HS Code for Corn starch

Corn starch is classified under HS code 1108.12. This code is part of Chapter 11, which encompasses products of the milling industry, including starches and inulin. Heading 1108 is dedicated to starches, and the subheading 1108.12 specifically identifies maize (corn) starch. The classification depends on the purity and the processing of the product. Native corn starch, obtained through the physical separation of the starch granules from the corn kernel (usually through a wet-milling process), remains strictly within 1108.12. This classification applies to starch in its dry, powdered form. It is important to note that corn starch used in pharmaceutical applications or as a binder in non-food industries still typically falls under this code unless it has been further processed into a specific chemical derivative. The Harmonized System requires that the product retains its essential character as a starch without chemical modification to remain in Chapter 11. If the starch has been pre-gelatinized or otherwise modified, it must be moved to a different chapter entirely.

Products Included

• Native maize (corn) starch
• Food-grade corn starch powder
• Industrial-grade corn starch for paper sizing
• Corn starch used as a thickener in culinary applications
• Unmodified corn starch for pharmaceutical excipients

Common Misclassification

Corn starch is often misclassified under HS code 3505.10, which covers dextrins and other modified starches. If the starch has been esterified, etherified, or chemically treated to change its properties, it belongs in 3505.10. Another error is using HS code 1901.90 for food preparations; however, pure corn starch is considered a raw material of the milling industry rather than a prepared food product. Distinguishing between native and modified starch is critical for correct duty application.

FAQ

What is the HS code for corn starch?

The HS code for native, unmodified corn starch is 1108.12.

Is corn starch the same as corn flour in HS classification?

No, corn flour is classified under HS code 1102.20. Corn starch (1108.12) is the extracted carbohydrate, while corn flour contains proteins and fibers from the whole kernel.