HS Code for Carob beans

Carob beans, also known as locust beans, are classified under HS code 1212.92. Chapter 12 covers oil seeds and fruit, miscellaneous grains, seeds, and fruit, and industrial or medicinal plants. Heading 1212 specifically includes locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet, and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried, whether or not ground. Subheading 1212.92 was created to specifically identify locust beans (carob). This classification applies to the raw or minimally processed pods and seeds. Even if the carob beans have been dried or ground into a coarse powder (kibbled carob), they remain under this code as long as they have not been further processed into a finished food preparation or chemical extract.

Products Included

• Whole dried carob pods
• Kibbled carob (broken pieces of pods)
• Raw carob seeds (locust beans)
• Ground carob pod powder (not chemically treated)
• Fresh carob fruit

Common Misclassification

Carob is frequently misclassified under HS code 1302.32, which covers mucilages and thickeners derived from locust beans (locust bean gum). While the gum comes from the seeds, the raw seeds and pods themselves belong in 1212.92. Another common error is using HS code 1806.90 for carob powder intended as a chocolate substitute. If the carob powder is pure and unmixed, it stays in 1212.92; if it is mixed with sugar or cocoa, it moves to Chapter 18 or 21.

FAQ

What is the HS code for carob beans?

The HS code for carob beans (locust beans) in their natural or ground state is 1212.92.

Is carob powder classified under the same code as the beans?

Yes, as long as the powder is simply ground carob pods without added ingredients, it is classified under 1212.92.