Product classification
HS code for Locust bean gum: 1302.32
Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds.
Classification of locust bean gum under HS 1302.32
Locust bean gum is classified under HS code 1302.32 as a vegetable mucilage or thickener. Chapter 13 encompasses vegetable saps and extracts, including pectic substances and agar-agar. Heading 1302 specifically covers vegetable saps and extracts, as well as mucilages and thickeners derived from vegetable products. Subheading 1302.32 is dedicated to mucilages and thickeners derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds, or guar seeds, whether or not they have been modified. The classification depends on the extraction and processing of the endosperm of the seeds. Even if the gum has been modified (for example, by etherification or esterification) to improve its thickening properties or solubility, it remains within this code as long as it retains its character as a vegetable-derived thickener. This classification is guided by Note 1 to Chapter 13, which distinguishes between extracts and other vegetable products. Because locust bean gum is a mucilage obtained from the seeds, it is specifically named in the 1302.32 subheading, which also includes guar gum. The technical nature of the product as a hydrocolloid used in food and industrial applications defines its placement here.
- Covers
- Refined locust bean gum powder
- Modified locust bean gum
- Guar gum (endosperm flour)
- Modified guar gum
- Mucilages derived from Carob seeds
- Thickeners derived from locust bean seeds
- Also under 1302.32
- Bob's Red Mill Guar Gum
- NOW Foods Guar Gum
- TIC Gums Guar Gum
- Cargill Locust Bean Gum
- DuPont Danisco LBG
Codes often confused with 1302.32
Common mistake. Locust bean gum is frequently misclassified under 1212.91, which covers the actual locust beans (carob) themselves. However, once the beans are processed to extract the gum from the endosperm, the product must be moved to Chapter 13. Another common error is using 1302.31, which is specifically for agar-agar, or 1302.39, which is for other mucilages like carrageenan. It is vital to distinguish the botanical source (locust bean or guar) to apply 1302.32 correctly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 130232 (the code used for locust bean gum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 130232 (the code used for locust bean gum) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 130232, not only locust bean gum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $408M 45% of world exports
- 2 Spain $84M 9.4% of world exports
- 3 Italy $71M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $897M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $182M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $90M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$81M 8.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $932M 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 codes for locust bean gum
Brazil splits HS 1302.32 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1302.32.11Locust bean gum (endosperm flour)
- 1302.32.19Other locust bean mucilages and thickeners
- 1302.32.20Guar gum and guar seed thickeners
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about locust bean gum
What is the HS code for Locust bean gum?
The HS code for Locust bean gum is 130232 (Mucilages and thickeners; whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds). The HS code for locust bean gum is 1302.32, which also includes guar gum.
How do I classify Locust bean gum for customs?
Locust bean gum is classified under HS code 130232 — Mucilages and thickeners; whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is modified locust bean gum classified differently?
No, subheading 1302.32 specifically includes these mucilages and thickeners "whether or not modified," meaning chemical modifications for industrial use do not change the HS code.
Which countries are the top exporters of locust bean gum (HS 130232)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 130232 (the code used for locust bean gum) in UN Comtrade data were India ($408M, 45% of world exports), Spain ($84M) and Italy ($71M). World exports came to about $897M, 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 locust bean gum (HS 130232)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 130232 (the code used for locust bean gum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($182M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($90M) and Russia (about $81M). World imports came to about $932M, 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 Locust bean gum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 130232 for Locust bean gum 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 locust bean gum in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 130232 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for locust bean gum depends on the product's details: 1302.32.11 (Locust bean gum (endosperm flour)), 1302.32.19 (Other locust bean mucilages and thickeners), 1302.32.20 (Guar gum and guar seed thickeners).