Sodium Alginate
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1302390090 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302390010 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2938900000 | 13.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3913902090 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302390090 | 20.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΏ Sodium Alginate (ζ΅·θ»ι Έι /θ―η¨ηΊ§ζ΅·θ»ι Έ)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Sodium Alginate"?
Sodium Alginate is a natural polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed (kelp). In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its chemical nature and application form. It is broadly categorized into two distinct legal paths: as a plant-derived thickener/gelling agent (Chapter 13) or as a natural polymer/glycoside derivative (Chapter 29 or 39).
1. Food/Industrial Grade (Thickener/Gelling Agent):
- Derived from seaweed, used as a stabilizer, thickener, or gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
- Key Characteristic: Classified under Chapter 13 ("Extracts... prepared flavorings; gums...").
2. Pharmaceutical/Raw Material Grade (Natural Polymer):
- Treated as a specific chemical derivative or natural polymer.
- Key Characteristic: Classified under Chapter 29 ("Organic Chemicals") or Chapter 39 ("Plastics/Polymers"), depending on the specific chemical structure definition (e.g., glycoside vs. polysaccharide).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If declared as "Plant-derived thickener" β Chapter 13 (Lower base tax, but subject to Section 301 & 122 tariffs).
- If declared as "Glycoside derivative" β Chapter 29 (Moderate base tax, subject to Section 301).
- If declared as "Polysaccharide derivative/Pharmaceutical grade" β Chapter 39 (Highest base tax, subject to Section 301 & 122).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Mapping)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Chemical Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
1302.39.00.90 |
Sodium Alginate Powder, Plant-derived mucilage/thickener, powder form. Fits "Other plant-derived thickeners." | Food additives, industrial thickeners, textile sizing. | Plant Extract/Gum |
1302.39.00.10 |
Sodium Alginate Powder, Plant-derived thickener, belongs to "Plant-derived thickeners" under 1302.39. | Standard industrial/food grade alginate. | Plant Extract/Gum |
2938.90.00.00 |
Sodium Alginate, Natural glycoside derivative, powder form fits glycoside & derivative attributes. | Raw chemical material, specific pharmaceutical intermediates. | Organic Chemical (Glycoside) |
3913.90.20.90 |
Pharmaceutical-grade Alginic Acid, Polysaccharide derivative, natural polymer, fits polysaccharide characteristics. | High-purity pharmaceutical excipients, advanced bio-materials. | Natural Polymer (Plastic-like) |
1302.39.00.90 |
Pharmaceutical-grade Alginic Acid, Plant-derived mucilage/thickener. Inferred as plant extract based on common sense. | Premium food/pharma grade, still classified as plant gum. | Plant Extract/Gum |
π Key Insight:
- The same physical substance (Sodium Alginate) can have 3 different tax rates (20.7%, 13.7%, 40.8%) depending on how you define its chemical function.
- Chapter 13 (1302) is for "Gums/Extracts."
- Chapter 29 (2938) is for "Glycosides."
- Chapter 39 (3913) is for "Polymers/Plastics."
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (Ongoing Section 301 & 122 Tariffs)
π― 1. 1302.39.00.90 / 1302.39.00.10 ββ Plant-Derived Thickeners (Gums)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% (General additional duty) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific to certain plant products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to strict scrutiny if under $800, but technically subject to duties if not exempted by specific trade agreements, though often blocked for Chinese origin under current enforcement) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:1302.39.00 β USITC Footnote: 301(7.5%) + 122(10%) |
π Explanation:
- This is the most common classification for standard sodium alginate.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is specific to certain agricultural/plant-based extracts.
- Total 20.7% is moderate compared to Chapter 39.
π― 2. 2938.90.00.00 ββ Glycoside Derivatives (Organic Chemicals)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% (Note: Some glycosides may be exempt from specific 301 lists, but generally, organic chemicals face 7.5-25%. Data indicates 0% for this specific subheading in the provided dataset, likely due to specific exclusions or lower tier.) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 13.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:2938.90.00 β 122(10%) |
π Important Note:
- This classification lowest total tax (13.7%) among the options.
- Requires proving the substance is a glycoside derivative rather than a "gum."
- Risk: Customs may reclassify to Chapter 13 or 39 if chemical documentation is insufficient.
π― 3. 3913.90.20.90 ββ Polysaccharide Derivatives / Natural Polymers (Pharma Grade)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% (High-tier Section 301) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3913.90.20 β USITC:8524.11.10.00 (Note: Data shows 8524 path, likely error in source, but 3913 generally attracts 25%+25% or 7.5%+25%) β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Critical Warning:
- This is the most expensive classification (40.8%).
- Applying this to standard sodium alginate is highly discouraged unless it is a highly specialized, processed natural polymer specifically exempt from Chapter 13.
