Chapter 11 covers "Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten" in the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, specifically including cereal flours, groats, meal, and pellets (headings 11.01-11.04), flour and meal of other plants (heading 11.06), starches and inulin (heading 11.08), and wheat gluten (heading 11.09). Products of this chapter are mainly obtained by milling, processing, or extracting from cereals or plants, and are important raw materials for the food, chemical, papermaking, and other industries. Heading 11.08 specifically covers "Starches and inulin", including natural starches extracted from various plants (such as corn, potato, cassava, wheat, etc.), as well as inulin obtained by hydrolysis or synthesis. Starch is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate widely used in food, textiles, papermaking, pharmaceuticals, and other fields; inulin is a natural fructan commonly used as a food additive and dietary fiber. This heading is further subdivided by starch source and inulin type. HS code 110813 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits "11" represent Chapter 11 (Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten); digits 3-4 "08" represent heading 11.08 (Starches and inulin); digits 5-6 "13" represent subheading 1108.13, i.e., potato starch. In HS classification, digits 5-6 are the subheading level, used to further distinguish specific commodities under a heading. Therefore, 110813 specifically refers to starch extracted from potatoes, excluding starches from other sources (such as corn starch 1108.12, wheat starch 1108.11, etc.) or inulin (1108.20). Potato starch is classified under 110813 because it belongs to the starches under heading 11.08 and its raw material source is potato. Adjacent codes such as 1108.12 (corn starch) and 1108.11 (wheat starch) are distinguished by source; 1108.20 is inulin, which is a different chemical substance. The processing technology (extraction, refining) and uses of potato starch conform to the definition of starch, so it is not classified under Chapter 7 (Edible vegetables) or Chapter 19 (Preparations of cereals).

Product name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared commodity should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "马铃薯淀粉" or "Potato starch". Composition/content: Indicate starch purity, moisture, protein, ash, and other indicators; potato starch purity is usually ≥99%. Source: Specify that the raw material is potato and indicate whether it is non-GMO; provide certification if necessary. Packaging specifications: State the packaging form (such as bagged, bulk) and net weight, e.g., 25kg/bag. Brand: Declare the brand name (if no brand, fill in "None") for customs intellectual property protection. Use: Briefly describe the main uses, such as food processing, paper sizing, textile sizing, etc. Processing method: Explain the extraction process, such as "wet extraction", "refining", etc., to distinguish it from simply milled products. Production date/shelf life: Some customs require this to ensure the commodity is within its validity period, especially for food use. Customs declaration example: Product name: Potato starch (马铃薯淀粉) Composition/content: Starch ≥99%, moisture ≤14%, protein ≤0.1% Source: Potato (non-GMO) Packaging specifications: 25kg/bag, net weight 25000kg Brand: None Use: Food processing (thickener) Processing method: Wet extraction, refining Production date: 2025-01-15, shelf life: 24 months HS code: 11081300 Mistakenly classifying potato starch under 1108.12 (corn starch), leading to differences in tax rates and regulatory conditions. Failure to indicate non-GMO; if involving genetically modified potatoes, a safety certificate must be provided. Confusing edible potato starch with industrial starch, affecting inspection and quarantine categories.

The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 11 and subheading texts of the Import and Export Tariff. Potato starch must meet the following: 1) extracted from potato tubers; 2) mainly composed of starch; 3) subjected to wet milling, separation, refining, and other processes. If the product is simply milled potato flour, it is classified under 1105 (potato flour, meal); if it is a further processed product of potato starch (such as modified starch), it is classified under 3505. At the same time, reference should be made to the definition of "starch" in the Explanatory Notes, excluding inulin (1108.20) and wheat gluten (1109). 110812 Corn starch: Raw material is corn; starch granule morphology and uses differ; customs laboratory testing can distinguish. 110819 Other starches: Covers cassava starch, sweet potato starch, etc., not from potato; specific raw material must be declared. 110820 Inulin: Inulin is a fructan, not starch; chemical structure and uses differ. 110510 Potato flour, meal: Made by directly milling potatoes without extracting starch; high in protein and fiber. 350510 Dextrin and other modified starches: Potato starch that has undergone chemical or physical modification, changing the properties of the original starch. Is the raw material clearly potato? Does the starch purity meet industrial or food-grade standards? Has it undergone wet extraction rather than simple milling? Does the packaging indicate net weight and composition? Does it involve GMO or organic certification?

How can I query the HS code for potato starch? You can search level by level through Chapter 11, heading 08, subheading 13 using the General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff or the "Internet + Customs" platform. You can also use an HS code query tool and enter the keyword "potato starch" to obtain 110813. Note that the first 6 digits are internationally universal, while later digits may differ by country. What is the difference in classification between potato starch and potato flour? Potato starch (110813) is extracted starch with purity as high as over 99%; potato flour (110510) is powder directly milled from potatoes, retaining protein, fiber, and other components. Classification must be distinguished based on processing technology and composition. What special documents are required to declare potato starch? Generally, contracts, invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading are required. If for food use, health certificates and certificates of origin are required; if genetically modified, a GMO safety certificate is required. Specific requirements are subject to customs. How is the import tariff rate for potato starch determined? The tariff rate depends on the country of origin, trade agreements, and customs regulatory conditions. You can consult the Import and Export Tariff or consult a customs broker; using free trade agreement rates may be lower. Note that rates may be adjusted, and the rate at the time of declaration shall prevail. What are the consequences of mistakenly declaring potato starch as corn starch? It may lead to classification errors, affecting tax collection and regulatory document requirements. Customs may require supplementary duties, impose fines, or even affect the enterprise's credit rating. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary. How is potato starch declared for cross-border e-commerce retail import? Cross-border e-commerce retail imports must be declared through the customs cross-border e-commerce customs clearance service platform. The commodity code remains 110813, but attention must be paid to positive list restrictions. Personal parcels must comply with value limits and pay postal tax. What inspection and quarantine are required for exporting potato starch? Exported potato starch generally requires inspection and quarantine, including quality, safety, and hygiene items. Production enterprises must be registered; before export, they must apply to customs for inspection and obtain electronic account data. Specific requirements depend on the destination country. How can I determine whether potato starch is modified starch? Modified starch is starch whose properties have been changed by chemical or physical treatment, classified under 3505. If potato starch has only been extracted and refined without modification, it is classified under 110813. You can check the production process and product indicators.