Product classification
HS code for Plant-based thickeners: 1302.39
Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products, n.e.c. in item no. 1302.3.
Classification of plant-based thickeners under HS 1302.39
Plant-based thickeners and mucilages are classified under HS code 1302.39. This code is part of Chapter 13, which covers vegetable saps and extracts, pectic substances, and mucilages. Specifically, heading 1302 is for vegetable saps and extracts, and the 1302.30 series is dedicated to mucilages and thickeners derived from vegetable products. Subheading 1302.39 serves as a residual category for thickeners that are not specifically named in other subheadings, such as agar-agar (1302.31) or modified locust bean and guar gum (1302.32). These products are typically used in the food industry to provide texture, in pharmaceuticals as binders, or in textiles as sizing agents. To be classified here, the product must be derived from a vegetable source and retain its character as a natural thickener, even if it has been modified by heat or minor chemical processes to improve its solubility or viscosity properties.
- Covers
- Pectin-based thickeners not elsewhere specified
- Psyllium husk mucilage
- Modified vegetable-derived thickening agents
- Tamarind seed kernel powder
- Carrageenan-based preparations (if not 1302.39 in specific regions)
- Also under 1302.39
- NOW Foods Gum Arabic
- Frontier Co-op Gum Tragacanth
- Cargill Carrageenan
- TIC Gums Tara Gum
- Simply Gum Arabic
Codes often confused with 1302.39
Common mistake. These products are often misclassified under HS code 3505, which covers dextrins and other modified starches. While both are thickeners, 3505 is for starch-based products, whereas 1302.39 is for non-starch vegetable mucilages. Another common error is using 1108 for pure starches. Additionally, if the thickener is a highly processed chemical additive, it might be moved to Chapter 38 or 39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 130239 (the code used for plant-based thickeners), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 130239 (the code used for plant-based thickeners) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.5% 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 130239, not only plant-based thickeners.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $504M 34% of world exports
- 2 Philippines $199M 13% of world exports
- 3 Spain $136M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $118M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $90M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Spain $83M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 plant-based thickeners
Brazil splits HS 1302.39 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1302.39.10Carrageenan (Irish moss)
- 1302.39.90Other vegetable mucilages and thickeners
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plant-based thickeners
What is the HS code for Plant-based thickeners?
The HS code for Plant-based thickeners is 130239 (Mucilages and thickeners; whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products, n.e.c. in item no. 1302.3). The HS code for vegetable-derived mucilages and thickeners (other than agar-agar or guar gum) is 1302.39.
How do I classify Plant-based thickeners for customs?
Plant-based thickeners is classified under HS code 130239 — Mucilages and thickeners; whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products, n.e.c. in item no. 1302.3. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cornstarch classified under this code?
No, cornstarch is a pure starch and is classified under HS code 1108.12, not as a vegetable extract or mucilage.
Which countries are the top exporters of plant-based thickeners (HS 130239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 130239 (the code used for plant-based thickeners) in UN Comtrade data were China ($504M, 34% of world exports), the Philippines ($199M) and Spain ($136M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 plant-based thickeners (HS 130239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 130239 (the code used for plant-based thickeners) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($118M, 8.5% of world imports), Germany ($90M) and Spain ($83M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Plant-based thickeners the same in all countries?
The base HS code 130239 for Plant-based thickeners 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 plant-based thickeners in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 130239 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plant-based thickeners depends on the product's details: 1302.39.10 (Carrageenan (Irish moss)), 1302.39.90 (Other vegetable mucilages and thickeners).