Chapter 11 covers 'Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten', including flours, groats, meal and starch products made from cereals or vegetable tubers through milling and processing. Products of this chapter are generally subjected to primary processing but have not been further manufactured into food or chemical products, making this a key chapter connecting agricultural raw materials with food and industrial raw materials. Heading 1108 covers 'Starches; inulin', including natural starches extracted from cereals, tubers, roots or fruits, as well as inulin. Starch is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate widely used in food, papermaking, textiles, pharmaceuticals and other industries. Cassava (tapioca) starch falls under subheading 1108.14 of this heading. The first 2 digits '11' represent Chapter 11, covering products of the milling industry and starches. Digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 1108, specifically starches and inulin. Digits 5-6 '14' represent subheading 1108.14, specifically cassava starch. The complete code 110814 refers to cassava starch, distinguished from starches of other origins such as maize (corn) starch (110812), potato starch (110813), etc. Cassava starch is natural starch extracted from cassava roots, without further processing or modification, meeting the definition of starch under heading 1108. It is neither modified starch (heading 3505) nor cassava flour or meal (heading 1106), and is therefore classified under 110814.
Chapter
Chapter 11 covers 'Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten', including flours, groats, meal and starch products made from cereals or vegetable tubers through milling and processing. Products of this chapter are generally subjected to primary processing but have not been further manufactured into food or chemical products, making this a key chapter connecting agricultural raw materials with food and industrial raw materials.
Heading
Heading 1108 covers 'Starches; inulin', including natural starches extracted from cereals, tubers, roots or fruits, as well as inulin. Starch is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate widely used in food, papermaking, textiles, pharmaceuticals and other industries. Cassava (tapioca) starch falls under subheading 1108.14 of this heading.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '11' represent Chapter 11, covering products of the milling industry and starches. Digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 1108, specifically starches and inulin. Digits 5-6 '14' represent subheading 1108.14, specifically cassava starch. The complete code 110814 refers to cassava starch, distinguished from starches of other origins such as maize (corn) starch (110812), potato starch (110813), etc.
Classification Basis
Cassava starch is natural starch extracted from cassava roots, without further processing or modification, meeting the definition of starch under heading 1108. It is neither modified starch (heading 3505) nor cassava flour or meal (heading 1106), and is therefore classified under 110814.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately filled in as 'Cassava Starch', avoiding colloquial or generic names. Composition/Content: Indicate key indicators such as starch content, moisture and ash content. Cassava starch is typically of high purity, and the starch content percentage must be specified. Source: State the raw material source, i.e., cassava roots, and specify the place of origin or variety if necessary. Packaging Specifications: Indicate the packaging method and net weight, such as 25kg/bag, 500g/package, etc., which affects classification and regulatory conditions. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'None'. Use: Briefly describe the use, such as food processing, industrial adhesives, etc., which helps confirm classification. Processing Method: State whether modified or further processed, such as 'Unmodified', 'Native Starch'. Product Name: Cassava Starch; Composition/Content: Starch ≥85%, Moisture ≤14%, Ash ≤0.2%; Source: Cassava roots; Packaging Specifications: 25kg/bag, net weight 25kg; Brand: None; Use: For food processing; Processing Method: Unmodified. Confusing cassava starch with cassava flour, the latter classified under 1106, while the former under 1108. Neglecting to declare modification status; if modified starch, it should be classified under 3505. Failing to provide key indicators such as starch content, leading to customs questioning the classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately filled in as 'Cassava Starch', avoiding colloquial or generic names.
⚠️ Filling in as 'Starch' or 'Cassava Flour', leading to classification errors.
Composition/Content
Indicate key indicators such as starch content, moisture and ash content. Cassava starch is typically of high purity, and the starch content percentage must be specified.
⚠️ Writing only 'Pure Starch' without providing specific content data.
Source
State the raw material source, i.e., cassava roots, and specify the place of origin or variety if necessary.
⚠️ Incorrectly writing as 'Potato' or 'Corn' or other sources.
Packaging Specifications
Indicate the packaging method and net weight, such as 25kg/bag, 500g/package, etc., which affects classification and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Omitting net weight or packaging unit, resulting in incomplete declaration.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'None'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or failing to declare the brand.
Use
Briefly describe the use, such as food processing, industrial adhesives, etc., which helps confirm classification.
⚠️ Filling in too broadly, such as 'Industrial Use', without specific description.
Processing Method
State whether modified or further processed, such as 'Unmodified', 'Native Starch'.
⚠️ Misdeclaring modified starch as native starch, causing classification disputes.
Confusing cassava starch with cassava flour, the latter classified under 1106, while the former under 1108.
Neglecting to declare modification status; if modified starch, it should be classified under 3505.
Failing to provide key indicators such as starch content, leading to customs questioning the classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'HS Explanatory Notes'. Cassava starch is natural starch that has not undergone chemical modification or physical modification, meeting the description of heading 1108. According to the subheading structure, 1108.14 explicitly covers cassava starch. If modified (e.g., oxidized, esterified, etc.), it is classified under heading 3505. 110812 Maize (Corn) Starch: Maize starch is extracted from corn, subheading 1108.12; cassava starch is extracted from cassava, subheading 1108.14. They have different sources but both are native starches. 110813 Potato Starch: Potato starch is extracted from potatoes, subheading 1108.13; cassava starch is 1108.14. Different sources and subheadings. 110620 Cassava Flour: Cassava flour is flour directly milled from cassava roots, classified under 1106.20; cassava starch is extracted starch, classified under 1108.14. Different degrees of processing. 350510 Modified Starch: Modified starch has undergone chemical or physical treatment, classified under 3505.10; cassava starch is native starch, classified under 1108.14. Whether modified is the key difference. Confirm the product is natural starch from cassava source. Confirm it has not been modified or further processed. Verify that starch content and other indicators meet native starch standards. Check whether packaging and use affect classification. Refer to customs classification decisions or advance rulings.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'HS Explanatory Notes'. Cassava starch is natural starch that has not undergone chemical modification or physical modification, meeting the description of heading 1108. According to the subheading structure, 1108.14 explicitly covers cassava starch. If modified (e.g., oxidized, esterified, etc.), it is classified under heading 3505.
Confused Codes：
110812 - Maize (Corn) Starch
Maize starch is extracted from corn, subheading 1108.12; cassava starch is extracted from cassava, subheading 1108.14. They have different sources but both are native starches.
110813 - Potato Starch
Potato starch is extracted from potatoes, subheading 1108.13; cassava starch is 1108.14. Different sources and subheadings.
110620 - Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is flour directly milled from cassava roots, classified under 1106.20; cassava starch is extracted starch, classified under 1108.14. Different degrees of processing.
350510 - Modified Starch
Modified starch has undergone chemical or physical treatment, classified under 3505.10; cassava starch is native starch, classified under 1108.14. Whether modified is the key difference.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm the product is natural starch from cassava source.
✓ Confirm it has not been modified or further processed.
✓ Verify that starch content and other indicators meet native starch standards.
✓ Check whether packaging and use affect classification.
✓ Refer to customs classification decisions or advance rulings.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between cassava starch and cassava flour? Cassava starch is extracted starch, classified under HS code 110814; cassava flour is flour directly milled from cassava roots, classified under 110620. The processing methods and compositions differ, and they must be strictly distinguished during classification. How to determine whether cassava starch is modified? Modified starch has undergone chemical treatment (e.g., oxidation, esterification) or physical treatment (e.g., pre-gelatinization), altering the properties of native starch. If only physically crushed and dried without changing the chemical structure, it remains native starch. Product technical specifications or test reports can be referenced. What testing indicators must be provided when declaring cassava starch? Typically, indicators such as starch content, moisture, ash content and protein are required to prove it is native starch. Specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to consult in advance or refer to the 'Tariff Explanatory Notes'. How to check the import tariff rate for cassava starch? Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest 'Import and Export Tariff' or query through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. You can also use HS code 110814 to find the MFN rate, general rate, etc. in the tariff schedule. What are the main uses of cassava starch? Cassava starch is widely used in food (e.g., vermicelli, sauces), papermaking, textiles, pharmaceuticals, biodegradable materials, etc. Different uses may affect regulatory conditions and should be truthfully declared. If cassava starch is mixed with other starches, how is it classified? If the mixed starch is unmodified, it is generally classified according to the main component; if the main component cannot be determined, it may be classified under 1108.19 (Other starches). If modified after mixing, it is classified under 3505. It is recommended to provide the mixing ratio. For cross-border e-commerce retail of cassava starch, is the HS code the same? Yes, the HS code does not change based on the trade method. However, cross-border e-commerce may involve postal tax or cross-border e-commerce comprehensive tax, and declaration should be made according to the actual regulatory method. Does the export tax rebate apply to cassava starch? Export tax rebates depend on national policies. You can check the latest export tax rebate rate database. Generally, cassava starch has an export tax rebate, but conditions must be met. It is recommended to consult the local tax or customs authorities.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between cassava starch and cassava flour?
A: Cassava starch is extracted starch, classified under HS code 110814; cassava flour is flour directly milled from cassava roots, classified under 110620. The processing methods and compositions differ, and they must be strictly distinguished during classification.
Q: How to determine whether cassava starch is modified?
A: Modified starch has undergone chemical treatment (e.g., oxidation, esterification) or physical treatment (e.g., pre-gelatinization), altering the properties of native starch. If only physically crushed and dried without changing the chemical structure, it remains native starch. Product technical specifications or test reports can be referenced.
Q: What testing indicators must be provided when declaring cassava starch?
A: Typically, indicators such as starch content, moisture, ash content and protein are required to prove it is native starch. Specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to consult in advance or refer to the 'Tariff Explanatory Notes'.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for cassava starch?
A: Tariff rates may change. You can check the latest 'Import and Export Tariff' or query through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. You can also use HS code 110814 to find the MFN rate, general rate, etc. in the tariff schedule.
Q: What are the main uses of cassava starch?
A: Cassava starch is widely used in food (e.g., vermicelli, sauces), papermaking, textiles, pharmaceuticals, biodegradable materials, etc. Different uses may affect regulatory conditions and should be truthfully declared.
Q: If cassava starch is mixed with other starches, how is it classified?
A: If the mixed starch is unmodified, it is generally classified according to the main component; if the main component cannot be determined, it may be classified under 1108.19 (Other starches). If modified after mixing, it is classified under 3505. It is recommended to provide the mixing ratio.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail of cassava starch, is the HS code the same?
A: Yes, the HS code does not change based on the trade method. However, cross-border e-commerce may involve postal tax or cross-border e-commerce comprehensive tax, and declaration should be made according to the actual regulatory method.
Q: Does the export tax rebate apply to cassava starch?
A: Export tax rebates depend on national policies. You can check the latest export tax rebate rate database. Generally, cassava starch has an export tax rebate, but conditions must be met. It is recommended to consult the local tax or customs authorities.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.