About HS Code 1108
Heading 1108 encompasses 'Starches; inulin,' a critical category for a wide array of industrial and food applications. This classification includes various types of starches derived from cereals (e.g., corn, wheat, rice) and tuberous plants (e.g., potato, tapioca), along with inulin, a natural dietary fiber. The scope covers raw starches, chemically or physically modified starches (e.g., pregelatinized, oxidized, esterified, etherified), and inulin in powder or granular forms. It's crucial to distinguish these from more highly modified starches used as glues or adhesives (HS 3505) or prepared food products where starch is an ingredient but not the primary commodity (HS 2106). Key sub-categories include native starches like corn starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch, as well as various modified starches tailored for specific functionalities, and different forms of inulin (e.g., chicory inulin, agave inulin). Proper classification under 1108 is paramount for trade compliance, affecting import duties, food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and even potential subsidies or quotas. Starches have a long history of industrial use, and inulin has gained significant trade prominence as a functional food ingredient. This heading aligns perfectly with Chapter 11's focus on primary processed products from agricultural raw materials, highlighting their transformation into valuable intermediate goods.
Products Under This Code
Potato starch, corn starch, maize starch, wheat starch, tapioca starch, rice starch, pea starch, sago starch, arrowroot starch, sweet potato starch, modified corn starch, pregelatinized wheat starch, oxidized potato starch, esterified tapioca starch, soluble starch, inulin powder, chicory inulin, agave inulin, Jerusalem artichoke inulin, native potato starch, waxy maize starch, high amylose maize starch, dextrinized starch (if not falling under 3505), maltodextrin (if starch-based and not highly hydrolyzed).
Real World Examples
A US snack food manufacturer regularly imports large volumes of tapioca starch from Thailand, utilizing it as a thickening agent and binder in their gluten-free products, with shipments typically arriving in container vessels at West Coast ports. A European pharmaceutical firm sources high-purity potato starch from Germany, importing it for use as an excipient in tablet manufacturing, often transported by truck across EU borders. A Chinese paper mill imports modified corn starch from the USA for paper coating and sizing applications, receiving bulk shipments via ocean freight through ports like Shanghai. A Brazilian health food company imports inulin powder from Belgium to incorporate into their dietary fiber supplements and functional foods, with air freight sometimes used for smaller, urgent orders.
Common Misclassification
Misclassification of products under HS 1108 often occurs with more highly processed or prepared starch products. HS 3505 (Dextrins and other modified starches and glues based on starches) is frequently confused, as it covers starches that have undergone more significant chemical modification or are specifically prepared as adhesives. Another common error is classifying prepared tapioca products, like tapioca pearls or sago, which fall under HS 1903 (Tapioca and substitutes therefor prepared from starch). Finally, food preparations where starch is an ingredient but not the primary product (e.g., instant pudding mixes) are generally classified under HS 2106 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included). The key distinction for 1108 is that it covers starches and inulin as raw or simply modified ingredients, not as finished food items or complex chemical derivatives.
Subheadings 6
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Major global exporters of starches include Thailand (tapioca starch), the USA (corn starch), and EU countries like Germany and France (potato and wheat starch), alongside China. Key importers span the globe, with significant demand from the USA, EU, Japan, China, and Mexico, primarily for industrial applications in food, paper, and textiles. Trade is subject to varying tariffs, which can differ based on the specific type of starch and its origin, often influenced by domestic agricultural policies protecting local starch industries. Food safety regulations and quality standards, particularly for food-grade starches and inulin, are paramount across all major trading blocs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 1108?
HS code 1108 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Starches; inulin. Heading 1108 encompasses 'Starches; inulin,' a critical category for a wide array of industrial and food applications. This classification includes various types of starches derived from cereals (e.g., corn, wheat, rice) and tuberous plants (e.g., potato, tapioca), along with inulin, a natural dietary fiber. The scope covers raw starches, chemically or physically modified starches (e.g., pregelatinized, oxidized, esterified, etherified), and inulin in powder or granular forms. It's crucial to distinguish these from more highly modified starches used as glues or adhesives (HS 3505) or prepared food products where starch is an ingredient but not the primary commodity (HS 2106). Key sub-categories include native starches like corn starch, potato starch, and tapioca starch, as well as various modified starches tailored for specific functionalities, and different forms of inulin (e.g., chicory inulin, agave inulin). Proper classification under 1108 is paramount for trade compliance, affecting import duties, food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and even potential subsidies or quotas. Starches have a long history of industrial use, and inulin has gained significant trade prominence as a functional food ingredient. This heading aligns perfectly with Chapter 11's focus on primary processed products from agricultural raw materials, highlighting their transformation into valuable intermediate goods.
What products fall under HS code 1108?
Potato starch, corn starch, maize starch, wheat starch, tapioca starch, rice starch, pea starch, sago starch, arrowroot starch, sweet potato starch, modified corn starch, pregelatinized wheat starch, oxidized potato starch, esterified tapioca starch, soluble starch, inulin powder, chicory inulin, agave inulin, Jerusalem artichoke inulin, native potato starch, waxy maize starch, high amylose maize starch, dextrinized starch (if not falling under 3505), maltodextrin (if starch-based and not highly hydrolyzed).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1108?
Misclassification of products under HS 1108 often occurs with more highly processed or prepared starch products. HS 3505 (Dextrins and other modified starches and glues based on starches) is frequently confused, as it covers starches that have undergone more significant chemical modification or are specifically prepared as adhesives. Another common error is classifying prepared tapioca products, like tapioca pearls or sago, which fall under HS 1903 (Tapioca and substitutes therefor prepared from starch). Finally, food preparations where starch is an ingredient but not the primary product (e.g., instant pudding mixes) are generally classified under HS 2106 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included). The key distinction for 1108 is that it covers starches and inulin as raw or simply modified ingredients, not as finished food items or complex chemical derivatives.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 1108?
Major global exporters of starches include Thailand (tapioca starch), the USA (corn starch), and EU countries like Germany and France (potato and wheat starch), alongside China. Key importers span the globe, with significant demand from the USA, EU, Japan, China, and Mexico, primarily for industrial applications in food, paper, and textiles. Trade is subject to varying tariffs, which can differ based on the specific type of starch and its origin, often influenced by domestic agricultural policies protecting local starch industries. Food safety regulations and quality standards, particularly for food-grade starches and inulin, are paramount across all major trading blocs.
How is HS code 1108 structured?
HS code 1108 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 11 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (11) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.