Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts

HS code 13 covers a diverse range of natural products derived from plants, including lac, gums, resins, and other vegetable saps and extracts. These materials have a wide range of applications, from food and beverage production to the manufacturing of adhesives, paints, and pharmaceuticals. The global trade in these products is significant, with many countries relying on their production and export as an important part of their economy.

The production of materials under HS code 13 typically involves the harvesting, processing, and refining of natural plant-based substances. For example, lac is harvested from the resinous secretions of certain insects that feed on specific trees, while gums and resins are often extracted directly from plants through tapping or other methods. These raw materials may then undergo various cleaning, drying, and purification processes to meet the requirements of different end-use applications.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 13 materials include the source plants or insects, as well as equipment and infrastructure for harvesting, processing, and refining the raw materials. Depending on the specific product, additional inputs such as solvents, stabilizers, or other additives may be necessary. The availability and quality of the natural resources, as well as the technological capabilities of the producers, are key factors in determining the overall supply and competitiveness of these products in the global market.

The diverse range of products covered under HS code 13 find applications in a variety of industries. For example, lac and certain gums and resins are used in the production of 1904 Prepared foods obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal products, 3201 Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives, and 3306 (Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, including denture fixative pastes and powders; yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss), in individual retail packages). Other vegetable saps and extracts may be used in the manufacture of 3301 Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, 3501 Casein, caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues, and 3802 Activated carbon; activated natural mineral products; animal black, including spent animal black, among other products.