Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms

HS v2017 Code: 391231

About cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms

HS code 391231 covers cellulose ethers, a diverse group of chemical compounds derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. These compounds, including carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and its salts, have a wide range of industrial applications due to their unique physical and chemical properties. They are widely used as thickening, stabilizing, and binding agents in various industries, making them an essential component of the global economy.

Production process

Cellulose ethers are typically produced through a multi-step chemical process. The first step involves the extraction and purification of cellulose from plant sources, such as wood pulp or cotton linters. The cellulose is then reacted with various chemical reagents, such as alkyl halides or epoxides, to introduce the desired functional groups and create the desired cellulose ether compound. The resulting product is then further processed, purified, and formulated into the desired primary form, such as powder or granules.

Production inputs

The production of cellulose ethers requires several key inputs, including cellulose raw materials, chemical reagents, energy, and specialized processing equipment. Cellulose is typically sourced from wood pulp, cotton linters, or other plant-based materials. The specific chemical reagents used depend on the type of cellulose ether being produced, but may include alkyl halides, epoxides, and other organic compounds. Additionally, the production process requires energy in the form of heat and electricity, as well as specialized equipment for mixing, reaction, and purification.

Production outputs

Cellulose ethers produced under HS code 391231 have a wide range of applications, including use as thickening agents, stabilizers, and binders in industries such as 350510 Dextrins and other modified starches, 350691 Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included, 382499 Chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included, and 391190 Polymers of other alkenes, in primary forms, not elsewhere specified or included. These cellulose ether compounds are often consumed by manufacturers in these related industries to enhance the performance and properties of their products.

Revisions to 391231

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 391231. The most recent 1 version of this code (391231) is in the HS v2022 system:

This page shows a legacy version of code 391231 ( HS v2017).

Family tree for cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/39'>39: Plastics and articles thereof</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/3912'>3912: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/391231'>391231: Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/391211'>391211: Cellulose acetates; non-plasticised, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/391212'>391212: Cellulose acetates; plasticised, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/391220'>391220: Cellulose nitrates (including collodions); in primary forms</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/391239'>391239: Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/391290'>391290: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6
class F level6
class G level6
class H level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight