Teff Starch
Fine starch from Ethiopian teff grain, used for injera batter. Teff is a cereal grain, and the starch meets the Chapter 11 specifications for starch and ash content. As teff is not listed in the cereal table, it is classified under tariff item 1108.19.90 as 'Other starches'.
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 derived from wheat
Wheat starch is separately classified under heading 11.08.
If the starch is derived from maize (corn)
Maize starch is a distinct product under the same heading.
If the starch is derived from barley
Barley starch has a separate tariff item within the same subheading.
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
• Ensure the starch is not mixed with other flours or ingredients, as that may change classification
• Keep documentation showing the starch is derived from teff and meets Chapter 11 specifications
• Verify whether the product is for food use, as food-grade starches may have additional labeling requirements
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'.
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.
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.