HS Code:
4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one, commonly known as raspberry ketone (CAS No. 5471-51-2), is an organic compound classified under HS Code 2914.50.30. It is a natural phenolic compound responsible for the characteristic aroma of raspberries. Widely used in the flavor and fragrance industry, raspberry ketone is also marketed as a dietary supplement for weight loss, though its efficacy for this purpose remains scientifically unproven. It is primarily produced synthetically due to the high cost of extracting it from natural sources. This compound falls under the category of ketones and quinones with other oxygen functions in the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $15 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database, ITC Trade Map
$6.5 million USD
43.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.2 million USD
21.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$2.1 million USD
14.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 million USD
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.0 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand in the dietary supplement industry
Increased imports in North America and Europe due to marketing as a weight loss aid, despite limited scientific evidence
2021-2022
Growth in natural and organic fragrance markets
Moderate increase in demand for naturally derived raspberry ketone, though synthetic production dominates due to cost efficiency
2020-2022
Regulatory scrutiny over health claims
Potential decline in consumer confidence and stricter import controls in regions like the EU and Australia
2022
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued updated guidelines questioning the safety of raspberry ketone as a dietary supplement at high doses, prompting stricter labeling and dosage limits.
March 2023
Likely to reduce EU imports for supplement use while increasing compliance costs for exporters.
Major chemical manufacturers in China have ramped up synthetic production of raspberry ketone to meet global demand, particularly for the fragrance and flavor sectors.
July 2022
Increased export volumes from China, potentially lowering global prices due to economies of scale.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned several companies against making unsubstantiated weight loss claims about raspberry ketone supplements.
September 2022
Possible short-term decline in consumer demand in the US market, affecting import volumes.