Vitamin C
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3004505020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106905200 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106904800 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2936270000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3004505010 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) β Global Trade Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 US Tariff Breakdown | Expert Classification & Tax Analysis
π δΈγProduct Definition & Classification: Is Your "Vitamin C" a Medicine, a Supplement, or a Chemical?
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a versatile commodity that changes its trade classification entirely based on its form (powder, tablet, liquid, pure acid) and intended use (therapeutic treatment vs. dietary supplement vs. food additive).
In international trade (specifically US Customs), misclassifying Vitamin C can lead to massive tariff shocks (up to 37.5%) or shipment delays. It falls into three distinct buckets:
- Pharmaceutical/Therapeutic (Medicine): Packaged for specific disease treatment or prevention (e.g., tablets/capsules for scurvy). β Chapter 30
- Chemical Ingredient (Pure Substance): Unprocessed ascorbic acid for manufacturing. β Chapter 29
- Food Supplement/Ingredient: Added to juices, bars, or general dietary products. β Chapter 21
β οΈ Critical Distinction: * Packaged as Medicine (Tablets, Capsules for specific health claims) β 3004 (High compliance, 10% tariff). * Pure Chemical Powder (For industrial synthesis) β 2936 (10% tariff). * In Food Form (Vitamin C fortified juice, powder mixes, "Other" food prep) β 2106 (Variable: Juice rate + 17.5%).
π¦ δΊγDetailed HS Code Breakdown (US 2026 Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3004.50.50.20 | Medicaments (Mixed or unmixed) containing vitamins, put up in measured doses | β Medical/Therapeutic: Packaged as tablets/capsules for specific prevention/treatment. | Vitamin C Tablets, Prescription Formulations |
| 2106.90.52.00 | Food preparations not elsewhere specified; containing vitamins/minerals | β Food Supplement (Other): "Dietary supplement" form, not as a specific "single vitamin" med, often in softgels or general prep. | Vitamin C "Superfoods" mixes, General Supplements |
| 2106.90.48.00 | Food preparations containing vitamins in juices or vegetable juices | β Fortified Juice: Vitamin C added to fruit/vegetable juice. | Vitamin C fortified orange juice, Juice blends |
| 2936.27.00.00 | Vitamins (pure chemical substances) | β Pure Chemical: L-ascorbic acid powder, not in measured doses, for industrial use. | Pure Ascorbic Acid Powder (Bulk) |
| 3004.50.50.10 | Medicaments containing vitamins (Single Vitamin, Specific Form) | β Single Vitamin Med: Specific "Vitamin C" dosage form for medical use. | Vitamin C 500mg/1000mg Tablets |
π Key Classification Logic: * 3004 vs. 2106: If it is "put up in measured doses" for therapeutic use β 3004. If it is a "food preparation" or "dietary supplement" (not strictly medical) β 2106. * 2936 vs. 3004: Pure, unmeasured chemical powder β 2936. Packaged for human consumption as medicine β 3004.
π° δΈγ2026 US Tariff Rate Deep Dive (China Origin)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 (Current & Projected 2026)
β Applicable Laws: Section 301 (USITC), IEEPA (122 Clause)
π― 1. 3004.50.50.20 & 3004.50.50.10 (Therapeutic Vitamin C Products)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Free of base tariff) |
| USITC Footnote | 0.0% |
| "122 Clause" (Section 301) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis | β Not Applicable (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 3004.50.50.x |
π Explanation:
Even though the base tariff is free, the 10% Section 301 surcharge applies to all Chinese pharmaceuticals/chemicals. The total is 10%. This is the lowest risk classification if the product is clearly marketed as a medicine.
π― 2. 2936.27.00.00 (Pure Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Footnote | 0.0% |
| "122 Clause" (Section 301) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 2936.27.00.00 |
π Explanation:
Pure chemical ascorbic acid is treated similarly to medicines in terms of Section 301 tariffs. 10% total. High volume industrial users should ensure packaging does not imply "measured doses" for medical use to avoid misclassification penalties.
π― 3. 2106.90.52.00 (Vitamin C Food Supplement / "Other")
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | Rate of Natural Juice (Heading 2009) + 17.5% (Variable) |
| USITC Footnote | 7.5% (Section 301) |
| "122 Clause" | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | Variable + 17.5% (Often 25%~35%+) |
| Tax Calculation | (Base Juice Rate + 17.5%) + 7.5% + 10% |
| De Minimis | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β 2106.90.52.00 |
π Critical Warning:
The base rate is tied to natural juice (Heading 2009). If classified here, you face a compound tax: 1. Base Juice Rate (often low) 2. +17.5% (Specific 301 surcharge for food prep) 3. +7.5% (Section 301 Footnote) 4. +10% (IEEPA) Total can exceed 35%, making this the most expensive route.
π― 4. 2106.90.48.00 (Vitamin C in Juice)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | $0.0785 / Liter (Specific duty for juice) |
| USITC Footnote | +17.5% (Ad Valorem on value + specific duty) |
| "122 Clause" | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | Variable (High) |
| Tax Calculation | ($0.0785 Γ Liters) + (CIF Γ 17.5%) + 10% |
| De Minimis | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 2106.90.48.00 |
π Critical Warning:
For Vitamin C Fortified Juice. You pay a specific duty per liter ($0.0785) PLUS 17.5% + 10%. This is a high-cost classification for juice products.
