U.S. imports of Amino Acids, Esters & Salts (NES) (SITC 51465) totaled $49.0M in August 2026, imported from 38 countries.
Importers of Amino Acids, Esters & Salts (NES) paid $5.7M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 12.26% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Amino Acids, Esters & Salts (NES) imports of $49.0M in August 2026 ran 10% below the year-to-date monthly average of $54.6M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataAmino acids not elsewhere specified — including their esters (limited to a single oxygen-function type) and corresponding salts — serve as critical intermediates in pharmaceutical synthesis, animal-feed supplementation, and specialty food-ingredient manufacturing. Classification under this residual heading requires confirming that the compound is not captured by a more specific amino-acid provision, making precise chemical characterization essential before entry. Importers should be aware that certain amino acids used in dietary supplements or pharmaceutical preparations may trigger FDA review at the port of entry.
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529 import shipments a month
The 'not elsewhere specified' (NES) qualifier means this heading applies only after ruling out more specific provisions. Importers should provide a detailed chemical specification — including molecular structure, oxygen-function count, and end-use — to support classification and avoid reclassification at audit.
Yes. Amino acids destined for use in dietary supplements, food fortification, or pharmaceutical applications are subject to FDA review. Shipments may be detained for sampling if the product lacks adequate labeling or documentation of intended use. Consult a licensed customs broker or regulatory specialist to confirm admissibility requirements.
Basic heading 78 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 51465 · $49.0M of $27.5B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Switzerland together supply 51% of it. China pays 27.0% duty; Switzerland 3.7%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$49.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$17.6MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $665.3M of Amino Acids, Esters & Salts (NES) and exported $195.3M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.