Product classification
HS code for Agar-agar: 1302.31
Mucilages and thickeners, agar-agar, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products.
Classification of agar-agar under HS 1302.31
HS 130231 is specifically designated for agar-agar, classifying it under the broader category of mucilages and thickeners derived from vegetable products. The key aspects for this classification are that the product is agar-agar, a gelatinous substance obtained from algae, and that it functions as a mucilage or thickener. The phrase "whether or not modified" indicates that various forms of agar-agar, including those that have undergone further processing but retain their fundamental chemical and functional identity, are covered by this code. Its vegetable origin is also a defining characteristic, distinguishing it from animal-derived thickeners.
- Covers
- Unmodified agar-agar powder
- Modified agar-agar flakes
- Agar-agar strips
- Food-grade agar-agar
- Laboratory-grade agar-agar
- Agar-agar derived from red algae
- Also under 1302.31
- NOW Foods Agar Powder
- Bob's Red Mill Agar-Agar Powder
- Sigma-Aldrich Bacteriological Agar
- Kanto Chemical Agar
- Eden Foods Agar Agar Flakes
Codes often confused with 1302.31
Common mistake. Other HS codes often confused with 130231 include: HS 130232 (Mucilages and thickeners; carrageenan, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products). Carrageenan is another common thickener derived from seaweed, but it is distinct from agar-agar and has its own specific subheading (130232). It is crucial not to confuse these two products. HS 130239 (Mucilages and thickeners; other, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products). This is a residual category for other vegetable-derived mucilages and thickeners not specifically enumerated. Since agar-agar has its own dedicated subheading (130231), it should not be classified here. HS 2938 (Glycosides, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives). While agar-agar is a complex carbohydrate, it is not typically classified as a glycoside under Chapter 29. Its primary classification is based on its function as a mucilage/thickener and its vegetable origin.
Top exporters and importers of HS 130231 (the code used for agar-agar), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 130231 (the code used for agar-agar) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 130231, not only agar-agar.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $79M 29% of world exports
- 2 Morocco $58M 22% of world exports
- 3 Spain $44M 16% of world exports
World total: $269M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $38M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $35M 14% of world imports
- 3 Spain $17M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $243M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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. 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 agar-agar
Brazil classifies agar-agar under NCM 1302.31.00: HS 1302.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about agar-agar
What is the HS code for Agar-agar?
The HS code for Agar-agar is 130231 (Mucilages and thickeners; agar-agar, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products). The Harmonized System (HS) code for agar-agar, including both unmodified and modified forms derived from vegetable products and used as mucilages or thickeners, is 130231.
How do I classify Agar-agar for customs?
Agar-agar is classified under HS code 130231 — Mucilages and thickeners; agar-agar, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS 130231 cover all forms of agar-agar?
Yes, HS 130231 covers agar-agar "whether or not modified." This means that various processed forms, such as powders, flakes, or strips, are included, provided they retain their identity as agar-agar and are derived from vegetable products for use as mucilages or thickeners.
Which countries are the top exporters of agar-agar (HS 130231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 130231 (the code used for agar-agar) in UN Comtrade data were China ($79M, 29% of world exports), Morocco ($58M) and Spain ($44M). World exports came to about $269M, 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 agar-agar (HS 130231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 130231 (the code used for agar-agar) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($38M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($35M) and Spain ($17M). World imports came to about $243M, 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.
Is the HS code for Agar-agar the same in all countries?
The base HS code 130231 for Agar-agar is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for agar-agar in Brazil?
In Brazil, agar-agar (HS 130231) is classified under NCM 1302.31.00.