- Even "Pharmaceutical Grade" alginate is often still considered a "plant gum" (Chapter 13) unless it undergoes significant chemical transformation to become a synthetic-like polymer.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Purity, molecular weight, viscosity, and intended use. |
| β Chemical Structure Diagram | βοΈ | To prove if it is a "Gum" (Ch 13), "Glycoside" (Ch 29), or "Polymer" (Ch 39). |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | COA (Certificate of Analysis) showing sodium content, heavy metals, and microbial limits. |
| β Letter of Guarantee | βοΈ | If claiming Ch 29 or Ch 39, a scientist-signed letter explaining why it is NOT a "gum." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match the HS Code description exactly (e.g., "Sodium Alginate (Plant Gum)" vs. "Alginic Acid Derivative"). |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | For determining Section 301 applicability. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ βGum is Cheap, Glycoside is Cheaper, Polymer is Expensive!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Food/Industrial Alginate | 1302.39.00.90 (20.7%) |
Misdeclare as Ch 29 without proof β Risk of audit/fine |
| High-Purity Pharma Alginate (Raw) | Try 2938.90.00.00 (13.7%) if chemically defensible |
Default to Ch 39 β Pay 40.8% unnecessarily |
| Highly Processed Bio-Material | 3913.90.20.90 (40.8%) |
Only if it is a true natural polymer derivative, not just refined gum |
| Mixed Shipments (Food + Pharma) | Split shipments or declare highest rate | Combine into one BL β Customs will assess the whole lot at the highest rate |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Bulk Powder vs. Granules | Both fall under the same HS if composition is identical. Do not split unnecessarily. |
| Pharma Grade Misclassification | Many exporters wrongly use Ch 39 for "Pharma Grade." Correct: If it's still a plant extract, use Ch 13 (20.7%). Only use Ch 39 if itβs a synthetic derivative. |
| Section 122 Tariff Impact | Both Ch 13 and Ch 39 are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff. Ch 29 (Glycoside) also has 10%. There is no escape from Section 122 for Chinese origin. |
| De Minimis ($800) | β οΈ Do NOT use Section 321 for Sodium Alginate from China. Recent enforcement explicitly blocks chemical/plant products under $800 if they are subject to Section 301/122. Use formal entry (ABI) instead. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 1302.39.00.90 |
20.7% (Ch 13) 13.7% (Ch 29) 40.8%* (Ch 39) |
FDA (if food/pharma) SDS |
Ch 29 is risky but cheapest. Ch 13 is safest. |
| π¨π³ China | 1302.39.00.90 |
3.2% (Import) | CIQ Food Safety License |
Low tariff, strict QC for food additives. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 1302.39.00 |
6.5% | EFSA Approval (Food) REACH |
No Section 301/122. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1302.39.00 |
0-10% (Varies by FTA) | JFS Standards | JAS Organic if applicable. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 1302.39.00 |
5% | FSANZ Approval | No major anti-dumping duties. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex due to Section 301 (7.5-25%) and Section 122 (10%).
- EU/Asia are much simpler with lower or zero tariffs.
- Strategic Move: If shipping to the US, ensure your chemical documentation supports Chapter 29 (13.7%) if possible, but Chapter 13 (20.7%) is the standard, defensible default. Avoid Chapter 39 (40.8%) unless absolutely necessary.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Pharma-Grade Alginate as 3913.90.20.90 (40.8%)
π Consequence: Paying 20% extra in duties unnecessarily.
β
Fix: Most "Pharma Grade" alginate is still a plant gum. Use 1302.39.00.90 (20.7%).
β Error 2: Using 2938.90.00.00 (13.7%) without chemical proof
π Consequence: Customs audit, reclassification to Ch 13 or Ch 39, fines, and delay.
β
Fix: Provide a Chemistβs statement proving the "Glycoside" nature vs. "Gum" nature.
β Error 3: Using De Minimis (Section 321) for Bulk/Commercial Shipments
π Consequence: Package seized, entry rejected, $800 exemption denied for Chinese origin goods subject to 122/301.
β
Fix: Always file formal entry (ABI) for commercial quantities.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Gum is Safe (20.7%), Glycoside is Cheap (13.7%) but Risky, Polymer is Expensive (40.8%)."
πΉ "Chapter 13 is the Standard for Alginate. Chapter 29 is the Optimizer. Chapter 39 is the Trap."
πΉ "Section 122 (10%) is Always On for Chinese Plant Products. Plan Your Margin Accordingly!"
π Pro Tip:
If your supplier can provide a Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number that aligns with Chapter 29, you may negotiate a lower tariff rate. However, consistency in documentation is key. If you use Ch 29 for customs, ensure your product label and technical data sheet do not contradict this classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker with your CAS Number and Technical Data Sheet.
π Optimize your HS Code to1302.39.00.90or2938.90.00.00to save up to 27% in duties compared to3913.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tax Savings Counts!
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.