About HS Code 130231
This HS code specifically covers agar-agar, a powerful gelatinous substance derived from red algae, used as a mucilage and thickener. It holds significant importance in international trade across various sectors: the food industry (for desserts, confectionery, and dairy), microbiology (as a solidifying agent for culture media), and pharmaceuticals (as a laxative or in capsule shells). Importers include food manufacturers, scientific laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies globally. Exporters are typically countries with substantial seaweed harvesting and processing capabilities, particularly in Asia. Key trade aspects involve its gelling strength, purity, and specific applications, as agar-agar is a popular vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Its unique properties make it an indispensable ingredient, ensuring a steady global demand and robust trade flows.
Products Under This Code
Agar powder, agar flakes, bacteriological agar, food-grade agar, plant tissue culture agar, agar strips, modified agar, agar-agar strands
Real World Examples
NOW Foods Agar Powder, Bob's Red Mill Agar-Agar Powder, Sigma-Aldrich Bacteriological Agar, Kanto Chemical Agar, Eden Foods Agar Agar Flakes
Common Misclassification
Can be confused with other vegetable mucilages and thickeners in 1302.39 or gelatin (3503.00) due to similar uses, but agar is specifically algae-derived. Alginates (3913.10) are also distinct.
Products Classified Under 1302.31
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
Japan, China, and Indonesia are leading exporters, while the USA and European countries are significant importers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 130231?
HS code 130231 covers: Mucilages and thickeners; agar-agar, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products. This HS code specifically covers agar-agar, a powerful gelatinous substance derived from red algae, used as a mucilage and thickener. It holds significant importance in international trade across various sectors: the food industry (for desserts, confectionery, and dairy), microbiology (as a solidifying agent for culture media), and pharmaceuticals (as a laxative or in capsule shells). Importers include food manufacturers, scientific laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies globally. Exporters are typically countries with substantial seaweed harvesting and processing capabilities, particularly in Asia. Key trade aspects involve its gelling strength, purity, and specific applications, as agar-agar is a popular vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Its unique properties make it an indispensable ingredient, ensuring a steady global demand and robust trade flows.
What products fall under HS code 130231?
Agar powder, agar flakes, bacteriological agar, food-grade agar, plant tissue culture agar, agar strips, modified agar, agar-agar strands
What are common misclassifications for HS code 130231?
Can be confused with other vegetable mucilages and thickeners in 1302.39 or gelatin (3503.00) due to similar uses, but agar is specifically algae-derived. Alginates (3913.10) are also distinct.
How is HS code 130231 structured?
HS code 130231 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.