Instant tapioca pudding mix
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1106209000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1106201000 | 43.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106909980 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2106909998 | 16.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1901902500 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1901906100 | 33.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π₯£ Instant Tapioca Pudding Mix
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Instant Tapioca Pudding Mix"?
Instant Tapioca Pudding Mix is a dry, shelf-stable food product designed for quick preparation. It typically consists of modified tapioca pearls/starch combined with sugar, salt, and sometimes artificial flavors or colors. It is distinct from raw tapioca starch or cooked pudding products.
Key Classification Distinction:
- Instant Mixes (Powders/Granules): Contain sugar and other additives β Generally fall under Chapter 19 (Preparations of Cereals, Flour, Starch or Milk) or Chapter 21 (Miscellaneous Food Preparations).
- Pure Tapioca Starch (Unflavored, Unsweetened): Falls under 1105.20.00.00 (Tapioca Starch).
- Prepared Puddings (Canned/Jarred): Fall under 1901.90.60.00 or 2106.90.98.00 depending on composition.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product contains sugar and flavorings β 1901.90.60.00 or 2106.90.98.00
- If the product is pure tapioca starch (no sugar/flavor) β 1105.20.00.00
- Note: "Instant" implies pre-cooked or modified starch, often mixed with sweeteners.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Contains Sugar/Flavor? |
|---|---|---|---|
1901.90.60.00 |
Malt extract; food preparations of flour, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing <40% cocoa by weight of total sugar/cocoa | Most common for instant pudding mixes (sugar + starch base) | β Yes |
2106.90.98.00 |
Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included | Some flavored mixes not fitting 1901 strictly | β Yes |
1105.20.00.00 |
Tapioca and substitutes for tapioca in the form of flour, meal, powder, flakes, granules or pellets | Pure tapioca starch (no sugar/flavor) | β No |
1901.20.00.00 |
Infant food preparations, put up for retail sale | If marketed as infant food | β Yes |
0405.90.00.00 |
Other butter and concentrated fats | β Not applicable | β N/A |
π Key Reminder:
- Most commercial "Instant Tapioca Pudding Mix" (like Jell-O brand) falls under 1901.90.60.00 because it is a food preparation of flour/starch containing sugar.
- If labeled as "Tapioca Starch" without sugar, it goes to 1105.20.00.00.
- Do not confuse with "Tapioca Pearls" for Bubble Tea, which may fall under 1105.20.00.00 if plain, or 1901.90.60.00 if pre-sweetened/flavored.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 1901.90.60.00 ββ Food Preparations of Flour, Meal, Starch (Containing Sugar)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | None (not subject to Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +25% (for China/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 30% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30% |
| Eligible for De Minimis? | β No (deny_de_minimis for food items over certain thresholds, but primarily due to tariff classification) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:1901.90.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.95.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate 5%: Standard MFN rate for food preparations of starch.
- IEEPA 25%: Additional tariff imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on many food products from China.
- Total 30%: High tariff burden. Must be factored into pricing.
π― 2. 1105.20.00.00 ββ Tapioca Starch (Plain, Unflavored)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | None |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (for China/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 15% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15% |
| Eligible for De Minimis? | β Yes (if value <$800, but subject to scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:1105.20.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.95.01 |
π Note:
- If the product is pure tapioca starch (no sugar), the tariff is significantly lower (15% vs 30%).
- However, "Instant Pudding Mix" almost always contains sugar, so 1901.90.60.00 is more accurate.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must list ingredients (e.g., "Modified Tapioca Starch, Sugar, Salt, Artificial Flavor") |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | To prove composition (sugar content vs. starch content) |
| β Food Import License (FDA Registration) | βοΈ | FDA requires prior notice and facility registration for food imports |
| β Nutritional Facts Label | βοΈ | Must comply with US FDA labeling requirements |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Instant Tapioca Pudding Mix" and HS Code |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Match HS Code and description |
| β Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) | βοΈ | Required for US importers under FSMA |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Sugar Content Defines Code, Plain Starch is Cheaper, FDA Approval is a Must, Don't Mix Up the Types!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pudding Mix (with sugar) | 1901.90.60.00 |
Misclassified as 1105.20.00.00 β Penalty + Back Taxes |
| Pure Tapioca Starch | 1105.20.00.00 |
Misclassified as 1901.90.60.00 β Overpay Tariff |
| Bubble Tea Tapioca Pearls (Sweetened) | 1901.90.60.00 |
Misclassified as 1105.20.00.00 β Penalty |
| Bubble Tea Tapioca Pearls (Plain) | 1105.20.00.00 |
Misclassified as 1901.90.60.00 β Overpay Tariff |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide contract + ingredient list to prove HS Code |
| Low-Sugar/Low-Calorie Mixes | Still classified under 1901.90.60.00 if sugar/starch base |
| Organic Certified | Provide Organic Certificate, but HS Code remains same |
| Shelf Life < 1 Year | No special clearance, but ensure FDA prior notice is submitted |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 1901.90.60.00 |
30% (CN origin) | FDA Registration + FSVP | High tariff burden |
| π¨π³ China | 1901.90.60.00 |
5% | CIQ Inspection | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 1901.90.90.00 |
7.5% | EFSA Compliance | No additional tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 1901.90.90.00 |
5% | FSANZ Standards | Low tariff |
| π―π΅ Japan | 1901.90.90.00 |
6.4% | FFIH Approval | Moderate tariff |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest effective tariff (30%) on Chinese-origin instant tapioca pudding mixes due to IEEPA measures.
- China, EU, Australia, and Japan have much lower or zero additional tariffs.
- Consider supply chain diversification if targeting the US market heavily.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Instant Pudding Mix" as "Tapioca Starch" (1105.20.00.00)
π Consequence: Customs discovers sugar content β Back taxes + Penalty (up to 40%)
β Error 2: Not registering with FDA
π Consequence: Shipment detained or destroyed at US border
β Error 3: Mislabeling ingredients (e.g., omitting artificial colors)
π Consequence: FDA Warning Letter or import refusal
β Error 4: Using "Food Preparation" as a vague description
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies β Delay + Additional Duties
β Correct Practice:
"Instant Tapioca Pudding Mix, Modified Tapioca Starch, Sugar, Salt, Artificial Vanilla Flavor, Net Wt. 8.5 oz, Not for Infant Use, FDA Registered Facility"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember These Key Points:
πΉ "Sugar = 30%, No Sugar = 15%, FDA = Mandatory, De Minimis = No"
πΉ "HS Code 1901 for Sweet Mixes, 1105 for Pure Starch, Don't Guess, Get it Right!"
π Tips:
- If your product is low-sugar or diabetic-friendly, still classify under 1901.90.60.00 unless it contains no starch/sugar mix.
- Consider pre-clearance with a customs broker to verify FDA compliance and HS Code accuracy.
- For US imports, budget for 30% total tariff on Chinese-origin instant tapioca pudding mixes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Submit FDA Prior Notice + Verify HS Code with COA
π Ensure smooth customs clearance, avoid delays, and optimize costs!
β¨ Professional customs clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved in tariffs is pure profit!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.