Corn Starch for Paper Sizing
Refined corn starch used in the paper industry to improve paper strength and surface properties during the sizing process. This is a non-food application of a cereal starch, meeting the starch and ash content criteria of Chapter 11, and is not prepared as a food product, so it is classified under tariff item 1108.19.90.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the starch is unmodified and sold for food use
Maize starch for food applications is classified under a specific subheading.
If the starch is derived from barley
Barley starch has a separate tariff item within the same subheading.
If the starch is chemically modified
Modified starches fall under Chapter 35 as chemical derivatives.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Document the industrial end-use to avoid classification as food-grade starch, which may fall under a different item
• Keep records of the sieve analysis to confirm the product meets Chapter 11 specifications
• Check if the starch is modified, as chemically modified starches may be classified elsewhere
Related Products under Tariff item 1108.19.90
Amaranth Starch
Amaranth starch is a gluten-free starch from amaranth pseudo-cereal grains, used in health foods. It is classified under tariff item 1108.19.90 as 'other starches' because amaranth is not a cereal listed in Chapter 11, and the product meets the starch content requirements. It is not a prepared food, so it is not excluded by Chapter 11 notes.
Amaranth Starch Extract
Amaranth starch extract is a highly pure starch derived from amaranth seeds, a pseudo-cereal. It is classified under tariff item 1108.19.90 as 'other starches' because it is not a starch from a cereal listed in Chapter 11's table, such as wheat, corn, or rice. The product meets the purity standards for starch content and is used in superfood baking mixes.
Arrowroot Starch Flour
Arrowroot starch flour is a pure starch powder extracted from arrowroot tubers, known for its easy digestibility and use in sauces and baby food. It falls under tariff item 1108.19.90 as 'other starches' because it is not a cereal starch and meets the starch and ash content requirements of Chapter 11. The product is not a prepared food, so it is not excluded by Chapter 11 notes.
Buckwheat Starch for Industrial Thickening
Buckwheat starch derived from buckwheat grains, processed for use as a non-food thickening agent in paints and coatings. It meets the starch content and ash specifications of Chapter 11, and is not a prepared food product, so it falls under tariff item 1108.19.90 as 'Other starches'.
Industrial Pea Starch
Industrial pea starch is a yellow pea-derived starch used in paper sizing and adhesives. It is classified under tariff item 1108.19.90 as 'other starches' because peas are not a cereal listed in Chapter 11, and the product meets the starch content requirements. The starch is verified by chemical analysis to ensure it is not a prepared food or pharmaceutical product.
Lotus Root Starch Powder
Lotus root starch powder is a fine starch extracted from lotus rhizomes, used as a specialty ingredient in Chinese medicine and desserts. It is classified under tariff item 1108.19.90 as 'other starches' because lotus root is not a cereal, and the product meets the starch and ash content parameters of Chapter 11. It is not a pharmaceutical product, so it is not excluded by Chapter 11 notes.