Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder, including oilseed meal, soybean meal, beet pulp, bagasse, distillers' grains, feed additives, etc. These commodities are mostly used as animal feed ingredients or fertilizers and are bulk commodities in international trade. This chapter does not include cereal flour or oilseeds used as food, nor does it include separately presented chemically pure products. Heading 2303 covers residues and waste from the sugar manufacturing industry and residues and waste from brewing and distilling, whether or not in the form of pellets. Specifically, it includes beet pulp, bagasse, distillers' grains, vinegar grains, etc. These commodities are usually used as animal feed, but may also be used to extract other substances or as fertilizer. However, 2303 does not include waste molasses (classified under 1703) or prepared animal fodder (classified under 2309). Code 230320 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "23" represent Chapter 23: Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder. Digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 2303: Residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, residues and waste from brewing and distilling. Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 230320: Beet pulp. Therefore, 230320 specifically refers to the residues remaining after sugar production from sugar beets, whether or not in the form of pellets, mainly used as animal feed. Beet pulp is a by-product of sugar production from sugar beets and belongs to residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, so it is classified under 2303. It differs from bagasse (230310) and from waste molasses (1703), because waste molasses is the syrup separated during sugar manufacturing, while beet pulp is a solid residue. In addition, if beet pulp has been prepared as animal fodder, it is classified under 2309.
Chapter
Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder, including oilseed meal, soybean meal, beet pulp, bagasse, distillers' grains, feed additives, etc. These commodities are mostly used as animal feed ingredients or fertilizers and are bulk commodities in international trade. This chapter does not include cereal flour or oilseeds used as food, nor does it include separately presented chemically pure products.
Heading
Heading 2303 covers residues and waste from the sugar manufacturing industry and residues and waste from brewing and distilling, whether or not in the form of pellets. Specifically, it includes beet pulp, bagasse, distillers' grains, vinegar grains, etc. These commodities are usually used as animal feed, but may also be used to extract other substances or as fertilizer. However, 2303 does not include waste molasses (classified under 1703) or prepared animal fodder (classified under 2309).
Digit Breakdown
Code 230320 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "23" represent Chapter 23: Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder. Digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 2303: Residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, residues and waste from brewing and distilling. Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 230320: Beet pulp. Therefore, 230320 specifically refers to the residues remaining after sugar production from sugar beets, whether or not in the form of pellets, mainly used as animal feed.
Classification Basis
Beet pulp is a by-product of sugar production from sugar beets and belongs to residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, so it is classified under 2303. It differs from bagasse (230310) and from waste molasses (1703), because waste molasses is the syrup separated during sugar manufacturing, while beet pulp is a solid residue. In addition, if beet pulp has been prepared as animal fodder, it is classified under 2309.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "beet pulp" or "sugar beet pulp," avoiding colloquial names such as "beet waste." Composition and content: Declare the main components and their content, such as moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, etc., to confirm the characteristics of the commodity. Appearance: Describe the appearance and form of the commodity, such as powder, granules, pellets, etc., and whether it has been compressed. Source: State the source, namely residues after sugar production from sugar beets, and indicate whether it has undergone drying, pelletizing, or other processing. Use: Declare the main use, such as raw material for animal feed, organic fertilizer, etc. Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging method, such as bulk, bagged, weight per bag, etc. Brand or manufacturer: If there is a brand or manufacturer, it should be declared truthfully to facilitate traceability. Product name: Beet pulp (sugar beet pulp); Composition and content: moisture 12%, crude protein 8%, crude fiber 18%, ash 5%; Appearance: yellowish-brown powder, partly made into pellets; Source: residues after sugar production from sugar beets, dried; Use: used as raw material for animal feed; Packaging specifications: bulk; Brand: none. Confusing beet pulp with bagasse and incorrectly classifying it under 230310. Classifying prepared beet pulp feed under 230320 when it should actually be classified under 2309. Ignoring that pelleted beet pulp is still classified under 230320, but if other substances are added, the classification may change.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be accurately described as "beet pulp" or "sugar beet pulp," avoiding colloquial names such as "beet waste."
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as "beet pellets" or "beet feed," leading to classification disputes.
Composition and content
Declare the main components and their content, such as moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, etc., to confirm the characteristics of the commodity.
⚠️ Filling in only "beet pulp" without providing composition, making it impossible to determine whether it has undergone further processing.
Appearance
Describe the appearance and form of the commodity, such as powder, granules, pellets, etc., and whether it has been compressed.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring pelleted beet pulp as "pelleted feed," resulting in classification under 2309.
Source
State the source, namely residues after sugar production from sugar beets, and indicate whether it has undergone drying, pelletizing, or other processing.
