HS Code 130231
Agar-Agar (Vegetable Thickeners)
HS code 130231 is used for agar-agar derived from red seaweed, functioning as a thickener and gelling agent for food, laboratory, and industrial use.
6-digit Section IILCL
HS Code 130231 — Agar-Agar (Vegetable Thickeners)
Agar-agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae. It serves as a vegan alternative to gelatine and is extensively used in culinary applications, microbiology culture media, and industrial thickeners.
What's included
- Agar-agar in strips
- Agar-agar powder
- Modified agar-agar
- Bacteriological agar
What's excluded
- Animal gelatine → use
350300(Derived from animal collagen, not vegetable sources.) - Carrageenan → use
130239(Specifically classified under other mucilages and thickeners.)
Common examples
- Vegan agar-agar flakes
- Microbiological grade agar
- Kanten powder
- Agar-agar bars
Frequently asked questions
Can I classify dried seaweed here?
No, dried seaweed is classified in 1212. HS code 130231 is reserved for the extracted mucilage/thickener.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0% - 10%
- Documentation: Health certificates may be required for food-grade agar-agar imports.
- Typical shipping mode: LCL
- Top exporters: China, Chile, Morocco, Spain
- Top importers: United States, Germany, Russia
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
Vegan gelling agent derived from seaweed, distinct from animal-based gelatine.
Related HS codes
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