Product classification
HS code for Pectin: 1302.20
Pectic substances, pectinates and pectates.
Classification of pectin under HS 1302.20
Pectin, along with pectinates and pectates, is classified under HS code 130220. This classification is based on the product's definition as a vegetable extract. Chapter 13 of the Harmonized System covers lac, gums, resins, and other vegetable saps and extracts. Heading 1302 specifically includes vegetable saps and extracts, as well as pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates. Pectin is a structural heteropolysaccharide found in the primary cell walls of terrestrial plants, and for commercial use, it is typically extracted from citrus peels or apple pomace. The classification 130220 is precise and covers the substance regardless of its degree of esterification or whether it is in liquid or powder form. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, as the product is named specifically at the subheading level. As long as the pectin is not mixed with other ingredients (like sugar or fruit acids) in proportions that would turn it into a prepared food additive of Chapter 21, it remains in 130220.
- Covers
- High-methoxyl (HM) pectin
- Low-methoxyl (LM) pectin
- Amidated pectin
- Sodium pectate
- Calcium pectinate
- Liquid pectin extracts
- Powdered citrus pectin
- Also under 1302.20
- Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin
- Ball RealFruit Pectin
- Pomona's Universal Pectin
- Kraft Pectin
- Danisco Pectin
Codes often confused with 1302.20
Common mistake. Pectin is often misclassified under HS code 210690, which covers food preparations not elsewhere specified. This usually happens when the pectin is sold as a retail "jam setter" that contains sugar, citric acid, or dextrose. If the product is a mixture, it may leave Chapter 13. Another common error is HS code 170290, which covers other sugars and sugar syrups, sometimes used if the pectin is in a heavy syrup base. However, pure pectic substances must stay in 130220. Some also confuse it with agar-agar (130231) or other mucilages and thickeners (130239).
Top exporters and importers of HS 130220 (the code used for pectin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 130220 (the code used for pectin) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% 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 130220, not only pectin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $249M 33% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $99M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $85M 11% of world exports
World total: $751M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $189M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $56M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 France $52M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $960M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 pectin
Brazil splits HS 1302.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1302.20.10Pectin (pectic substances)
- 1302.20.90Pectinates and pectates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pectin
What is the HS code for Pectin?
The HS code for Pectin is 130220 (Pectic substances; pectinates and pectates). The international HS code for pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates is 130220.
How do I classify Pectin for customs?
Pectin is classified under HS code 130220 — Pectic substances; pectinates and pectates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is liquid pectin classified differently than powder?
No, both liquid and powdered forms of pure pectin are classified under HS code 130220, provided they are not mixed with other substances that change their classification to food preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of pectin (HS 130220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 130220 (the code used for pectin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($249M, 33% of world exports), Brazil ($99M) and China ($85M). World exports came to about $751M, 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 pectin (HS 130220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 130220 (the code used for pectin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($189M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($56M) and France ($52M). World imports came to about $960M, 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 Pectin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 130220 for Pectin 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 pectin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 130220 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for pectin depends on the product's details: 1302.20.10 (Pectin (pectic substances)), 1302.20.90 (Pectinates and pectates).