HS 130231 Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products
Quick Answer: Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products, imported under HS 130231 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at Free under the MFN rate, with a potential 25% duty also applicable in the US. This classification covers substances like gums, pectins, and starches that are used to increase viscosity or form gels, typically sourced from plants. Importers should be aware of potential variations in US duty rates and consult specific tariff schedules for precise application. According to CustomTariffs data, while the primary rates in the UK and EU are duty-free, due diligence is crucial for US entries.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1302310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1302310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1302310000 | 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 130231 cover?
This subheading covers mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this includes substances like agar-agar, pectin, and gums (e.g., gum arabic, tragacanth) obtained from plants, which are used for their gelling, thickening, or emulsifying properties. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, encompassing processed or unprocessed vegetable extracts that function as stabilizers or thickening agents in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
What falls outside HS 130231?
The following products are excluded from HS 130231: starches and inulin (classified under Chapter 11), dextrins and other soluble or roasted starches (HS 3505), and products derived from animals or microorganisms. For instance, gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, is classified under HS 3503. Similarly, microbial polysaccharides like xanthan gum, while acting as thickeners, are typically classified under HS 3913 as synthetic polymers or modified natural polymers, depending on their specific processing and chemical structure.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 130231?
A common error is misclassifying modified starches or cellulose derivatives. While HS 130231 covers vegetable-derived mucilages and thickeners, modified starches, even if derived from vegetables, are often classified under HS 3505 if they have undergone chemical or physical modification to alter their properties. Similarly, cellulose ethers, which are chemically modified cellulose, are generally classified under HS 3912. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3 for mixtures and GRI 6 for specific tariff provisions is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 130231?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 130231 involves a thorough examination of the product's origin and function. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the substance is derived from a vegetable source and if its primary use is as a mucilage or thickener. Reviewing product specifications, technical data sheets, and consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC are essential steps. If the product is a mixture, GRI 3 should be applied to determine the essential character.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 130231?
A shipment of 100 kilograms of 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 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 3.5% of $500 USD = $17.50. However, if the product is valued by weight, and the MFN rate is, for example, $0.35 per kilogram, the duty would be $0.35/kg × 100 kg = $35.00. This specific rate would be found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 130231?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 130231, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating products from Canada and Mexico can enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. For products originating from developing countries under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a Form A certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential rates, which can range from reduced percentages to duty-free entry depending on the specific country and product.
```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 HS code 130231, 'Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products'?
Import duty rates for HS code 130231 can vary significantly depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For instance, under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the General (MFN) duty rate is Free. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is 0.00%. The UK Trade Tariff also lists a 0.00% duty rate for this classification. However, other countries may have different rates; for example, a rate of 25% is a possible duty rate in some jurisdictions. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their destination country and consider any preferential trade agreements.
How is the duty for HS code 130231 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 130231 typically depends on whether the duty is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination. Assuming a hypothetical scenario where a country imposes a 5% ad valorem duty on a shipment of modified vegetable mucilage valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = 5% of $10,000 = $500. If there were also a specific duty, for example, $0.10 per kilogram, and the shipment weighed 500 kg, an additional $50 (500 kg * $0.10/kg) would be added. The total duty would then be $500 + $50 = $550. Always confirm the specific duty calculation method and rates with the customs authority of the importing country.
What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 130231?
HS code 130231 covers mucilages and thickeners that are derived from vegetable products, whether or not they have been chemically modified. The primary criteria are: 1. Origin: The substance must be derived from vegetable matter (e.g., seeds, roots, gums, or exudates of plants). 2. Function: The substance must function as a mucilage or a thickener, meaning it has the property of absorbing water to form a gel or increasing the viscosity of a liquid. 3. Form: It can be in various forms, such as powders, granules, or pastes. 4. Modification: The product may be chemically or physically modified to enhance its properties, but it must still retain its fundamental vegetable origin and thickening/mucilaginous characteristics. Products not meeting these criteria, such as those derived from animal sources or synthetic polymers, would be classified elsewhere.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing products classified under HS code 130231?
While specific requirements can vary by country, importers and customs brokers should generally be prepared to provide the following documentation for goods classified under HS code 130231: 1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods. 2. Packing List: Outlining the contents of each package. 3. Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: Transportation document. 4. Certificate of Origin: To verify the country of origin, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed. 5. Product Specification Sheet/Technical Data Sheet: This is crucial for demonstrating that the product is indeed a vegetable-derived mucilage or thickener and meets the criteria for HS 130231. It should detail the source material and any modifications. 6. Phytosanitary Certificate: Depending on the specific vegetable source and the importing country's regulations, a phytosanitary certificate may be required to ensure the product is free from pests and diseases.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 130231?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 130231 are often available through various trade agreements. For example: 1. United States: The USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer preferential treatment for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) the US is party to could also apply. 2. European Union: Goods originating from countries with an Association Agreement or a Free Trade Agreement with the EU may benefit from reduced or zero duties. Examples include agreements with countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and various Mediterranean and African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. 3. United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK has established its own set of trade agreements, including the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and others with countries like Japan, Australia, and Singapore. Importers must ensure the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to qualify for preferential treatment.