⚠️ Failing to state the source, making it impossible to distinguish it from other residues such as bagasse.
Use
Declare the main use, such as raw material for animal feed, organic fertilizer, etc.
⚠️ Declaring it as "feed" without specifying whether it is a raw material or prepared feed, which can easily be confused with 2309.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging method, such as bulk, bagged, weight per bag, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring packaging specifications, affecting customs inspection and statistics.
Brand or manufacturer
If there is a brand or manufacturer, it should be declared truthfully to facilitate traceability.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or failing to declare it, resulting in inability to verify.
Example： Product name: Beet pulp (sugar beet pulp); Composition and content: moisture 12%, crude protein 8%, crude fiber 18%, ash 5%; Appearance: yellowish-brown powder, partly made into pellets; Source: residues after sugar production from sugar beets, dried; Use: used as raw material for animal feed; Packaging specifications: bulk; Brand: none.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing beet pulp with bagasse and incorrectly classifying it under 230310.
Classifying prepared beet pulp feed under 230320 when it should actually be classified under 2309.
Ignoring that pelleted beet pulp is still classified under 230320, but if other substances are added, the classification may change.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: Beet pulp is a residue from the sugar manufacturing industry from sugar beets and meets the description of heading 2303. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, 2303 includes residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, such as beet pulp and bagasse. Beet pulp is classified under 230320 whether or not in the form of pellets. However, if beet pulp is mixed with other substances and prepared as animal fodder, it is classified under 2309. In addition, if beet pulp has been subjected to extraction or further processing, it may be classified under other headings. 230310 Bagasse: Bagasse is the residue after sugar production from sugarcane, and its source differs from beet pulp, although their uses are similar. When classifying, they must be distinguished by raw material: beet pulp is classified under 230320, and bagasse under 230310. 230990 Other prepared animal fodder: 230990 is prepared animal fodder, usually containing multiple ingredients, whereas 230320 is a single beet pulp product not mixed with other substances. If beet pulp has added molasses, vitamins, etc., it is classified under 230990. 170390 Other molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar: Waste molasses is the syrup separated during sugar manufacturing and is classified under 1703; beet pulp is a solid residue and is classified under 2303. Their forms and compositions differ. 121490 Other vegetable products used for fodder: 121490 includes fresh, dried, or chilled vegetable products used for fodder, such as forage grass and sugar beet leaves, but beet pulp is an industrial residue after sugar production and is no longer a vegetable product, so it is classified under 2303. 230250 Flours and meals of leguminous plants: 230250 is flour or meal of leguminous plants, while beet pulp is a sugar manufacturing residue. Their sources and processing methods differ, and care should be taken to distinguish them when classifying. Confirm whether the commodity is a residue after sugar production from sugar beets. Confirm whether it has been prepared or mixed with other substances. Confirm whether it is in the form of pellets; pelleting does not affect classification. Confirm whether it is confused with other residues such as bagasse. Confirm whether it belongs to syrup-type products such as waste molasses.
Basis
Core basis for classification: Beet pulp is a residue from the sugar manufacturing industry from sugar beets and meets the description of heading 2303. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, 2303 includes residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, such as beet pulp and bagasse. Beet pulp is classified under 230320 whether or not in the form of pellets. However, if beet pulp is mixed with other substances and prepared as animal fodder, it is classified under 2309. In addition, if beet pulp has been subjected to extraction or further processing, it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
230310 - Bagasse
Bagasse is the residue after sugar production from sugarcane, and its source differs from beet pulp, although their uses are similar. When classifying, they must be distinguished by raw material: beet pulp is classified under 230320, and bagasse under 230310.
230990 - Other prepared animal fodder
230990 is prepared animal fodder, usually containing multiple ingredients, whereas 230320 is a single beet pulp product not mixed with other substances. If beet pulp has added molasses, vitamins, etc., it is classified under 230990.
170390 - Other molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar
Waste molasses is the syrup separated during sugar manufacturing and is classified under 1703; beet pulp is a solid residue and is classified under 2303. Their forms and compositions differ.
121490 - Other vegetable products used for fodder
121490 includes fresh, dried, or chilled vegetable products used for fodder, such as forage grass and sugar beet leaves, but beet pulp is an industrial residue after sugar production and is no longer a vegetable product, so it is classified under 2303.
230250 - Flours and meals of leguminous plants
230250 is flour or meal of leguminous plants, while beet pulp is a sugar manufacturing residue. Their sources and processing methods differ, and care should be taken to distinguish them when classifying.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the commodity is a residue after sugar production from sugar beets.
✓ Confirm whether it has been prepared or mixed with other substances.
✓ Confirm whether it is in the form of pellets; pelleting does not affect classification.
