What Is the HS Code for Guar Gum?

The Harmonized System (HS) code for guar gum is 1302.32, which falls under Chapter 13 of the HS Nomenclature ("Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts"). The 6-digit international code 1302.32 is used worldwide. Some countries extend this to 8 or 10 digits for domestic classification — for example, India uses 1302.32.90 for most guar gum shipments, while US HTSUS uses 1302.32.0040.

Breaking Down HS Code 1302.32

The full description under HS 1302.32 is "Mucilages and thickeners, whether or not modified, derived from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds." This covers: standard guar gum powder, guar splits, and derivatized guar (HPG, CMHPG, CMG). HS 1302.32 is distinct from: 1301 (natural gum resins), 1302.39 (other mucilages — including xanthan gum, which is 3913.90), and 2309 (animal feed, which includes guar meal/korma).

Guar Gum Export Grade Classifications

While they all ship under the same HS code, guar gum is sold in several distinct commercial grades, each with its own spec sheet and typical application:

Food Grade

Food-grade guar gum is used in food manufacturing globally. Spec: viscosity 3500–5000 cps, 200 mesh, moisture ≤12%, tight microbial limits (TPC ≤5,000 cfu/g, absence of E. coli, Salmonella), heavy metals ≤10 ppm. Produced in FSSAI, HACCP, ISO 22000 certified facilities. See our guide to guar gum uses in food.

Pharmaceutical Grade

Pharma-grade is used in tablet binding, controlled-release formulations and nutraceutical fiber supplements. Spec: viscosity 3500–5500 cps, finer mesh (300+), tighter microbial controls (TPC ≤1000 cfu/g), heavy metals ≤5 ppm. Produced to USP, EP or JP pharmacopeial standards depending on destination market. Lot-to-lot variation is tightly controlled.

Industrial Grade (Oil & Gas)

The highest-viscosity grade, used in hydraulic fracturing fluids and drilling mud. Spec: 5500–6000+ cps, 100–200 mesh, fast-hydrating varieties for cold-mix frac operations. Microbial and heavy-metal specs are looser than food grade. See our guar gum for oil & gas drilling guide.

Derivatized Grades: HPG, CMHPG, CMG

Hydroxypropyl Guar (HPG) — used in oil & gas (better temperature and salt tolerance) and in personal care (hair conditioners). Carboxymethyl Hydroxypropyl Guar (CMHPG) — even higher temperature stability for deep-well fracturing. Carboxymethyl Guar (CMG) — used in textile printing and some drilling fluids. These derivatized grades carry their own 8/10-digit sub-codes in some countries but ship under 1302.32 globally.

Required Export Documentation

Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin (Form A for GSP countries, or non-preferential CoO), phytosanitary certificate (issued by India's Plant Quarantine authority for all agricultural product exports), mill test certificate / certificate of analysis, fumigation certificate (if required by destination), bill of lading, shipping bill (filed with Indian customs). For EU, add a pesticide residue report showing MRL compliance. For food-grade shipments to Islamic countries, add HALAL certificate.

Country-Specific Import Tariff Overview

Guar gum generally benefits from low or zero import tariffs in major markets, because it's a natural ingredient with no substitute at scale: United States — HTSUS 1302.32.0040, duty free (0%). European Union — TARIC 1302.32.90, duty free (0%). China — HS 1302.32.00, MFN 10% (reduced under some trade agreements). Japan — HS 1302.32, duty free. UAE/GCC — HS 1302.32, 5% VAT, no customs duty. Brazil — NCM 1302.32.00, 14% import duty. These rates change — verify with your customs broker before contracting.

Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements

Virtually every destination country requires a phytosanitary certificate for guar gum shipments, confirming the product is free of pests, diseases, and foreign plant matter. In India this is issued by the Plant Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Agriculture based on an inspection of the consignment. The exporter arranges this; buyers do not need to apply.

Common Export Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Shipping food-grade and industrial-grade on the same bill of lading without clear lot segregation — this can cause customs confusion and duty mis-classification.
  2. Mis-declaring the HS code on invoice (e.g., using 1302.39 for guar) — this can trigger customs holds and penalties.
  3. Missing the pesticide residue report for EU shipments — a common cause of EU customs rejection.
  4. Shipping without a current (within 90 days) phytosanitary certificate.
  5. Using an inaccurate certificate of origin — preferential tariff claims require the specific preferential CoO, not the generic one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HS code 1302.32 cover all guar products?

HS 1302.32 covers guar gum powder, guar splits and derivatized guar (HPG, CMHPG, CMG). It does NOT cover guar meal / korma (used in animal feed), which ships under Chapter 23 (typically 2306.90 or 2309.90 depending on the formulation).

What tariff is applied in the US / EU / China?

US: duty-free (0%). EU: duty-free (0%). China: 10% MFN rate (lower under specific trade agreements). Japan: duty-free. These are current as of 2026; always verify with your customs broker, as tariff schedules do change.

Is a phytosanitary certificate always required?

Yes, in practice. Virtually every destination country requires a phytosanitary certificate for guar gum shipments. Even where it's technically optional, buyer requirements and destination customs typically ask for one. All Sunrise Grain shipments include a current phytosanitary certificate as part of standard export documentation.

Can I claim preferential tariffs under India's FTAs?

In many cases yes. India has preferential trade agreements with ASEAN, Japan, Korea, UAE, Australia, and others — guar gum qualifies for preferential or zero tariff treatment under several of these if the shipment is accompanied by the correct preferential Certificate of Origin (e.g., AI-FTA CoO for ASEAN, CEPA CoO for UAE). Verify eligibility and the correct form before contracting.

What documents does Sunrise Grain provide with each shipment?

Every Sunrise Grain export shipment includes: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, mill test certificate / Certificate of Analysis, bill of lading. On request we also arrange: HALAL certificate, Kosher certificate, pesticide residue report (EU MRL compliance), fumigation certificate, and third-party lab reports from SGS, Bureau Veritas, TUV or Intertek.

Need bulk supply or a specification sheet? Request a quote — our export team responds within 24 hours with pricing, lead time and MOQs tailored to your market.