Molasses must be a residue resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar — it is a byproduct of the manufacturing process, not a deliberately produced syrup. Artificially produced syrups, invert sugar solutions, or blended sweeteners that were not generated as a refining residue belong in heading 1702 rather than here.

Molasses imported as animal feed may be subject to FDA's feed ingredient regulations and, depending on composition, could require prior notice under the Bioterrorism Act. Importers should confirm whether the product meets the definition of an animal feed ingredient and file accordingly, as the regulatory pathway differs from food-grade or industrial-use molasses.