Tapioca Pearls
Small, spherical beads made from cassava starch, commonly used in bubble tea and desserts. These pearls are processed into a uniform, pearl-like form from tapioca starch derived from cassava roots, fitting under HTS 1903.00.20.00 as substitutes prepared from starch in pearl form.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported as uncooked starch powder
Unprocessed cassava starch falls under heading 1108 for starches not further prepared into flakes or pearls.
If made from potato or corn starch
Tapioca substitutes from other starches like potato are classified separately under 1903.00.60.00.
If flavored or mixed with additives for retail
Products prepared beyond simple starch forms with flavors may shift to food preparations in 2106.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify starch origin (arrowroot, cassava, sago) via supplier certificates to confirm classification under 1903.00.20.00
• Include lab analysis for moisture content and purity to avoid reclassification as raw starch (1108)
• Label products clearly as 'tapioca pearls' or similar to distinguish from uncooked starch imports
Related Products under HTS 1903.00.20.00
Sago Pearls
Pearls formed from sago palm starch, used in puddings and beverages. Processed from sago starch into pearl shapes, qualifying under HTS 1903.00.20.00 for starch substitutes in pearl form from sago.
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 HTS 1903.00.20.00.
Arrowroot Powder Pearls
Pearls produced from arrowroot starch, gluten-free for desserts. Formed into pearl-like grains from arrowroot, classifying under HTS 1903.00.20.00 for specific starch sources.
Tapioca Siftings
Fine siftings byproduct from cassava starch processing, used in gluten-free baking. These granular siftings from cassava qualify as similar forms under HTS 1903.00.20.00.
Sago Grains
Granular sago starch used in porridges and soups. Processed from sago into grain form as a prepared substitute, under HTS 1903.00.20.00.
Cassava Starch Flakes
Thin flakes from cassava root starch for instant puddings. Prepared flake form from cassava, specifically HTS 1903.00.20.00.