Tapioca Pearls
Small, spherical beads made from cassava starch, dried and processed into pearls for use in bubble tea and desserts. Classified under HTS 1903.00.40.00 as tapioca substitutes prepared from starch in the form of pearls. Meets chapter notes for preparations beyond simple starch processing.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If minimally processed starch, not formed into pearls
Raw tapioca starch without forming into flakes, grains or pearls falls under heading 1108 for starches.
If in flake form specifically
Tapioca flakes have a distinct subheading under 1903.00.10, while pearls are 'other' forms.
If flavored or mixed with additives for retail
Flavored or prepared tapioca products may shift to food preparations in 2106 if beyond simple starch forming.
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 and processing level to confirm 1903 classification; provide lab analysis for cassava content if challenged
• Ensure food safety certifications like FDA prior notice
• Watch for misclassification as raw starch (1108)
Related Products under HTS 1903.00.40.00
Sago Pearls
Pearls prepared from sago palm starch, serving as a direct substitute for tapioca in puddings and beverages. Falls under HTS 1903.00.40.00 as substitutes from starch in pearl form, processed beyond raw starch of chapter 11.
Tapioca Flakes
Dried flakes made from cassava starch, used in baking and as thickeners, though 'other' under this code as not distinctly flaked tapioca. Prepared beyond chapter 11 starch per chapter notes, in flake-like form.
Gluten-Free Tapioca Granules
Granular form of tapioca starch prepared for gluten-free baking and thickening sauces. HTS 1903.00.40.00 covers this grain-like preparation from starch substitutes, processed beyond raw form.
Instant Tapioca Siftings
Fine siftings or small particles from processed tapioca starch, used in instant puddings and as thickeners. Classified in HTS 1903.00.40.00 for siftings form, prepared from starch beyond chapter 11.
Cassava Pearls for Bubble Tea
Large black or white pearls from cassava tapioca starch, specifically sized for bubble tea drinks. HTS 1903.00.40.00 as pearl form tapioca preparation from starch.
Potato Starch Pearls
Pearls formed from potato starch as tapioca substitute for desserts and thickeners. Under HTS 1903.00.40.00 for substitutes prepared in pearl form, excluding potato flour of 1105 per notes.