About HS Code 121292
This HS code covers locust beans, also known as carob, that are fit for human consumption, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. Carob pods are widely used as a natural sweetener and a caffeine-free, chocolate substitute in various food products, including snacks, beverages, and desserts. The seeds within the pods are a source of locust bean gum (LBG), a valuable hydrocolloid used as a thickener and stabilizer in the food industry. Importers include food manufacturers, health food companies, and ingredient suppliers. Exporters are typically Mediterranean countries where carob trees thrive. Key trade considerations involve the quality of the pods (e.g., sugar content, absence of pests), proper drying and storage to prevent spoilage, and the purity of extracted products like carob powder or LBG.
Products Under This Code
Dried carob pods, carob powder, carob chips, carob seeds, locust bean gum (raw material), carob syrup, roasted carob.
Real World Examples
Bob's Red Mill (carob powder), NOW Foods (carob powder), TIC Gums (locust bean gum), Mediterranean Organic (carob products), CarobWay.
Common Misclassification
Could be confused with 121299 (other sugar-containing plants) if not specifically carob, or 0802 (other nuts) if seeds are mistaken for nuts.
Products Classified Under 1212.92
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Primarily cultivated in Mediterranean countries (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece), with global demand from food manufacturers and health food markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 121292?
HS code 121292 covers: Locust beans (carob); fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground. This HS code covers locust beans, also known as carob, that are fit for human consumption, whether fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried. Carob pods are widely used as a natural sweetener and a caffeine-free, chocolate substitute in various food products, including snacks, beverages, and desserts. The seeds within the pods are a source of locust bean gum (LBG), a valuable hydrocolloid used as a thickener and stabilizer in the food industry. Importers include food manufacturers, health food companies, and ingredient suppliers. Exporters are typically Mediterranean countries where carob trees thrive. Key trade considerations involve the quality of the pods (e.g., sugar content, absence of pests), proper drying and storage to prevent spoilage, and the purity of extracted products like carob powder or LBG.
What products fall under HS code 121292?
Dried carob pods, carob powder, carob chips, carob seeds, locust bean gum (raw material), carob syrup, roasted carob.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 121292?
Could be confused with 121299 (other sugar-containing plants) if not specifically carob, or 0802 (other nuts) if seeds are mistaken for nuts.
How is HS code 121292 structured?
HS code 121292 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (12) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (92) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.