About HS Code 391310
Alginic acid, its salts (like sodium alginate), and esters (like propylene glycol alginate) in primary forms are natural polymers derived primarily from brown seaweed. These biopolymers are highly valued in international trade for their gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, making them essential in the food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries. Major importers include countries with large food processing and pharmaceutical sectors, such as China, the USA, and Germany. Exporters are typically countries with significant seaweed harvesting and processing capabilities, like China, Norway, and Chile. The trade involves various grades, with purity and viscosity being key determinants of application. Understanding the specific salt or ester form is crucial, as each offers distinct functional characteristics. The growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients continues to drive the market for alginates globally.
Products Under This Code
Sodium alginate, Alginic acid, Propylene glycol alginate (PGA), Calcium alginate, Potassium alginate, Ammonium alginate, Alginate powder
Real World Examples
DuPont Danisco GRINDSTED Alginate, FMC BioPolymer Protanal, Kimica Alginate, Bright Moon Seaweed Alginate, Cargill Alginate
Common Misclassification
This code is specific to alginic acid and its derivatives; it can be confused with 391390 (other natural polymers) if the product is a different type of natural gum or polysaccharide.
Products Classified Under 3913.10
Industry
This code belongs to the Plastics & Rubber industry.
Trade Overview
Top importers include China, the USA, and Germany, while key exporters are often found in countries with significant seaweed resources like China, Norway, and Chile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 391310?
HS code 391310 covers: Polymers, natural; alginic acid, its salts and esters, in primary forms. Alginic acid, its salts (like sodium alginate), and esters (like propylene glycol alginate) in primary forms are natural polymers derived primarily from brown seaweed. These biopolymers are highly valued in international trade for their gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, making them essential in the food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries. Major importers include countries with large food processing and pharmaceutical sectors, such as China, the USA, and Germany. Exporters are typically countries with significant seaweed harvesting and processing capabilities, like China, Norway, and Chile. The trade involves various grades, with purity and viscosity being key determinants of application. Understanding the specific salt or ester form is crucial, as each offers distinct functional characteristics. The growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients continues to drive the market for alginates globally.
What products fall under HS code 391310?
Sodium alginate, Alginic acid, Propylene glycol alginate (PGA), Calcium alginate, Potassium alginate, Ammonium alginate, Alginate powder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391310?
This code is specific to alginic acid and its derivatives; it can be confused with 391390 (other natural polymers) if the product is a different type of natural gum or polysaccharide.
How is HS code 391310 structured?
HS code 391310 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (13) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.