Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms

HS v2022 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. As a key component in various products, the cellulose ethers industry plays a vital role in the broader chemical and manufacturing sectors, contributing to the global economy.

Production process

The production of cellulose ethers, such as carboxymethylcellulose, typically involves a multi-step process. First, cellulose is extracted from plant sources, such as wood pulp or cotton linters. The cellulose is then chemically modified through etherification, where it is reacted with various reagents to introduce functional groups, such as carboxymethyl groups. The resulting cellulose ether compound is then purified and dried, before being packaged and distributed in its primary form.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of cellulose ethers include cellulose raw materials, such as wood pulp or cotton linters, as well as various chemical reagents and solvents used in the etherification and purification processes. Additionally, specialized production equipment, such as reactors, filtration systems, and drying units, are necessary to manufacture cellulose ethers on an industrial scale.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 391231 is cellulose ethers, including carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and its salts, in their primary forms. These compounds find widespread use in a variety of industries, including 351410 Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Processing, 325620 Paints, Varnishes, and Coatings, 325520 Adhesives, and 326130 Plastic Products, where they serve as thickeners, stabilizers, and binders.

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 version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 391231.

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

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/39'>39: Plastics and articles thereof</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/3912'>3912: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/391231'>391231: Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/391211'>391211: Cellulose acetates; non-plasticised, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/391212'>391212: Cellulose acetates; plasticised, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/391220'>391220: Cellulose nitrates (including collodions); in primary forms</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/391239'>391239: Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/391290'>391290: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms</a>"]

    

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