Potato Starch Pearls
Potato starch pearls are small, spherical granules formed from potato starch, used as a tapioca substitute in desserts and as a thickening agent. They fall under tariff item 1903.00.00 because they are prepared from starch in pearl form, and are not excluded as potato flour of heading 11.05.
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 |
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- CFIA
All Programs · Required
CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY: CFIA All Programs requires review / declaration data. CBSA's Single Window matching criteria match this classification number (Within Range 1901101000–1905909090).
CBSA Single Window matching criteria, unknown
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the product is potato flour or meal, not formed into pearls
Potato flour and meal are classified in heading 11.05, which excludes products merely ground from potatoes.
If the pearls are mixed with other ingredients, such as sugar or flavorings
Food preparations of flour, meal, starch or malt extract fall under heading 19.01 when not specifically covered elsewhere.
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 pearls are not classified as potato flour (heading 11.05) by confirming they are agglomerated or processed beyond simple milling
• Declare the starch source clearly on the commercial invoice to avoid CBSA reclassification
• Verify the MFN duty rate applies, as preferential rates may require a certificate of origin
Related Products under Tariff item 1903.00.00
Amaranth Starch Grains
Grains prepared from amaranth starch as a premium tapioca substitute for superfood desserts. These are prepared from starch in grain form, falling under this tariff item.
Arrowroot Powder Pearls
Pearls produced from arrowroot starch, gluten-free and formed into pearl-like grains for desserts. They are prepared from starch in a form similar to tapioca pearls, falling under this tariff item.
Arrowroot Tapioca Pearls
Premium pearls blending arrowroot starch for high-end desserts. The pearl form from arrowroot qualifies as a starch substitute under this tariff item.
Cassava Pearls for Bubble Tea
Large black or white pearls from cassava tapioca starch, specifically sized for bubble tea drinks. These are pearl-form tapioca preparations from starch, falling under this tariff item.
Cassava Starch Flakes
Thin flakes from cassava root starch for instant puddings. The flake form is prepared from starch, making it a substitute for tapioca under this tariff item.
Cassava Tapioca Flakes
Dried flakes made from cassava starch, used in baking and thickening. These are prepared from cassava into flake form as a starch substitute, directly under this tariff item.