HS Code for Guar gum

Guar gum is classified under HS code 130232, which covers mucilages and thickeners derived from vegetable products. Specifically, this code includes products derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds, or guar seeds, whether or not they have been modified. Guar gum is a galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm of the guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). The classification under 130232 is appropriate because the product is a natural vegetable mucilage used primarily for its thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Even if the guar gum has been modified (e.g., by etherification or esterification) to enhance its solubility or viscosity, it remains within this heading as long as it retains its character as a vegetable thickener. This classification is distinct from starches or flours, as it focuses on the mucilaginous nature of the extract rather than the nutritional or structural properties of the whole seed flour.

Products Included

• Refined guar gum powder
• Modified guar gum (e.g., hydroxypropyl guar)
• Guar gum splits
• Food-grade guar gum thickener
• Industrial-grade guar gum for oil drilling

Common Misclassification

Guar gum is frequently misclassified under 1106.10, which covers flour, meal, and powder of the dried leguminous vegetables. However, because guar gum is an extract (mucilage) rather than a simple ground seed, 130232 is the correct code. It is also sometimes confused with 3505.10, which covers modified starches and glues, but 130232 takes precedence for products derived specifically from guar seeds.

FAQ

What is the HS code for guar gum?

The HS code for guar gum, whether in powder or split form, is 130232.

Is industrial-grade guar gum classified differently than food-grade?

No, both food-grade and industrial-grade guar gum are classified under HS code 130232, as the classification is based on the origin and nature of the substance rather than its end-use purity.