HS 130220 Pectic substances, pectinates and pectates
Quick Answer: Pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates imported under HS 130220 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 19.20% ad valorem, and the US at 25% ad valorem under the MFN rate. This HS code covers naturally occurring complex carbohydrates derived from plant cell walls, primarily used as gelling agents, thickeners, and stabilizers in food products like jams, jellies, and dairy. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity between major trading blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of understanding specific national tariff schedules for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1302200000 | — | — | — |
| 1302201000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1302201013 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1302201015 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 1302201061 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1302201000 | 19.20 % | — | — |
| 1302201069 | 19.20 % | — | — |
| 1302201071 | 19.20 % | — | — |
| 1302201079 | 19.20 % | — | — |
| 1302200000 | — | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1302200000 | 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 130220 cover?
This subheading covers pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature. These are derived from plant material, primarily fruits like apples and citrus, and are characterized by their ability to form gels. Official definitions, such as those found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, confirm that this category includes purified forms of pectic acid and its salts (pectinates and pectates), often used as gelling agents, thickeners, or stabilizers in food and pharmaceutical applications, with a typical purity exceeding 50% on a dry weight basis.
What falls outside HS 130220?
The following products are excluded from HS 130220: raw or unprocessed fruit pulps or juices that contain pectin but have not undergone extraction and purification processes, and products where pectin is merely an incidental component. For instance, whole fruits, fruit concentrates, or simple fruit purees are classified elsewhere, typically in Chapter 20. Additionally, modified pectins or pectin derivatives that have undergone significant chemical alteration beyond salt formation may fall under different headings, depending on the nature of the modification and their primary function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 130220?
A common error is misclassifying pectin-containing products that have not been sufficiently purified or processed to meet the definition of "pectic substances." This often occurs when fruit preparations or concentrates are mistakenly entered under 130220 instead of Chapter 20. Furthermore, confusion can arise with other hydrocolloids like agar-agar or carrageenan, which have distinct chemical structures and are classified under different HS codes. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 130220?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 130220 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition, processing, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official HS Explanatory Notes, the WCO's Classification Opinions, and national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. Key factors include determining if the product is a purified pectic substance, pectinate, or pectate, and verifying its origin from plant material. Reviewing the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and product technical data sheets is essential to confirm these characteristics.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 130220?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of food-grade pectin, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $350.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($5,000 USD × 0.035 = $175.00), and a specific duty of $0.35 per kilogram ($0.35/kg × 1,000 kg = $350.00). The higher of the two duties applies, resulting in a total duty of $350.00. This is calculated using the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 130220?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 130220. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), originating goods may be admitted duty-free. Similarly, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement generally provides for preferential duty rates, often Free, for originating goods. Top origin countries benefiting from these preferences for pectin could include Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA certification of origin or an EUR.1 movement certificate, as applicable per jurisdiction, 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 primary import duty rates for HS code 130220 (Pectic substances, pectinates and pectates) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 130220 is 0.00% ad valorem. This classification is based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Importers should always verify the most current rates on the US International Trade Commission (USITC) website. There are no additional duties or taxes typically applied at the federal level for this product under normal trade conditions.
How is HS code 130220 calculated for customs duty purposes, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 130220 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of pectinates valued at $10,000 USD enters the United States and the MFN duty rate is 0.00%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.00% = $0.00 USD. If, hypothetically, a different country applied a 3.5% ad valorem duty, the calculation would be $10,000 USD * 3.5% = $350.00 USD.
What documentation is typically required for importing pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates under HS code 130220?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 130220 generally includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and destination, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if preferential duty rates are being claimed under a free trade agreement. For food-grade pectin, importers may also need to provide documentation confirming compliance with food safety regulations, such as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) entry submission in the United States.
Are there specific classification criteria that distinguish pectic substances, pectinates, and pectates under HS code 130220 from other related products?
Yes, HS code 130220 specifically covers 'Pectic substances, pectinates and pectates'. Pectic substances are complex carbohydrates found in plant cell walls, primarily composed of galacturonic acid units. Pectinates and pectates are salts or esters derived from pectic acid. Classification hinges on the chemical nature and processing of the material. Products that are primarily fruit juices or concentrates, even if they contain natural pectin, would likely be classified elsewhere. The key is that the product is specifically extracted or derived pectic substances, not simply a component within a more complex food product.
Do common trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 130220?
Preferential duty rates under trade agreements depend on the specific agreement and the country of origin of the goods. For example, if originating from a country that is a party to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and if the goods meet the rules of origin, they may qualify for duty-free entry into the United States, even if the standard MFN rate were not 0.00%. Similarly, the European Union has numerous trade agreements that could reduce or eliminate duties on these products depending on their origin. Importers must consult the relevant trade agreement text and country of origin rules to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.