Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2936260000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2936295050 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106904800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3004502000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3004505020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Vitamin B12"?
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin/Cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin with a key role in the metabolism of every cell of the human body. It is particularly vital for the functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the formation of red blood cells.
In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its form, purity, and intended use: * Pure Chemical Substance: High-purity Vitamin B12 intended as raw material for pharmaceuticals or supplements. * Prepared Medicament: Formulated into pills, injections, or syrups for therapeutic use. * Food Supplement: Added to foods or beverages as a dietary supplement.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point: * If it is pure Vitamin B12 (raw material) β It falls under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). * If it is formulated as a drug (with dosage, packaging for treatment) β It falls under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products). * If it is mixed into food/beverages as a supplement β It may fall under Chapter 21 (Food Preparations).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
2936.26.00.00 |
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) & Derivatives | Raw material for manufacturing drugs or supplements | β Pure chemical substance; matches "Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) and their derivatives" definition. |
2936.29.50.50 |
Other Vitamins & Derivatives | Vitamin B12 not specifically listed under 2936.26 | β Classified as "Other vitamins and derivatives" since it's not Vit D or Biotin; pure Vit B12 fits here if 2936.26 is deemed too specific in some interpretations, but usually 2936.26 is preferred for B12. Note: Data suggests this code is also valid for "Other Vitamins". |
2106.90.48.00 |
Food Preparations Not Elsewhere Specified | Vitamin B12 added to food/beverages as a supplement | β It is a "prepared foodstuff" containing vitamins; not pure chemical. |
3004.50.20.00 |
Medicaments Containing Vitamins | Formulated drug containing Vitamin B12 | β Pure drug preparation; "Single vitamin" medicament; contains Vit B12 as active ingredient. |
3004.50.50.20 |
Other Medicaments Containing Vitamins | Other pharmaceutical forms of Vitamin B12 | β Pure "Single vitamin" medicament; matches "Single Vitamin" material characteristic in Chapter 30. |
π Key Reminder: * Pure Powder/Tablets of raw B12 β Chapter 29 (
2936.26.00.00or2936.29.50.50). * Formulated Pills/Injections for Treatment β Chapter 30 (3004.50.20.00or3004.50.50.20). * B12-fortified Energy Drinks/Syrups β Chapter 21 (2106.90.48.00). * Misclassification Risk: Declaring a drug as a raw material (or vice versa) can lead to severe penalties. Ensure the commercial invoice clearly states the state of the product (e.g., "Raw Material" vs. "Medicament").
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US) β Origin: China (CN) β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 2936.26.00.00 β Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) & Derivatives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Add-on Tax | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Targeting China/HK products under IEEPA) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis applies to Section 122 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:2936.26.00.00 |
π Explanation: * Although the base tariff is 0%, the Section 122 Tariff of 10% applies to Chinese-origin organic chemicals. * This is a significant cost factor for raw material imports. * Cannot use De Minimis (Section 321) for shipments under $800 if classified here with Section 122 tags.
π― 2. 2936.29.50.50 β Other Vitamins & Derivatives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Add-on Tax | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2936.29.50.50 |
π Note: * Same tariff structure as
2936.26.00.00. * If customs argues B12 fits "Other Vitamins," the 10% Section 122 tax still applies.
π― 3. 2106.90.48.00 β Prepared Food Preparations (Vitamin-Added)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.85Β’/liter (Specific Duty) |
| USITC Add-on Tax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 7.85Β’/liter + 17.5% (Ad Valorem component) |
| Tax Calculation | (Volume Γ 0.0785) + (CIF Value Γ 17.5%) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Section 122 applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:2106.90.48.00 β FOOTNOTE:75 + IEEPA |
π Explanation: * This code applies if B12 is mixed into a liquid food/drink. * The tax is compound: Specific duty per liter + Ad valorem duties. * The 17.5% ad valorem rate comes from combining the 7.5% USITC add-on and 10% Section 122.
π― 4. 3004.50.20.00 β Medicaments Containing Vitamins (Single Vitamin)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Add-on Tax | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3004.50.20.00 |
π Explanation: * For pharmaceutical-grade B12 (e.g., prescription tablets, injections). * Even though it's a drug, Section 122 Tariff of 10% still applies to Chinese origin.
