1302.32.00.40 - Locust bean

This HTS category, 1302.32.00.40, specifically classifies "locust bean" when it is presented in a form suitable for use as a mucilage or thickener, whether or not modified, and derived from locust beans or locust bean seeds. This includes natural locust bean gum, which is a polysaccharide derived from the endosperm of the carob tree's seeds. Its primary function in this classification context is as a thickening, stabilizing, or emulsifying agent in various industrial and food applications.

It is important to distinguish this classification from its sibling category, 1302.32.00.20, which covers "guar." While both locust bean gum and guar gum are plant-derived thickeners and fall under the broader heading for mucilages and thickeners, they originate from different plant sources (carob tree seeds for locust bean, and guar plant seeds for guar). The source material is the key differentiator at this level of classification.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories within 1302.32.00.40. Therefore, the focus remains on accurately identifying products meeting the criteria of locust bean-derived mucilages and thickeners. Importers and exporters should ensure that the goods being declared are indeed derived from locust beans or locust bean seeds and are intended for use as thickening or mucilaginous agents to ensure correct classification under this specific code.