HS 130120 Gum Arabic
Quick Answer: Gum Arabic imported under HS 130120 enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free (ad valorem) or 1.1¢/kg. This HS code covers natural gum, specifically gum arabic, which is a water-soluble gum obtained from acacia trees. It is commonly used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Importers should note the specific US duty calculation based on weight for certain shipments. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1301200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1301200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1301200000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 130120 cover?
This subheading covers gum Arabic, also known as acacia gum. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes exudations from various species of the *Acacia* genus, typically in the form of tears or irregular lumps. The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the European Union's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to natural gum Arabic in its raw or processed forms, such as powdered or granulated, provided it retains its essential characteristics as gum Arabic and is not further prepared to be a finished product of another chapter.
What falls outside HS 130120?
The following products are excluded from HS 130120: modified gums or gums that have undergone significant chemical alteration beyond simple processing like drying or grinding, which would render them classifiable under other headings. For instance, chemically modified starches or dextrins, often used as thickeners, are typically classified under Chapter 35. Additionally, finished food preparations or pharmaceutical products containing gum Arabic as an ingredient are classified according to their primary function or nature, not under this raw material heading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 130120?
A common error is misclassifying processed gum Arabic that has been compounded with other substances or significantly altered chemically. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. If gum Arabic is mixed with other ingredients to create a specific functional product, such as a confectionary glaze or a pharmaceutical excipient, it should be classified under the heading for that finished product, not as raw gum Arabic.
How should importers classify products under HS 130120?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 130120 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and form. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed natural gum Arabic, derived from *Acacia* species, and has not undergone significant chemical modification or compounding. Consulting the WCO HS Nomenclature, relevant national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and obtaining a detailed product description from the supplier are crucial steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 130120?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of processed gum Arabic declared at a customs value of $500 USD would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00). This calculation is performed according to the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 130120?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 130120. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating gum Arabic from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for duty-free entry. Similarly, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) allows for reduced or duty-free entry for eligible products from designated developing countries, such as Sudan, which is a significant exporter. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the origin country and applicable agreement, is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for Gum Arabic (HS 130120) into the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Gum Arabic (HS 130120) is 0.00%. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the autonomous duty rate is also 0.00%. For the United Kingdom, the UK Global Tariff shows a duty rate of Free for this classification. It is crucial to verify these rates against the most current official tariff schedules as they can be subject to change. Always consult the USITC Tariff Schedule, the EU TARIC database, or the UK Trade Tariff respectively for the definitive rates applicable at the time of import.
How is Gum Arabic (HS 130120) classified, and what are the key criteria to ensure correct classification?
Gum Arabic, also known as Acacia gum, is classified under HS code 130120 as 'Gum, natural, resins, gum-resins and balsams (including tragacanth, gum arabic, myrrh and asafoetida, natural, and their preparations).' The primary classification criterion is that the product must be a natural gum or resin derived from plants, specifically the exudations of Acacia trees. The product should be in its natural state or in primary forms such as lumps, powders, or granules, without significant chemical modification beyond basic processing like cleaning or grinding. Impurities should be minimal. Misclassification can occur if the product is a synthetic substitute or has undergone substantial chemical alteration, which would place it in a different chapter of the Harmonized System.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing Gum Arabic (HS 130120) into the US, EU, or UK?
While specific documentation can vary by importing country and the nature of the shipment, standard requirements for importing Gum Arabic (HS 130120) typically include a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. For customs clearance, a declaration of origin is essential. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the exporter's location, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or a technical data sheet to substantiate the HS classification if requested by customs authorities. Always check the specific import requirements of the destination country's customs agency.
How is the duty calculated for Gum Arabic (HS 130120) if a specific duty rate like 1.1¢/kg is applied, for example, into Canada?
In countries like Canada, where a specific duty rate might be applied, the duty is calculated based on the net weight of the imported goods. For instance, if Canada applied a rate of 1.1¢/kg (Canadian cents per kilogram) on Gum Arabic (HS 130120), and an importer brought in 10,000 kilograms of Gum Arabic, the calculation would be: 10,000 kg × 1.1¢/kg = 11,000¢. This amount would then be converted to Canadian dollars. 11,000¢ is equivalent to $110.00 CAD. This specific duty rate is applied regardless of the value of the goods, unlike ad valorem duties which are based on a percentage of the value. It is essential to confirm the exact rate and currency from official Canadian customs sources (e.g., Canada Border Services Agency).
Do trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) or other bilateral agreements, offer preferential duty rates for Gum Arabic (HS 130120) originating from certain countries?
Yes, trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for Gum Arabic (HS 130120). For example, if Gum Arabic is sourced from a country that is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the importing country is also a signatory, preferential duty rates (potentially 0%) might be applicable, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the agreement. Similarly, bilateral trade agreements between countries (e.g., a Free Trade Agreement between an African producer nation and the EU or US) could offer reduced or eliminated tariffs. To benefit from these preferences, importers must obtain a valid Certificate of Origin and ensure the Gum Arabic meets the specific rules of origin criteria outlined in the relevant trade agreement. Consulting the official text of the trade agreement and the customs authorities of the importing country is crucial.