π― 5. 3004.50.50.20 β Other Medicaments Containing Vitamins
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Add-on Tax | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3004.50.50.20 |
π Note: * Slightly different subheading for "Other Vitamins" in drug form, but identical tax treatment (10% Section 122).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Must show purity % (e.g., 99% Vit B12) to distinguish from food supplements. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Raw Material," "Medicament," or "Food Ingredient." |
| β Statement of Origin | βοΈ | Crucial for Section 122 assessment. Must confirm CN origin. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must NOT use vague terms like "Vitamin Powder." Use "Cyanocobalamin, USP Grade" or "Vitamin B12 Tablets, Drug Grade." |
| β Labeling/Marking | βοΈ | For drugs, ensure FDA compliance labels are present if entering as medicament. |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Required for all food/drug imports into the US. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Purity Defines Code, Origin Defines Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure B12 Powder | 2936.26.00.00 + "Vitamin B12 Raw Material" |
Declaring as "Food Supplement" β Misclassification risk. |
| B12 Pills for Health | 3004.50.20.00 + "Medicament, Single Vitamin" |
Declaring as "Raw Material" β FDA/Customs confusion. |
| B12 Energy Drink | 2106.90.48.00 + "Prepared Food, Vitamin-Added" |
Declaring as "Drug" β Over-regulation, higher scrutiny. |
| Any B12 Product | Always declare Chinese Origin | Hiding origin β Severe penalties, seizure. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| B12 for Research Labs | If for non-commercial R&D, still subject to 10% Section 122 tax unless eligible for specific exemptions (rare). |
| B12 in Multi-Vitamin Blends | If B12 is mixed with other vitamins, the classification might shift to "Other Vitamins" (2936.29.50.50) or "Prepared Food" (2106.90.48.00), but the 10% Section 122 tax likely remains. |
| De Minimis ($800) | β Do Not Attempt. Section 122 tariffs explicitly deny De Minimis exemption. Shipments under $800 will still be taxed or held. |
| OEM Private Label | Provide contract + brand authorization. Does not change HS Code or tax rate. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2936.26.00.00 / 3004.50.20.00 |
10% (Section 122) | FDA Prior Notice | High scrutiny on "Raw Material" vs "Drug". |
| π¨π³ China | 2936.26.00.00 / 3004.50.20.00 |
0%~5% (varies) | CCC (if drug) | No Section 122 equivalent. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2936.26.00.00 / 3004.50.00 |
0% (GSP/Free) | CE (if supplement), GDP (if drug) | Strict GMP requirements for drugs. |
| π¬π§ UK | 2936.26.00.00 |
0% | MHRA License (if drug) | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2936.26.00.00 |
0%~5% | PMDA Approval (if drug) | High safety standards. |
π Conclusion: * USA is the most complex market due to Section 122 Tariffs. * 10% is the minimum tax burden for Chinese-origin B12 into the US, regardless of whether it's raw material, drug, or food supplement (with specific duty for food). * No De Minimis: Businesses cannot use Section 321 for small shipments.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood-Teaching Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Vitamin B12" without specifying form (Raw vs. Drug) π Consequence: Customs may select the higher-scrutiny code (Drug), leading to FDA detention.
β Error 2: Using "Supplement" for a product that meets drug definitions (high dose, treatment claims) π Consequence: FDA classifies as unapproved drug β Seizure + Warning Letter.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff π Consequence: Underpayment of 10% β Back taxes + Interest + Penalties.
β Error 4: Attempting De Minimis for shipments under $800 π Consequence: Package held by CBP, taxed later, or returned. Not eligible.
β Correct Practice:
"Cyanocobalamin, USP Grade, Powder, for Pharmaceutical Use Only, Made in China" OR "Vitamin B12 Tablets, 500mcg, Dietary Supplement, For Oral Use, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Purity First, Origin Second, Tax is 10%, No De Minimis!" πΉ "Raw Material vs. Drug, One Letter Can Change Your Fate!" πΉ "HS Code Determines Duty, Declaration Determines Clearance Speed!"
π Pro Tip:
If your B12 is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may be eligible for IEEPA Exemption (tariff drops to 0-5%). Consider Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) with CBP if the product form is ambiguous (e.g., "high-purity powder vs. low-purity blend").
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed US Customs Broker + Provide Product Spec Sheet + Apply for FDA Prior Notice. π Let your Vitamin B12 clear customs smoothly, comply with FDA, and protect your margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification! πΌ Every dollar of tax saved is pure profit!
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.