erythritol
CN β USAI Analysis
π¬ Erythritol (The "Sugar-Free" Sweetener Powerhouse)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand βErythritolβ?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used as a low-calorie sweetener. It is naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods but is industrially produced via fermentation of glucose.
In international trade, it is strictly classified based on its purity and state:
- Chemically Defined Pure Erythritol: High-purity powder/liquid used in food, beverages, or pharmaceuticals.
- Mixture/Blend: If mixed with other sweeteners (like stevia or aspartame), it may fall under different headings depending on the essential character.
- Raw Material vs. Final Product: Bulk powder for industrial use vs. packaged consumer goods.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is >98% pure Erythritol, it is classified as a "Chemically Defined Organics" under Chapter 29.
- If it is a mixed sweetener blend (e.g., Erythritol + Stevia), it may be classified under Chapter 17 (Sugars) or Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous Food Preparations) depending on the primary characteristic.
- Do NOT confuse with general "Sugar Substitutes" which might fall under HS 1702 if not chemically defined.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Purity/State |
|---|---|---|---|
2940.00.40.00 |
Erythritol (Pure, Chemically Defined) | Bulk industrial food sweetener, pharmaceutical grade | β High Purity (>95%) |
1702.90.90.90 |
Other Sugars and Chemically Pure Lactose, Maltose, etc. | If mixed with other sugars or if not considered "chemically defined" under Ch29 | β Mixture/Lower Purity |
2106.90.90.90 |
Food Preparations Not Elsewhere Specified | Blended sweeteners (e.g., Erythritol + Stevia) where Erythritol is not the sole component | β Blend |
0910.99.90.90 |
Spices (Incorrect - Common Mistake) | Warning: Some mistakenly classify natural extracts here. Erythritol is a polyol, not a spice. | β Incorrect |
1505.00.00.00 |
Wool Grease (Incorrect - Common Mistake) | Warning: Do not confuse with "erythritol" as a chemical intermediate for waxes. | β Incorrect |
π Key Reminder:
- China is the worldβs largest producer of Erythritol. Most exports are bulk powder.
- For US Imports, ensure the declaration explicitly states "Erythritol, Chemically Pure, CAS No. 149-32-6".
- If the product is labeled as a "Dietary Supplement" or "Baking Mix," customs may reclassify it to Chapter 21, affecting duty rates.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 2940.00.40.00 ββ Erythritol (Chemically Defined)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.3% (Standard MFN) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% (Under Section 301, USITC Footnote 9903.29.40.00) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (Against Chinese Products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:2940.00.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "USITC Additional Tariff 25%": Resulting from the US Trade Act Section 301 investigation into Chinese technological advancements.
- "IEEPA 10%": The latest round of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act targeting specific Chinese chemical goods.
- Total 40.3%: This is a significant cost increase. Many importers are restructuring supply chains to Vietnam or India to mitigate this.
π― 2. 1702.90.90.90 ββ Other Sugars (If Misclassified or Mixed)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 10% - 15% (Varies) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 45% - 50% |
| Risk Level | π΄ High (Misclassification Risk) |
π Note:
- If customs determines your "Erythritol" is not chemically pure enough for Ch29, they may force classification under Ch17.
- Ch17 sugars often carry higher base duties and are more scrutinized for anti-dumping duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include CAS Number: 149-32-6, Molecular Formula (C6H14O6), Purity (e.g., β₯98%), Physical State (Powder/Liquid). |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Issued by a third-party lab (e.g., SGS, Intertek) confirming purity and absence of heavy metals. |
| β Production Process Description | βοΈ | Detail the fermentation process. Helps prove it is a "chemically defined organic" under Ch29. |
| β FDA Prior Notice | βοΈ | Mandatory for US food imports. File within required timeframe before arrival. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Erythritol, Chemically Pure, HS 2940.00.40.00". Do not use vague terms like "Natural Sweetener." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To verify origin for Section 301/IEEPA calculations. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "CAS Number is King, Purity Matters, Chapter 29 is Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Bulk Erythritol | 2940.00.40.00 - Erythritol |
Labeling as "Stevia Blend" or "Sugar Free Mix" β Chapter 21 |
| Mixed Sweetener Packet | 2106.90.90.90 |
Declaring as pure Erythritol β Misclassification Penalty |
| Liquid Erythritol Solution | 2940.00.40.00 (if >50% active) |
Declaring as "Food Extract" β Chapter 20/21 |
| Raw Material for Pharma | 2940.00.40.00 |
Declaring as "Cosmetic Ingredient" β Chapter 33 |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| FDA Registration | Ensure the US Agent and Facility are registered with FDA. Erythritol is a food ingredient; non-compliance leads to rejection. |
| Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) | Check if Erythritol is subject to ADD. Currently, pure Erythritol from China is primarily hit by Section 301/IEEPA, not traditional ADD, but verify latest updates. |
| Origin Marking | Products must be marked "Made in China." Failure to mark can result in seizure. |
| Labeling Requirements | Must comply with FDA labeling rules: "Erythritol" as the common name, nutrition facts panel required if sold as a food product. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2940.00.40.00 |
40.3% (301 + IEEPA) | FDA + GRAS Status | High tariff burden; consider transshipment or origin shifting. |
| π¨π³ China | 2940.00.40.00 |
5% (Import Duty) | GB Standards | Major export hub; low domestic import duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2940.00.80.00 |
0% (General Preference) | EFSA Approval, Novel Food Status | Zero tariff if not subject to safeguard measures; strict EFSA novel food rules apply for new sources. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2940.00.00.00 |
0% (Chorus Agreement) | FSANZ Standards | Free trade agreement benefits. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2940.00.00.00 |
0% (JPEPA) | JFC Standards | Free trade agreement benefits. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to the cumulative 40.3% tariff.
- EU, Australia, and Japan offer tariff-free access, but have strict food safety/novel food regulations.
- Strategy: If targeting the US, consider sourcing from Vietnam or India (where tariffs are lower) if possible, or absorb the cost if no alternative exists.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Stevia" or "Natural Sweetener"
π Consequence: Misclassification β Penalties + Back Duties (Stevia has different duties and regulatory paths).
β Error 2: Ignoring CAS Number
π Consequence: Customs cannot verify "Chemically Defined" status β Rejection or forced reclassification to higher duty HS codes.
β Error 3: Failing to File FDA Prior Notice
π Consequence: Detention/Seizure at US Port of Entry. No exception for bulk shipments.
β Error 4: Using "Sugar Alcohol" as Generic Description
π Consequence: Too vague β Customs will query and delay clearance β Demurrage Charges.
β Correct Practice:
"Erythritol, Chemically Pure, CAS No. 149-32-6, Purity β₯98%, Food Grade, Bulk Powder, HS Code 2940.00.40.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "CAS 149-32-6 is the Key, Chapter 29 is the Home!"
πΉ "40.3% Tax in the US, Think Twice Before You Lose!"
πΉ "FDA Prior Notice First, Then Clear the Customs!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Erythritol is sourced from Vietnam, India, or Thailand, you can avoid the 25% Section 301 and 10% IEEPA tariffs, bringing the total rate down to 0%~5.3%.
π Action:
π Contact your supplier for Country of Origin Certification.
π Evaluate supply chain diversification to mitigate US tariff risks.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify FDA Registration & Prior Notice.
π Ensure HS Code2940.00.40.00with CAS number on all documents.
π° Calculate landed cost including 40.3% US tariffs.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percent of duty matters in the sweetener game!
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.