π οΈ εγCustoms Clearance Strategy (Practical Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | Must explicitly state: "For Therapeutic Use" (for 3004) OR "For Food Use" (for 2106) | Crucial: Determines HS Code. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | Purity levels (e.g., 99% for 2936, USP Grade for 3004) | Proves chemical state vs. food grade. |
| β Product Photos | Clear shot of packaging, labeling (Dosage? "Vitamin C Supplement"? "Ascorbic Acid"?) | Customs uses this to verify "Measured Dose". |
| β Structural Formula | Required for 2936 to prove it's a pure chemical. |
|
| β Labeling Proof | FDA registration (if applicable) | Proves "Medicine" vs. "Dietary Supplement" status. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Golden Rules")
π₯ Mantra: "Form Matters, Dose Matters, Intent Matters!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong HS Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C Tablets (500mg) for immune support | 3004.50.50.20 (10%) |
2106.90.52.00 (35%+) |
Overpaying 25% |
| Vitamin C Tablets sold as "Dietary Supplement" (No disease claim) | 3004.50.50.20 (10%) |
2106.90.52.00 |
Audit Risk |
| Pure Ascorbic Acid Powder (Bulk, 1kg bag) | 2936.27.00.00 (10%) |
3004.50.50.20 |
No penalty, but lower rate |
| Vitamin C Powder mixed in juice/syrup | 2106.90.48.00 (High) |
2936.27.00.00 |
Underpaying base duty |
β οΈ Pitfall: Do not claim "Dietary Supplement" for
2106if the packaging says "Therapeutic" or "Treatment". If it implies treatment, it must go to 3004. Conversely, do not claim3004for a bulk powder bag labeled "Food Grade" without "Measured Dose".
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C "Gummy Bears" | Often classified under 2106 (Food Prep). Check for "Measured Dose". If yes, 3004. If no, 2106 (High tax). |
| Vitamin C in Beverage | Classify under 2106.90.48.00 (Juice) or 2202 (Ready-to-drink). Never 3004 unless it's a medical drink. |
| Pure Ascorbic Acid (Chemical) | Ensure labeling says "Industrial Use" or "Chemical" to avoid 3004 scrutiny. |
| Avoiding High Tariffs | If possible, structure the product as Pure Chemical (2936) or Medicine (3004) to keep tax at 10% instead of 35%+. |
π δΊγGlobal Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3004 or 2936 |
10% | Lowest possible if medical/chemical. 35%+ if food. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2936 or 3004 |
0-2% | Generally lower, but strict FDA-like compliance. |
| π¨π³ China | 2936 |
0% | Export back to China often duty-free for chemicals. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2936 |
0-6% | Varies by purity. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2936 |
0-5% | Strict health regulations apply. |
π Conclusion: The US is the most critical market for Vitamin C due to the Section 301 and 122 Clause surcharges. The difference between 10% (Medical/Chemical) and 35%+ (Food Supplement) is massive.
π ε γCommon Mistakes & "Blood & Tears" Lessons
β Mistake 1: Classifying Vitamin C Tablets as "Food Supplement" (2106) to avoid strict "Drug" licensing.
π Result: 30% higher tax (35% vs 10%) + FDA Warning Letter for mislabeling.
β Mistake 2: Classifying Bulk Powder (2936) as "Tablets" (3004) because it's for humans.
π Result: Customs Audit (Is it actually a drug?). Delay + Penalty.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause" (10% surcharge) on all Vitamin C products from China. π Result: Underpayment of 10% on every shipment.
β Correct Strategy:
"Vitamin C 500mg Tablets, USP Grade, For Immune Support, Manufactured in China." β Classify as 3004.50.50.20. "L-Ascorbic Acid, 99.5% Purity, Food Grade, For Manufacturing." β Classify as 2936.27.00.00.
π― δΈγFinal Verdict: Smart Trade Strategy
πΉ Rule #1: Medical Form (Tablets/Capsules) = 3004 (10% Tax). Safest & Cheapest.
πΉ Rule #2: Pure Chemical Powder = 2936 (10% Tax). Safe.
πΉ Rule #3: Food/Juice/Supplement = 2106 (35%+ Tax). Expensive.
πΉ Rule #4: Always declare "Origin: China" to trigger the correct 122 Clause.π Action Plan:
1. Review Packaging: Does it say "Medicine" or "Dietary Supplement"? 2. Check Form: Is it a measured dose? 3. Select HS Code:3004or2936for 10%. Avoid2106unless necessary. 4. Prepare Docs: CoA, Label, Invoice with "Therapeutic" or "Chemical" keywords.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every 1% of tariff saved is pure profit.
π Consult a licensed broker to validate your Vitamin C HS Code before shipping!
Disclaimer: Tariff rates and HS Codes are subject to change. Always verify with US Customs (CBP) or a licensed customs broker before importing.
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.