HS Code for Modified starch

Modified starches are classified under HS code 3505.10, which specifically covers dextrins and other starches that have been chemically or physically altered to change their functional properties. Unlike pure starches found in Chapter 11, which are obtained through simple extraction and remain in their natural state, modified starches in Chapter 35 have undergone treatments such as esterification, etherification, or oxidation. The Explanatory Notes for heading 35.05 clarify that this includes starches transformed by the action of heat, chemicals, or enzymes. This classification is essential for distinguishing between basic food ingredients and functional polymers used in industrial applications. The modification process is designed to enhance the starch's stability under different temperatures, increase its binding strength, or alter its viscosity. Common modifications include the creation of acid-thinned starch or oxidized starch used in the paper and textile industries. Because these products have been significantly altered from their original botanical state, they are removed from the agricultural categories of Chapter 11 and placed into the chemical-based categories of Chapter 35.

Products Included

• Dextrins (white and yellow)
• Acetylated distarch adipate
• Oxidized starches for paper coating
• Etherified or esterified starches
• Acid-treated or alkali-treated starches
• Bleached starches

Common Misclassification

Modified starch is most commonly misclassified under HS code 11.08, which is reserved for native or pure starches. The primary difference is the degree of processing; once a starch is chemically modified or converted into dextrin, it must move to 35.05. Another common error is classification under 38.09, which covers finishing agents used in the textile or paper industry. While modified starches are used in these industries, they remain specifically named in 35.05 unless they are mixed with other substances to form a multi-component finishing preparation.

FAQ

What is the HS code for modified starch?

The HS code for modified starch, including dextrins and chemically altered starches, is 3505.10.

Is pregelatinized starch classified under 3505.10?

Yes, pregelatinized starch is generally classified under 3505.10 because the process of pregelatinization involves heat treatment that modifies the starch's solubility and viscosity properties.