Product classification
HS code for Vegetable thickeners: 1302.39
Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products, n.e.c. in item no. 1302.3.
Classification of vegetable thickeners under HS 1302.39
Vegetable thickeners and mucilages are classified under HS code 1302.39. This classification is part of Chapter 13, which covers lac, gums, resins, and other vegetable saps and extracts. Heading 1302 specifically includes vegetable saps and extracts, pectic substances, and mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products. Subheading 1302.39 is the residual category for those thickeners that are not agar-agar (1302.31) or modified/unmodified locust bean seeds and guar seeds (1302.32). These products are essential in various industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where they are used to modify texture, increase viscosity, or stabilize emulsions. The classification includes products that have been modified by heat or chemical treatment to enhance their thickening properties, provided they maintain their essential character as vegetable-derived mucilages. The determination of this code relies on GIR 1 and 6, focusing on the origin of the material and its functional use as a thickening agent that is not more specifically described elsewhere in the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Carrageenan and other algae extracts (if not 1302.31)
- Alginic acid and alginates
- Pectin and pectinates
- Modified vegetable gums (excluding guar and locust bean)
- Quince seed mucilage
- Psyllium husk mucilage
- 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. Vegetable thickeners are frequently misclassified under Chapter 35, particularly heading 3505, which covers dextrins and other modified starches. While both serve as thickeners, starches are chemically distinct from the mucilages and pectic substances of Chapter 13. Another common error is misclassifying unmodified guar gum or locust bean gum under 1302.39, when they should be under 1302.32. Additionally, if the thickener is a prepared food additive containing other ingredients like sugar or flavorings, it may be classified under 2106.90 as a food preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 130239 (the code used for vegetable thickeners), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 130239 (the code used for vegetable 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 vegetable 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 vegetable 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 vegetable thickeners
What is the HS code for Vegetable thickeners?
The HS code for Vegetable 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 thickeners and mucilages, not elsewhere specified, is 1302.39.
How do I classify Vegetable thickeners for customs?
Vegetable 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.
Are all seaweed-based thickeners classified here?
No. Agar-agar is specifically classified under 1302.31. Other seaweed extracts like carrageenan or alginates typically fall under 1302.39.
Which countries are the top exporters of vegetable thickeners (HS 130239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 130239 (the code used for vegetable 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 vegetable thickeners (HS 130239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 130239 (the code used for vegetable 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 Vegetable thickeners the same in all countries?
The base HS code 130239 for Vegetable 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 vegetable thickeners in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 130239 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vegetable thickeners depends on the product's details: 1302.39.10 (Carrageenan (Irish moss)), 1302.39.90 (Other vegetable mucilages and thickeners).