HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1302.20 – Pectic substances; pectinates and pectates
HS code 1302.20 is the 6-digit subheading for pectic substances, pectinates and pectates. It is used for apple pectin, citrus pectin, amidated pectin, low methoxyl pectin and high methoxyl pectin.
What HS 1302.20 covers
This HS code covers pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates, which are natural gelling agents derived primarily from fruits like citrus peels and apples. These polysaccharides are vital in the food processing industry, acting as thickeners, emulsifiers, and stabilizers in a wide array of products. Major importers are food and beverage manufacturers, especially those producing jams, jellies, fruit preparations, dairy products, and confectionery. Exporters are typically countries with large citrus or apple industries, as these provide the primary raw materials for pectin extraction. Key considerations in international trade include the pectin's grade (e.g., high methoxyl, low methoxyl), purity, and specific functional properties required for different applications. Its indispensable role in creating desired texture and stability ensures consistent global demand and trade.
- Covers
- Apple pectin
- Citrus pectin
- Amidated pectin
- Low methoxyl pectin
- High methoxyl pectin
- Pectin powder
- Liquid pectin
- Fruit pectin
- Examples
- Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin
- Ball RealFruit Pectin
- Pomona's Universal Pectin
- Kraft Pectin
- Danisco Pectin
Codes often confused with 1302.20
Common mistake. Sometimes confused with other vegetable thickeners under 1302.3x, but pectin is specifically derived from fruit cell walls. Synthetic gelling agents (Chapter 39) are also distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 130220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 130220 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 Germany $249M 33% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $99M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $85M 11% of world exports
World total: $751M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $189M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $56M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 France $52M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $960M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for 1302.20 2
Brazil splits HS 1302.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 1302.20.10 Pectin (pectic substances)Matérias pécticas (pectinas)
- 1302.20.90 Pectinates and pectatesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 13.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1302.20
What is HS code 130220?
HS code 130220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pectic substances; pectinates and pectates. This HS code covers pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates, which are natural gelling agents derived primarily from fruits like citrus peels and apples. These polysaccharides are vital in the food processing industry, acting as thickeners, emulsifiers, and stabilizers in a wide array of products. Major importers are food and beverage manufacturers, especially those producing jams, jellies, fruit preparations, dairy products, and confectionery. Exporters are typically countries with large citrus or apple industries, as these provide the primary raw materials for pectin extraction. Key considerations in international trade include the pectin's grade (e.g., high methoxyl, low methoxyl), purity, and specific functional properties required for different applications. Its indispensable role in creating desired texture and stability ensures consistent global demand and trade.
What products fall under HS code 130220?
Apple pectin, citrus pectin, amidated pectin, low methoxyl pectin, high methoxyl pectin, pectin powder, liquid pectin, fruit pectin
What are common misclassifications for HS code 130220?
Sometimes confused with other vegetable thickeners under 1302.3x, but pectin is specifically derived from fruit cell walls. Synthetic gelling agents (Chapter 39) are also distinct.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 130220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 130220 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($249M, 33% of world exports), Brazil ($99M) and China ($85M). World exports came to about $751M, 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 130220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 130220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($189M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($56M) and France ($52M). World imports came to about $960M, 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 130220 structured?
HS code 130220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (13) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) 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 130220?
Brazil splits HS code 130220 into 2 NCM codes: 1302.20.10 (Pectin (pectic substances)), 1302.20.90 (Pectinates and pectates). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.