Apple Pectin
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2106909998 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106100000 | 41.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302200000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302390090 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Apple Pectin (Vegetable Pectic Substances)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Apple Pectin"?
Apple Pectin is a natural gelling agent extracted from fruit pomace (primarily apples and citrus peels). In international trade, it falls under the broader category of "Pectic substances, pectinates and pectates".
The key distinction lies in whether the pectin is pure/standardized or mixed/formulated.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the product is pure pectin extracted from vegetables/fruits (even if labeled "Apple Pectin") β It belongs to Chapter 13.
- If the product is a blend with other food ingredients (sugar, flavorings, thickeners) intended for direct food preparation β It may belong to Chapter 21.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
1302.20.00.00 |
Pectic substances, pectinates and pectates | Pure apple pectin powder/granules, standardized for gelling | 7.5% |
1302.39.00.90 |
Mucilages and thickeners, other, derived from vegetable products | Non-pectin vegetable gums (e.g., xanthan, guar gum) OR modified pectins not classified as "pectic substances" | 10.7% |
2106.90.99.98 |
Other food preparations not elsewhere specified | Food mixes containing pectin + sugar + flavors (e.g., jam mixes) | 0.0% |
2106.10.00.00 |
Protein concentrates and textured protein substances | Note: Not applicable to Apple Pectin, included for exclusion | 0.0% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Pure Apple Pectin is NOT a "food preparation" but a substance derived from vegetable products. Therefore, it MUST be classified under 1302.20.00.00, not 2106.90.99.98.
- Classifying pure pectin under 2106.90.99.98 (0% tax) is a common error that can lead to audits, back-taxes, and penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards
π― 1. 1302.20.00.00 ββ Pectic substances, pectinates, pectates (Pure Apple Pectin)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 7.5% (China-origin specific) |
| Total Tariff | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to full tariff calculation) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:1302.20.00.00 β USITC:Section 301 β IEEPA:China Tariff |
π Explanation:
- The base tariff for pectin is 0%, making it attractive for pure substances.
- However, due to US-China trade measures, an additional 7.5% is applied to goods from China.
- Total effective rate: 7.5%. This is significantly lower than many other food additives but not zero.
π― 2. 1302.39.00.90 ββ Other mucilages and thickeners (If misclassified or mixed)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 10.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π Note:
- This code is NOT for pure pectin.
- It applies to other vegetable gums (e.g., locust bean gum, carrageenan) or modified pectins that do not meet the definition of "pectic substances."
- Avoid this code for Apple Pectin unless it is a non-pectin thickener.
π― 3. 2106.90.99.98 ββ Other food preparations (Incorrect for Pure Pectin)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Applicability | ONLY for composite food products (e.g., jelly mixes, fruit spreads) |
β οΈ Warning:
- If you declare pure Apple Pectin as2106.90.99.98to save tax, Customs may reject the entry for misclassification.
- The duty difference (7.5% vs 0%) is small, but the risk of penalty is high.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Pure Pectin, No Additives," or "Pectin + [Other Ingredients]" |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Shows pectin content percentage (e.g., 98% pure) |
| β Ingredients List | βοΈ | If <100% pectin, declare all ingredients separately |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Apple Pectin, Grade: Standard, Used as Gelling Agent" |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of Chinese origin (if applicable) |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling (Optional) | βοΈ | Recommended for large-volume shipments |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βPure Pectin = 1302.20; Mixed = 2106.90; Misclassification = Risk!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Apple Pectin Powder | 1302.20.00.00 |
2106.90.99.98 |
7.5% back-tax + penalty |
| Pectin + Sugar + Flavor (Jam Mix) | 2106.90.99.98 |
1302.20.00.00 |
Over-declared tax (minor issue) |
| Xanthan Gum (Not Pectin) | 1302.39.00.90 |
1302.20.00.00 |
Misclassification risk |
| Protein Powder | 2106.10.00.00 |
1302.20.00.00 |
Wrong chapter entirely |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| High-Method Pectin vs. Low-Method | Both fall under 1302.20.00.00. No distinction in tariff. |
| Organic Apple Pectin | Still 1302.20.00.00. Organic certification does not change HS Code. |
| Liquid Pectin Solution | If >50% water, still 1302.20.00.00 unless formulated as a ready-to-eat food. |
| Bulk vs. Retail Pack | Tariff is the same. Documentation must match. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1302.20.00.00 |
7.5% | Base 0% + 7.5% additional |
| π¨π³ China | 1302.20.00.00 |
5% | Base rate, no additional |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1302.20.00.00 |
5.0% | Standard MFN rate |
| π¬π§ UK | 1302.20.00.00 |
5.0% | Post-Brexit MFN |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1302.20.00.00 |
3.6% | Lower rate for food additives |
π Conclusion:
- The USA has the highest effective rate (7.5%) for pure pectin from China due to additional tariffs.
- EU, UK, China, Japan have lower base rates (3.6%β5.0%).
- Strategy: If shipping from China to the US, consider transshipment or value engineering to reduce costs, but never misclassify.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring pure Apple Pectin as 2106.90.99.98 (0% tax)
π Consequence: Customs audit, 7.5% back-tax, and potential fines for fraud.
β Error 2: Mixing "Apple Pectin" with "Gelatin" (animal-based)
π Consequence: Gelatin falls under Chapter 35 (Protein derivatives), not Chapter 13. Split the shipment or declare separately.
β Error 3: Not disclosing "Apple" origin in description
π Consequence: While HS Code doesn't change, customs may require phytosanitary certificates if plant materials are not fully processed. Ensure "highly processed" status is clear.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Apple Pectin, Food Grade, High Methoxyl, Pure Powder, HS: 1302.20.00.00, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Compliance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βPure Pectin = 1302.20.00.00 (7.5%)β
πΉ βMixed Food = 2106.90.99.98 (0%)β
πΉ βMisclassification = Riskβ
π Pro Tip:
If your pectin is mixed with sugar or flavors, declare it as a food preparation under 2106.90.99.98 (0% tax) only if it is ready-to-use.
For pure pectin, accept the 7.5% tax as the cost of compliance.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify product composition with your supplier.
π Ensure COA states "Pure Pectin" or lists all additives.
π Apply for Advance Ruling if shipment value is high.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your compliance saves your profit margin!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.