Erythritol

The product within the scope of this investigation is erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol, commonly referred to as a polyol, typically produced by the fermentation of glucose using enzymes and yeast or yeast-like fungi (though the scope includes erythritol produced using any other feedstock or organism). Erythritol is an organic compound with the molecular formula C4 H10 O4 and a Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number of 149-32-6. Other names for erythritol include meso-erythritol,(2R, 3S)-butan-1,2,3,4-tetrol, butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol, or meso-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydryoxybutane. Erythritol typically appears as a white crystalline, odorless product that rapidly dissolves in water. While erythritol is typically produced in the crystalline form or as a fine powder or in directly compressible form, the scope of this investigation covers all physical forms and grades of erythritol, including organic erythritol. The merchandise covered by this investigation is classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 2905.49.4000. Erythritol may also enter under HTSUS subheading 2106.90.9998. Although the HTSUS subheadings and the CAS registry number are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise covered by this investigation is dispositive. Specifically excluded from the scope are certain tabletop sugar substitute products that contain erythritol as an ingredient. Tabletop sugar substitute products include erythritol as an ingredient as well as a high intensity sweeter such as monk fruit, stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin. The following tabletop sugar substitute products are excluded: finished goods packaged and labeled for retail sale or individual consumption.