What is the HS code for gum arabic?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 13
HS chapter 13: Lac; gums; saps
Section II — Vegetable products
Goods classified under HS-13 include lac, natural gums, resins, and vegetable extracts. For instance, if you're importing gum arabic in bulk for food processing, this chapter is crucial for determining the correct tariff classification.
To drill down to HS-4 codes, start by identifying the product type. If your product is a natural gum, you would look at 1301 for lac and resins. If it’s a vegetable extract like agar-agar, you’d move to 1302. Pay attention to the specific descriptions to avoid misclassification.
Next, examine the notes associated with each HS-4 code. For example, some natural gums may have specific requirements or exclusions that affect their classification. Understanding these nuances helps ensure compliance and accurate duty assessment.
Finally, consider the end-use of your product. If your gum is intended for food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals, this can influence which HS-6 code you select. Always verify with your broker or customs authority if you’re unsure.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
HS-13 classification · lac imports · natural gums · resins and extracts · vegetable saps · gum arabic tariff · pectin classification · balsam products · agar-agar usage · vegetable thickeners · customs codes for resins · tariff codes for gums · importing vegetable extracts · HS-4 codes for lac · HS-6 codes for resins
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Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.
Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- classification of vegetable saps and extracts
- importing natural gums and resins
- understanding HS-13 for trade
- how to classify gum-resins for customs
- specific uses for agar-agar in trade
- tariff classification for pectic substances
- guidance on HS-4 codes for resins
- how to select HS-6 codes for vegetable products
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Bulk shipment of gum arabic for food manufacturing
- Natural resin used in varnish production
- Lac for use in traditional crafts
- Pectin derived from fruits for jam production
- Agar-agar for use in laboratory settings
- Vegetable thickeners for cosmetic formulations
- Balsam used in perfumery
- Gum-resin for incense production
Common classification questions
How do I classify natural resins for import?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Are there specific notes for vegetable extracts?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What products fall under HS-13?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
How to determine the correct HS-4 code?
Pick the chapter first, then compare heading wording and exclusions before choosing an HS-6 line.
What are the tariff rates for lac?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are included in HS-13?
- HS-13 includes lac, natural gums, resins, and various vegetable extracts such as pectin and agar-agar.
- How do I find the correct HS-4 code for my product?
- Identify the product type and check the descriptions under HS-1301 for gums and resins, or HS-1302 for vegetable extracts.
- Are there specific customs notes I should be aware of?
- Yes, each HS-4 code may have specific notes that outline exclusions or requirements for classification.
- What if my product has multiple uses?
- Consider the primary end-use of your product when selecting the HS-6 code, as this can impact classification.
- Can I classify gums used in cosmetics under HS-13?
- Yes, HS-13 can apply to gums used in cosmetics, but verify the specific HS-4 code based on the product's characteristics.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 13 (2)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
Browse first heading (HS-4 1301)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (1301). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.