✓ Confirm whether it is confused with other residues such as bagasse.
✓ Confirm whether it belongs to syrup-type products such as waste molasses.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between beet pulp and bagasse? Beet pulp is classified under 230320, and bagasse under 230310. Both are residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, but their raw materials differ: beet pulp comes from sugar beets, and bagasse comes from sugarcane. Classification must be distinguished by raw material source, not merely by appearance or use. If beet pulp is made into pellets, is it still classified under 230320? Yes. According to the HS Explanatory Notes, 2303 includes residues in the form of pellets, so beet pulp remains classified under 230320 even if made into pellets. However, if other nutrients or binders are added to the pellets, it may be regarded as prepared feed and classified under 2309. Can beet pulp be used as fertilizer? Does the classification change? Beet pulp can be used as fertilizer, but the classification remains 230320 because HS classification is mainly based on the characteristics of the commodity itself, not its use. However, if it undergoes chemical treatment and becomes fertilizer, it may be classified under Chapter 31. How can beet pulp and waste molasses be distinguished? Beet pulp is a solid residue, while waste molasses is the syrup separated during sugar manufacturing and is liquid. Waste molasses is classified under 1703, and beet pulp under 2303. They should be distinguished by form and composition at declaration. What elements need to be declared for imported beet pulp? Product name, composition and content, appearance, source, use, packaging specifications, brand, etc. need to be declared. It is important to state that it is a residue from sugar production from sugar beets and is not mixed with other substances, so as to determine classification under 230320. What is the difference in classification between beet pulp and sugar beet leaves? Sugar beet leaves are the leaves of the sugar beet plant and belong to vegetable products, usually classified under 1214 (vegetable products used for fodder); beet pulp is an industrial residue after sugar production and is classified under 2303. Their sources and degree of processing differ. If beet pulp is mixed with a small amount of other substances, does it affect classification? If the mixed substances are intended to maintain stability or facilitate transport and do not change the basic characteristics of beet pulp, it is usually still classified under 230320. However, if the mixed substances make it prepared feed, it is classified under 2309. It is recommended to judge based on the specific composition and proportions. Where can I check the import tariff rate for beet pulp? You can check the Import and Export Tariff published by the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs classification inquiry system. Tariff rates vary due to factors such as country and trade agreements, so the latest official data should be used.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between beet pulp and bagasse?
A: Beet pulp is classified under 230320, and bagasse under 230310. Both are residues from the sugar manufacturing industry, but their raw materials differ: beet pulp comes from sugar beets, and bagasse comes from sugarcane. Classification must be distinguished by raw material source, not merely by appearance or use.
Q: If beet pulp is made into pellets, is it still classified under 230320?
A: Yes. According to the HS Explanatory Notes, 2303 includes residues in the form of pellets, so beet pulp remains classified under 230320 even if made into pellets. However, if other nutrients or binders are added to the pellets, it may be regarded as prepared feed and classified under 2309.
Q: Can beet pulp be used as fertilizer? Does the classification change?
A: Beet pulp can be used as fertilizer, but the classification remains 230320 because HS classification is mainly based on the characteristics of the commodity itself, not its use. However, if it undergoes chemical treatment and becomes fertilizer, it may be classified under Chapter 31.
Q: How can beet pulp and waste molasses be distinguished?
A: Beet pulp is a solid residue, while waste molasses is the syrup separated during sugar manufacturing and is liquid. Waste molasses is classified under 1703, and beet pulp under 2303. They should be distinguished by form and composition at declaration.
Q: What elements need to be declared for imported beet pulp?
A: Product name, composition and content, appearance, source, use, packaging specifications, brand, etc. need to be declared. It is important to state that it is a residue from sugar production from sugar beets and is not mixed with other substances, so as to determine classification under 230320.
Q: What is the difference in classification between beet pulp and sugar beet leaves?
A: Sugar beet leaves are the leaves of the sugar beet plant and belong to vegetable products, usually classified under 1214 (vegetable products used for fodder); beet pulp is an industrial residue after sugar production and is classified under 2303. Their sources and degree of processing differ.
Q: If beet pulp is mixed with a small amount of other substances, does it affect classification?
A: If the mixed substances are intended to maintain stability or facilitate transport and do not change the basic characteristics of beet pulp, it is usually still classified under 230320. However, if the mixed substances make it prepared feed, it is classified under 2309. It is recommended to judge based on the specific composition and proportions.
Q: Where can I check the import tariff rate for beet pulp?
A: You can check the Import and Export Tariff published by the General Administration of Customs of China or use the customs classification inquiry system. Tariff rates vary due to factors such as country and trade agreements, so the latest official data should be used.
⚠️ 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.