HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1301.20 – Gum Arabic
HS code 1301.20 is the 6-digit subheading for gum Arabic. It is used for gum Arabic lumps, gum Arabic powder, spray-dried Gum Arabic, instant Gum Arabic and acacia gum granules.
What HS 1301.20 covers
This HS code specifically identifies Gum Arabic, also known as acacia gum, a natural gum harvested from the hardened sap of various Acacia trees, predominantly found in the Sahel region of Africa. It is a highly versatile ingredient with extensive applications across multiple industries: as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food and beverages (e.g., soft drinks, confectionery), a binder in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and in printing and textile industries. International trade is dominated by a few producing countries exporting to global manufacturers. Key aspects for trade include purity, viscosity, solubility, and adherence to stringent food safety and pharmaceutical standards. Its natural origin and functional properties make it a sought-after commodity in global markets.
- Covers
- Gum Arabic lumps
- Gum Arabic powder
- Spray-dried Gum Arabic
- Instant Gum Arabic
- Acacia gum granules
- Examples
- Nexira Gum Arabic
- Kerry Gum Arabic
- TIC Gums Gum Arabic
Codes often confused with 1301.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with other natural gums under 130190 if not specifically derived from Acacia, or with synthetic gums in other chapters.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 130120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 130120 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 24% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $244M 38% of world exports
- 2 Sudan* ~$157M 25% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Chad* ~$93M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $640M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $155M 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $94M 14% of world imports
- 3 India $71M 11% of world imports
World total: $659M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 1301.20
Brazil does not split HS 1301.20: its NCM code is 1301.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 13.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1301.20
What is HS code 130120?
HS code 130120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Gum Arabic. This HS code specifically identifies Gum Arabic, also known as acacia gum, a natural gum harvested from the hardened sap of various Acacia trees, predominantly found in the Sahel region of Africa. It is a highly versatile ingredient with extensive applications across multiple industries: as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food and beverages (e.g., soft drinks, confectionery), a binder in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and in printing and textile industries. International trade is dominated by a few producing countries exporting to global manufacturers. Key aspects for trade include purity, viscosity, solubility, and adherence to stringent food safety and pharmaceutical standards. Its natural origin and functional properties make it a sought-after commodity in global markets.
What products fall under HS code 130120?
Gum Arabic lumps, Gum Arabic powder, Spray-dried Gum Arabic, Instant Gum Arabic, Acacia gum granules
What are common misclassifications for HS code 130120?
Can be confused with other natural gums under 130190 if not specifically derived from Acacia, or with synthetic gums in other chapters.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 130120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 130120 in UN Comtrade data were France ($244M, 38% of world exports), Sudan (about $157M) and Chad (about $93M). World exports came to about $640M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 130120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 130120 in UN Comtrade data were France ($155M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($94M) and India ($71M). World imports came to about $659M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 130120 structured?
HS code 130120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (13) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 130120?
In Brazil, HS code 130120 is NCM 1301.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.