🇲🇽Mexico5.8%5.8%
🇨🇦Canada5.8%5.8%
🇩🇪Germany5.8%5.8%
🇯🇵Japan5.8%5.8%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

3912.39.00Lower: 29.2% vs 30.8%

If degree of substitution exceeds natural polymer thresholds

Highly modified cellulose derivatives classify as synthetic under 3912 if not meeting 95% natural monomer rules.

3920.43.50Higher: 39.2% vs 30.8%

If when containing added plasticizers >5%

Subheading notes specify plasticizer-containing polymers go to 3920.43, altering classification.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Provide lab tests confirming >95% polysaccharide content to distinguish from synthetic polymers per subheading notes

Label as 'primary granules' not 'pharma excipient' to avoid end-use reclassification to medicaments

Related Products under HTS 3913.90.20.90

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Powder

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative used as a thickener in food, pharmaceuticals, and detergents. It falls under HTS 3913.90.20.90 as a polysaccharide derivative in primary form (powder), not elsewhere specified. This classification applies to its unmodified primary state before further processing.

Xanthan Gum Powder

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation of glucose, used as a stabilizer in food and oil drilling. It is classified in HTS 3913.90.20.90 as a natural polysaccharide derivative in primary powder form, not specified elsewhere. This covers its raw, unprocessed state.

Guar Gum Powder

Guar gum, derived from guar beans, is a galactomannan polysaccharide used in food, fracking, and textiles. HTS 3913.90.20.90 covers it as a primary form powder of polysaccharide derivatives. Classification relies on its natural plant origin and lack of further specification.

Sodium Alginate Powder

Sodium alginate is a polysaccharide salt from brown seaweed, used in food gelling and biotech. Though alginates have specific provisions, certain derivatives fall under HTS 3913.90.20.90 as other polysaccharides in primary powder form. This applies to modified versions not purely under alginic acid headings.

Carboxymethyl Starch Powder

Carboxymethyl starch is a starch derivative used as a binder in paper and pharma tablets. It is classified under HTS 3913.90.20.90 as a polysaccharide derivative in primary powder form. Meets criteria as modified natural polymer not elsewhere specified.

Pectin Powder

Pectin is a fruit-derived polysaccharide used for gelling in jams and as a stabilizer. HTS 3913.90.20.90 includes it as a primary form powder when not specifically under other provisions. Natural origin and primary state govern classification.