About HS Code 130232
This HS code covers mucilages and thickeners derived specifically from locust beans (carob) and guar seeds, primarily locust bean gum (LBG) and guar gum. These natural hydrocolloids are extensively traded as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in the food industry (e.g., dairy, ice cream, sauces, baked goods), textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Importers are typically food processors, chemical manufacturers, and textile companies seeking to improve product texture, stability, and shelf-life. Exporters are countries with significant cultivation of carob trees and guar plants, such as India for guar and Mediterranean countries for carob. Trade focuses on purity, viscosity, and specific functional properties, as these gums are crucial for a vast array of consumer and industrial products, driving consistent international demand.
Products Under This Code
Guar gum powder, locust bean gum powder, carob gum, modified guar gum, food-grade guar gum, industrial guar gum, guar gum splits, guar flour
Real World Examples
Bob's Red Mill Guar Gum, NOW Foods Guar Gum, TIC Gums Guar Gum, Cargill Locust Bean Gum, DuPont Danisco LBG
Common Misclassification
Often confused with other vegetable mucilages under 1302.39 or even starches (Chapter 11) due to similar thickening functions, but these are specifically from locust beans/guar. Xanthan gum (3913.90) is also distinct.
Products Classified Under 1302.32
Industry
This code belongs to the Agriculture & Live Animals industry.
Trade Overview
India is the dominant exporter of guar gum, while the USA and European Union are major importers of both guar and locust bean gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 130232?
HS code 130232 covers: Mucilages and thickeners; whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds. This HS code covers mucilages and thickeners derived specifically from locust beans (carob) and guar seeds, primarily locust bean gum (LBG) and guar gum. These natural hydrocolloids are extensively traded as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in the food industry (e.g., dairy, ice cream, sauces, baked goods), textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Importers are typically food processors, chemical manufacturers, and textile companies seeking to improve product texture, stability, and shelf-life. Exporters are countries with significant cultivation of carob trees and guar plants, such as India for guar and Mediterranean countries for carob. Trade focuses on purity, viscosity, and specific functional properties, as these gums are crucial for a vast array of consumer and industrial products, driving consistent international demand.
What products fall under HS code 130232?
Guar gum powder, locust bean gum powder, carob gum, modified guar gum, food-grade guar gum, industrial guar gum, guar gum splits, guar flour
What are common misclassifications for HS code 130232?
Often confused with other vegetable mucilages under 1302.39 or even starches (Chapter 11) due to similar thickening functions, but these are specifically from locust beans/guar. Xanthan gum (3913.90) is also distinct.
How is HS code 130232 structured?
HS code 130232 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.