Product classification

HS code for Gum Arabic: 1301.20

Gum Arabic.

Classification of gum Arabic under HS 1301.20

Gum Arabic is classified under HS code 1301.20. This code is situated within Chapter 13, which encompasses lac, natural gums, resins, and other vegetable saps and extracts. Gum Arabic is a natural exudate obtained from Acacia trees, specifically Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. The classification is straightforward because 1301.20 is a specific subheading dedicated solely to this substance. Under GRI 1, the specific nomenclature takes precedence over more general headings. The product must be in its natural state or have undergone only basic cleaning, drying, or sorting to remain in this heading. If the gum has been further processed into a chemical derivative or a prepared adhesive, it might move to Chapter 35. However, for the vast majority of international trade involving raw, purified, or kibbled acacia gum, 1301.20 is the definitive code used by customs authorities worldwide. The classification applies to the gum regardless of its final application, whether it is intended for use in the food industry as a stabilizer, in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder, or in the printing industry for lithography.

Covers
  • Raw Gum Arabic (Acacia gum)
  • Purified or cleaned Gum Arabic
  • Kibbled Gum Arabic
  • Powdered Gum Arabic (unprocessed further)
  • Acacia senegal exudates
  • Acacia seyal exudates
  • Granulated natural acacia gum
Also under 1301.20
  • Nexira Gum Arabic
  • Kerry Gum Arabic
  • TIC Gums Gum Arabic

Codes often confused with 1301.20

Common mistake. Gum Arabic is often confused with vegetable saps and extracts of heading 1302. However, 1301 specifically covers natural gums, resins, and gum-resins. Another common misclassification is with dextrins and other modified starches or glues under HS code 3505. If the Gum Arabic has been chemically modified or prepared as a retail-ready adhesive, it may fall under 3505 or 3506. It is also distinct from locust bean gum or guar gum, which are classified under 1302.32 based on their botanical origin and processing.

13.02Vegetable saps and extracts; pectic substances, pectinates and pectates; agar-agar and other mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products13.01Lac; natural gums, resins, gum-resins and oleoresins (for example, balsams)35.05Dextrins and other modified starches (e.g. pregelatinised or esterified starches); glues based on starches or on dextrins or other modified starches35.06Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, n.e.c. or included; products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding 1kg net weight1302.32Mucilages and thickeners; whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds

Top exporters and importers of HS 130120 (the code used for gum Arabic), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 130120 (the code used for gum Arabic) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 24% 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 130120, not only gum Arabic.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 France $244M
  2. 2 Sudan* ~$157M
  3. 3 Chad* ~$93M

World total: $640M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $155M
  2. 2 United States $94M
  3. 3 India $71M

World total: $659M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 gum Arabic

Brazil classifies gum Arabic under NCM 1301.20.00: HS 1301.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about gum Arabic

What is the HS code for Gum Arabic?

The HS code for Gum Arabic is 130120 (Gum Arabic). The HS code for Gum Arabic is 1301.20, which is the specific subheading for this natural acacia exudate.

How do I classify Gum Arabic for customs?

Gum Arabic is classified under HS code 130120 — Gum Arabic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the HS code change if the gum is powdered?

Generally, no. As long as the powdering is a physical process and no chemical modification has occurred, it remains under 1301.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of gum Arabic (HS 130120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 130120 (the code used for gum Arabic) in UN Comtrade data were France ($244M, 38% of world exports), Sudan (about $157M) and Chad (about $93M). World exports came to about $640M, 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 gum Arabic (HS 130120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 130120 (the code used for gum Arabic) in UN Comtrade data were France ($155M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($94M) and India ($71M). World imports came to about $659M, 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 Gum Arabic the same in all countries?

The base HS code 130120 for Gum Arabic 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 gum Arabic in Brazil?

In Brazil, gum Arabic (HS 130120) is classified under NCM 1301.20.00.