Peel; of citrus fruit or melons (including watermelons), fresh, frozen, dried or provisionally preserved in brine, in sulphur water and other preservative solutions

HS code 081400 covers a diverse range of products derived from the peels of citrus fruits and melons, including watermelons. These peels are an important byproduct of the fruit processing industry, finding use in a variety of applications across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. The global trade in these products plays a vital role in the broader agricultural economy, providing valuable sources of income and employment for producers and exporters worldwide.

The production of peel products covered under HS code 081400 typically involves a few key steps. First, the peels are separated from the fruit during processing, either manually or through mechanical means. They may then undergo various forms of preservation, such as drying, freezing, or storage in brine or other solutions, to extend their shelf life and suitability for further processing. In some cases, the peels may also be subjected to additional treatments, such as grinding or extraction, to obtain specific compounds or derivatives.

The primary inputs required for the production of peel products under HS code 081400 are the raw citrus fruits and melons, including watermelons. Depending on the specific application, other key inputs may include processing equipment, drying or freezing facilities, and various preservative solutions. The availability and quality of these raw materials and supporting infrastructure can have a significant impact on the overall productivity and competitiveness of this industry.

The main outputs of the industry covered by HS code 081400 are the peels themselves, which can be used in a variety of applications. These include the production of 200830 Citrus fruit, preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, 330129 (Essential oils (other than those of citrus fruit), including concretes and absolutes), and 121190 (Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered). The peels may also be further processed into animal feed or used as a source of valuable compounds, such as pectin, for the food and pharmaceutical industries.