Tapioca and substitutes therefor prepared from starch; in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar forms

HS v2017 Code: 1903

About tapioca and substitutes therefor prepared from starch; in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar forms

HS code 1903 covers tapioca and its substitutes prepared from starch. Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root, a staple food crop in many tropical regions. This industry plays a crucial role in the global food supply chain, providing a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of food products, from thickeners and binders to gluten-free alternatives. The production and trade of tapioca and its derivatives are significant, contributing to the economies of major producing countries and supporting the operations of diverse industries that rely on these starch-based products.

Production process

The production of tapioca and its substitutes involves several key steps. First, the cassava roots are harvested, peeled, and washed. The roots are then grated or crushed to extract the starch-rich liquid, which is then filtered and allowed to settle. The starch is then dried, often in the form of flakes, pearls, or granules, to create the final tapioca product. Depending on the desired form, the starch may undergo additional processing, such as sifting or extrusion.

Production inputs

The primary input for the tapioca industry is the cassava root, which is the main source of starch. Other key inputs include water for processing, energy sources for drying and processing, and specialized equipment such as graters, filters, and drying machinery. The industry also relies on a skilled workforce to operate the production facilities and ensure consistent quality and safety standards.

Production outputs

The main output of the tapioca industry is the tapioca product itself, which can be in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, or siftings. These tapioca products are widely used as thickeners, binders, and gluten-free alternatives in a variety of food applications, including 1901 Preparations for infant use, put up for retail sale, 1902 (Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed (with meat or other substances) or otherwise prepared), and 1904 (Prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal products (for example, corn flakes); cereals (other than maize (corn)) in grain form or in the form of flakes or other worked grains (except flour, groats and meal), pre-cooked or otherwise prepared, not elsewhere specified or included).

Family tree for tapioca and substitutes therefor prepared from starch; in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar forms

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/19'>19: Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/1903'>1903: Tapioca and substitutes therefor prepared from starch; in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar forms</a>"]

    A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/1901'>1901: Malt extract; flour/groats/meal/starch/malt extract products, no cocoa (or less than 40% by weight) and food preparations of goods of headings 04.01 to 04.04, no cocoa (or less than 5% by weight), weights calculated on a totally defatted basis, n.e.c.</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/1902'>1902: Pasta; whether or not cooked or stuffed with meat or other substance, or otherwise prepared, egg spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, lasagne, gnocchi, ravioli, cannelloni; couscous, whether or not prepared</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/1904'>1904: Prepared foods obtained by swelling or roasting cereals or cereal products (e.g. corn flakes); cereals (other than maize (corn)) in grain form or in the form of flakes or other worked grains (not flour and meal), pre-cooked or otherwise prepared, n.e.c.</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/1905'>1905: Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits, other bakers' wares, whether or not containing cocoa; communion wafers, empty cachets suitable for pharmaceutical use, sealing wafers, rice paper and similar products</a>"]

    B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/190300'>190300: Food preparations; tapioca and substitutes thereof, prepared from starch in the form of flakes, grains, pearls, siftings or similar</a>"]


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