Lac; natural gums, resins, gum-resins and oleoresins (for example, balsams)

HS code 1301 covers a diverse range of natural, plant-derived materials that have a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. These materials, which include lac, natural gums, resins, gum-resins, and oleoresins, are extracted from various plant sources and play a crucial role in numerous industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to adhesives and coatings. The global trade in these products is significant, with countries around the world both importing and exporting these valuable natural resources.

The production of the materials covered under HS code 1301 typically involves the harvesting, extraction, and processing of the raw plant materials. For example, lac is harvested from the lac insect, which secretes a resinous substance on tree branches. This lac is then processed and refined for use in various applications. Natural gums, such as gum arabic, are often extracted from the sap or exudates of certain trees, while resins and oleoresins are obtained through various extraction methods from the resinous parts of plants.

The main inputs required for the production of the materials covered under HS code 1301 are the raw plant materials themselves, such as tree sap, plant exudates, and insect secretions. Additionally, specialized equipment and machinery may be needed for the harvesting, extraction, and processing of these natural materials. Labor, energy, and transportation resources are also important inputs in this industry.

The outputs of the industry covered by HS code 1301 are the various natural gums, resins, gum-resins, and oleoresins that are used in a wide range of applications. These materials may be used as food additives, pharmaceutical ingredients, adhesives, coatings, and in the production of 3306 Paints and varnishes, 3401 Soap; organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster, and 3806 Rosin and resin acids, and derivatives thereof; rosin spirit and rosin oils; run gums, among other products.