About HS Code 391231
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and its salts, in primary forms, represent a significant segment of the cellulose ether market in international trade. This water-soluble polymer is highly valued for its thickening, binding, and stabilizing properties, making it indispensable across a wide array of industries. Major importers are typically countries with large food processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and detergent manufacturing sectors, including the USA, China, and India. Exporters often originate from regions with strong chemical and pulp industries, such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The trade involves various grades of CMC, differentiated by purity, viscosity, and degree of substitution, which dictate their specific applications. Understanding these technical specifications is crucial for successful transactions. The global demand for CMC is steadily growing, driven by its natural origin and versatility as a functional additive in consumer products.
Products Under This Code
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Carboxymethylcellulose powder, Food-grade CMC, Pharmaceutical-grade CMC, Industrial-grade CMC, CMC thickener, CMC binder
Real World Examples
Ashland Aqualon CMC, Dow Walocel CMC, CP Kelco Finnfix CMC, DuPont Tylose CMC, AkzoNobel Bermocoll CMC
Common Misclassification
This code is specifically for carboxymethylcellulose; it might be confused with 391239 (other cellulose ethers) if the "carboxymethyl" modification is not explicitly identified.
Products Classified Under 3912.31
Industry
This code belongs to the Plastics & Rubber industry.
Trade Overview
Top importers include the USA, China, and India, with significant exports from Europe, North America, and Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 391231?
HS code 391231 covers: Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and its salts, in primary forms, represent a significant segment of the cellulose ether market in international trade. This water-soluble polymer is highly valued for its thickening, binding, and stabilizing properties, making it indispensable across a wide array of industries. Major importers are typically countries with large food processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and detergent manufacturing sectors, including the USA, China, and India. Exporters often originate from regions with strong chemical and pulp industries, such as Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The trade involves various grades of CMC, differentiated by purity, viscosity, and degree of substitution, which dictate their specific applications. Understanding these technical specifications is crucial for successful transactions. The global demand for CMC is steadily growing, driven by its natural origin and versatility as a functional additive in consumer products.
What products fall under HS code 391231?
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Carboxymethylcellulose powder, Food-grade CMC, Pharmaceutical-grade CMC, Industrial-grade CMC, CMC thickener, CMC binder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391231?
This code is specifically for carboxymethylcellulose; it might be confused with 391239 (other cellulose ethers) if the "carboxymethyl" modification is not explicitly identified.
How is HS code 391231 structured?
HS code 391231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.