HS 391310 Alginic acid, its salts and esters

```html

What products does HS 391310 cover?

This subheading covers alginic acid, its salts, and its esters, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. Alginic acid is a polysaccharide derived from brown algae. Its salts, such as sodium alginate and potassium alginate, and its esters are also included. These substances are primarily used as thickening agents, stabilizers, and gelling agents in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications, as detailed in the explanatory notes of the WCO HS and specific national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database.

What falls outside HS 391310?

The following products are excluded from HS 391310: alginates that have been chemically modified to such an extent that they no longer meet the definition of alginic acid, its salts, or esters, and are classifiable under other headings in Chapter 39 based on their new properties. For example, alginate fibers or fabrics would be classified elsewhere. Additionally, finished products containing alginic acid or its derivatives as minor components, such as certain food preparations or pharmaceutical tablets, are classified according to their principal character, often falling under Chapter 21 or Chapter 30, respectively, rather than this specific subheading.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 391310?

A common error is misclassifying alginates based solely on their end-use rather than their inherent chemical composition and form. For instance, a food product where sodium alginate is a primary ingredient might be incorrectly classified under Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous edible preparations) instead of HS 391310 if the alginate itself is imported as a distinct commodity. Furthermore, confusion can arise with other hydrocolloids like carrageenan (HS 1302.32) or pectin (HS 2308.00 or 2938.90), necessitating careful examination of the product's chemical identity as per General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1.

How should importers classify products under HS 391310?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 391310 involves a thorough examination of the product's chemical composition and form. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO HS Nomenclature and relevant national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. They should verify that the product is indeed alginic acid, a salt thereof (e.g., sodium alginate), or an ester. Reviewing the supplier's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is crucial to confirm the identity and purity, ensuring it aligns with the descriptions provided in the tariff notes and explanatory materials.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 391310?

A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of sodium alginate, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.035 = $175.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for subheading 3913.10.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 391310?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 391310, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide duty-free entry for originating goods. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), preferential rates, often Free, may apply. Documentation required to claim preference under USMCA typically involves a self-certified origin statement. For EU preferences, a EUR.1 movement certificate or origin declaration is usually needed, potentially leading to a reduced or Free rate depending on the specific agreement and origin country, such as from Canada or Mexico.

```