Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is an inert, viscoelastic polysaccharide derived from cellulose through etherification, widely used in pharmaceuticals for capsule shells and controlled-release formulations. Classified under HTS 3913.90.20 as a modified natural polysaccharide in primary form like powder or granules.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐จ๐ณChina | 5.8% | +25.0% | 30.8% |
| ๐ฒ๐ฝMexico | 5.8% | โ | 5.8% |
| ๐จ๐ฆCanada | 5.8% | โ | 5.8% |
| ๐ฉ๐ชGermany | 5.8% | โ | 5.8% |
| ๐ฏ๐ตJapan | 5.8% | โ | 5.8% |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If unmodified or simple carboxymethylated cellulose
Carboxymethylcellulose and salts (not mixed ethers) are specifically in 3912.31, separate from other derivatives.
If heavily chemically modified resembling sugars
Certain sugar ethers and derivatives shift to Chapter 29 for organic chemicals if not qualifying as polymers.
If sold as adhesive preparation
Prepared binders like cellulose adhesives are in 3506, not primary polymers, based on end use.
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Import Tips & Compliance
โข Provide lab analysis confirming >95% cellulose-derived content to meet subheading note (a)(1) for polymer purity
โข Label shipments clearly as 'primary forms' to distinguish from finished dosage forms in Chapter 30
โข Avoid misclassification by ensuring no plasticizers exceed levels that trigger 3920.43 provisions
Related Products under HTS 3913.90.20
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation of glucose or sucrose, used as a stabilizer in food and oil drilling fluids. It qualifies under HTS 3913.90.20 as a microbial polysaccharide derivative in primary form.
Guar Gum Powder
Guar gum, extracted from guar beans, is a galactomannan polysaccharide used as a natural thickener in hydraulic fracturing and food. Classified in HTS 3913.90.20 as a natural polysaccharide derivative in primary powder form.
Carboxymethyl Guar Gum
Carboxymethyl guar gum is a chemically modified derivative of guar gum polysaccharide, enhancing water solubility for use in cosmetics and oil recovery. HTS 3913.90.20 applies to such polysaccharide derivatives in primary forms.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is an non-ionic cellulose ether polysaccharide used in paints, cosmetics, and construction. It is a derivative under HTS 3913.90.20 in primary granular or powder form.
Dextran Powder
Dextran is a bacterial polysaccharide used in pharmaceuticals as plasma volume expander. HTS 3913.90.20 covers this microbial derivative in primary form.
Pectin Powder
Pectin, extracted from citrus peels and apple pomace, is a polysaccharide gelling agent for jams. Classified as natural polysaccharide derivative in HTS 3913.90.20 primary form.