What is HS code for agar-agar?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
130231
Mucilages and thickeners; agar-agar, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products
Heading 1302 — Vegetable saps and extracts; pectic substances, pectinates and pectates; agar-agar and other mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from vegetable products
Chapter 13: Lac; gums; saps
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 130231 when importing or exporting agar-agar, a natural thickening agent derived from seaweed. For instance, if you're shipping agar-agar powder in bulk for use in food production, this code applies.
This code specifically covers mucilages and thickeners like agar-agar, distinguishing them from other vegetable extracts that may not serve the same thickening purpose. For example, HS-6 130232 covers other types of thickeners that may not be derived from agar.
Agar-agar is commonly used in the food industry for jellies, desserts, and as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. If your product is a plant-based gel or thickener, check if it fits under this HS-6.
When classifying your product, consider whether it is modified or unmodified agar-agar, as this can affect its classification. Always ensure that your product description aligns with the specific characteristics outlined in this HS code.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
agar-agar shipping · vegetable thickeners · mucilages classification · food industry thickeners · natural gelling agents · seaweed extracts · plant-based gel · bulk agar-agar · modified agar-agar · thickening agents · gelatin substitutes · food-grade agar · agar-agar for desserts · agar-agar in laboratories · vegetarian thickeners
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Agar-agar powder used in vegan desserts
- Bulk shipments of agar-agar flakes for food manufacturing
- Agar-agar bars for culinary applications
- Agar-agar gel used in laboratory settings
- Packaged agar-agar products for retail sale
- Agar-agar as a thickener in sauces and soups
- Agar-agar used in microbiological culture media
- Agar-agar derived from red algae for food processing
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify agar-agar for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is agar-agar modified or unmodified?
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What products use HS-6 130231?
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Can I use HS-6 130231 for food applications?
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What are mucilages and thickeners?
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How to ship agar-agar internationally?
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Are there different HS codes for thickeners?
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Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to determine if my product is agar-agar?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What are the requirements for shipping agar-agar?
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Differences between HS-6 130231 and 130232
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Is agar-agar considered a food additive?
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How to classify vegetable-derived thickeners?
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What documentation is needed for agar-agar imports?
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Can agar-agar be modified for different uses?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Examples of products classified under HS-6 130231
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against 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 fall under HS-6 130231?
- HS-6 130231 covers agar-agar in various forms, including powder, flakes, and bars, used primarily as a thickening agent in food and other applications.
- Is there a difference between modified and unmodified agar-agar?
- Yes, modified agar-agar has undergone processing to change its properties, while unmodified agar-agar retains its natural characteristics.
- Can I use HS-6 130231 for agar-agar used in cosmetics?
- No, HS-6 130231 specifically applies to food-grade agar-agar. For cosmetics, you may need a different classification.
- What documentation do I need for importing agar-agar?
- You typically need a commercial invoice, packing list, and possibly a certificate of analysis to confirm the product's specifications.
- How do I know if my agar-agar product is classified correctly?
- Ensure your product description matches the characteristics of agar-agar as outlined in HS-6 130231 and consult with a customs broker if unsure.
- Are there any restrictions on importing agar-agar?
- Generally, agar-agar is not restricted, but check local regulations and import requirements to ensure compliance.
- What is the main use of agar-agar in the food industry?
- Agar-agar is primarily used as a gelling agent in desserts, jellies, and as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin.
- Can I export agar-agar to any country?
- Most countries allow agar-agar imports, but it's essential to verify specific regulations and import restrictions in the destination country.
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