HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1903.00 – Food preparations; tapioca and substitutes thereof, prepared from starch in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar
HS code 1903.00 is the 6-digit subheading for food preparations, tapioca and substitutes thereof, prepared from starch in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar. It is used for tapioca pearls, tapioca flour, tapioca starch (prepared forms), instant tapioca and sago pearls.
What HS 1903.00 covers
This category covers tapioca and its substitutes, specifically when prepared from starch in forms like flakes, grains, pearls, or siftings. Tapioca, derived from the cassava root, is a versatile ingredient used globally as a thickener, in desserts, and notably in beverages like bubble tea. Its trade is primarily from tropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, to markets worldwide seeking gluten-free alternatives and unique food textures. Importers include food manufacturers, restaurants, and retail consumers. The market for tapioca pearls, in particular, has seen substantial growth due to the popularity of bubble tea. Understanding the specific form and preparation level is key to distinguishing it from raw starches.
- Covers
- Tapioca pearls
- Tapioca flour
- Tapioca starch (prepared forms)
- Instant tapioca
- Sago pearls
- Cassava pearls
- Tapioca flakes
- Examples
- Bob's Red Mill Tapioca Pearls
- Erawan Tapioca Starch
- Sago Palm Pearls
- Minute Tapioca
Codes often confused with 1903.00
Common mistake. Often confused with other starches like corn starch (110812) or potato starch (110813) if not specifically in the 'prepared' forms of flakes, grains, or pearls. Raw cassava flour (110620) is also distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 190300, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 190300 in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 Taiwan* ~$61M 34% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Thailand $34M 19% of world exports
- 3 China $25M 14% of world exports
World total: $180M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $47M 24% of world imports
- 2 Canada $9.8M 4.9% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $9.7M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $200M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 1903.00
Brazil does not split HS 1903.00: its NCM code is 1903.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 19.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1903.00
What is HS code 190300?
HS code 190300 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Food preparations; tapioca and substitutes thereof, prepared from starch in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar. This category covers tapioca and its substitutes, specifically when prepared from starch in forms like flakes, grains, pearls, or siftings. Tapioca, derived from the cassava root, is a versatile ingredient used globally as a thickener, in desserts, and notably in beverages like bubble tea. Its trade is primarily from tropical regions, particularly Southeast Asia, to markets worldwide seeking gluten-free alternatives and unique food textures. Importers include food manufacturers, restaurants, and retail consumers. The market for tapioca pearls, in particular, has seen substantial growth due to the popularity of bubble tea. Understanding the specific form and preparation level is key to distinguishing it from raw starches.
What products fall under HS code 190300?
Tapioca pearls, tapioca flour, tapioca starch (prepared forms), instant tapioca, sago pearls, cassava pearls, tapioca flakes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 190300?
Often confused with other starches like corn starch (110812) or potato starch (110813) if not specifically in the 'prepared' forms of flakes, grains, or pearls. Raw cassava flour (110620) is also distinct.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 190300?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 190300 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $61M, 34% of world exports), Thailand ($34M) and China ($25M). World exports came to about $180M, 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 190300?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 190300 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($47M, 24% of world imports), Canada ($9.8M) and South Korea ($9.7M). World imports came to about $200M, 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 190300 structured?
HS code 190300 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (19) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 190300?
In Brazil, HS code 190300 is NCM 1903.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.