Processed starch represents a critical raw material across numerous industrial sectors, encompassing food production, pharmaceuticals, papermaking, and textiles. Due to its unique physicochemical properties, processed starch plays an indispensable role in optimizing production processes and enhancing the quality of finished goods. The derivation of processed starches through physical, chemical, or enzymatic modifications of native starches significantly enhances their functional properties, thereby making their import and export a pivotal aspect of the global commercial ecosystem.
Types of Starch, Applications, and Customs Tariff Codes
Starch is an extensively utilized raw material across diverse industries due to its versatile characteristics and adaptability in various applications. Each type of starch exhibits distinct physicochemical attributes that determine its specific industrial applications.
1. Native Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 1108.1100
Applications:
Native starch is derived from plant sources such as maize, wheat, rice, and potatoes. It finds widespread use in the food industry as a thickening and stabilizing agent in products such as sauces, soups, and confectioneries. Additionally, it is used in pharmaceutical formulations, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
2. Modified Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 3505.1000
Applications:
Modified starches are obtained by applying physical, chemical, or enzymatic alterations to native starch, enhancing their properties beyond those of their unmodified counterparts. In the food industry, they are utilized for producing low-fat formulations, heat-stable products, and thickeners. Furthermore, modified starch is used as a binder and filler in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, and in papermaking and textile industries to improve product quality.
3. Corn Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 1108.1200
Applications:
Corn starch, derived from maize kernels, is one of the most prevalently used forms of starch. It serves as an essential ingredient in bakery products, confectioneries, desserts, sauces, and as a thickener in processed food products. In pharmaceuticals and personal care products, corn starch is used as an absorbent and texturizing agent.
4. Potato Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 1108.1300
Applications:
Potato starch, due to its superior water absorption capacity and thickening properties, is widely employed in the food industry for thickening and stabilizing products such as sausages, deli meats, and baked goods. It is also utilized in the textile and papermaking industries for enhancing the quality of raw materials.
5. Wheat Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 1108.1900
Applications:
Wheat starch is integral to bakery and confectionery items, especially in the production of bread, biscuits, and cakes. It also acts as a thickener for sauces and desserts in the food industry. In the pharmaceutical and hygiene sectors, it serves as a filler and stabilizer.
6. Tapioca Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 1108.1400
Applications:
Tapioca starch, extracted from the cassava root, is utilized in the food industry for preparing desserts, gluten-free baked goods, and processed foods. It also has applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
7. Waxy Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 1108.1100 (under native starch)
Applications:
Waxy starch, obtained from waxy maize, is distinguished by its long molecular chains that confer significant heat and pressure resistance. As such, it is commonly used in the food industry for ready-to-eat and processed food products, as well as in pharmaceuticals and papermaking.
8. Resistant Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 3505.1000 (under modified starch)
Applications:
Resistant starch, which is resistant to enzymatic digestion, is leveraged as a dietary fiber source in health-focused, low-calorie food products. It also serves as a prebiotic agent in food production processes.
9. Pregelatinized Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 3505.1000
Applications:
Pregelatinized starch is processed to dissolve rapidly in water and form a gel, making it suitable for instant food products such as soup powders, sauces, and ready-made desserts. It is also employed as a pharmaceutical filler and as a thickener in cosmetic formulations.
10. Amphiphilic Starch
Customs Tariff Code: 3505.1000
Applications:
Amphiphilic starch, characterized by its simultaneous hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, is instrumental in the production of emulsifiers for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. It is particularly advantageous in manufacturing skin care creams and lotions.
Standards and Special Conditions for Importing Processed Starch
The importation of processed starch necessitates compliance with stringent national and international standards that safeguard product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in alignment with food and health protocols of the importing nation. Given its extensive application in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, rigorous adherence to these regulations and acquisition of requisite certifications is imperative. Some of the key conditions and standards pertaining to the importation of processed starch include:
Food Safety Standards: Processed starch designated for food use must conform to internationally recognized food safety standards, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), Codex Alimentarius, and other pertinent safety protocols.
Health Certificates: Importers are required to obtain certificates verifying the safety and quality of food and pharmaceutical products from recognized authorities, such as the Food and Drug Administration and Iran's National Standards Organization. These certifications ensure the safety of the imported product for both human consumption and industrial utilization.
Quality Testing: Processed starch must undergo comprehensive quality, purity, and compliance testing against national and international standards in accredited laboratories, ensuring that the product fulfills the requisite criteria for end-use industries.
Customs Regulations and Tariffs: The importation of processed starch must adhere to specific customs tariff classifications (e.g., tariff code 3505.1000 for modified starches). Compliance with these regulations facilitates a more efficient customs clearance process.
Conditions for Exporting Processed Starch from Iran
The exportation of processed starch from Iran also requires compliance with the regulatory frameworks of the destination countries, alongside acquiring the necessary standard certifications. As a leading regional producer, Iran is well-positioned to export processed starch to neighboring markets and beyond. Key aspects of exporting processed starch include:
Quality and International Standards: The exported product must meet both destination country standards and international requirements, such as ISO 22000 (food safety management systems) and other relevant protocols. These certifications bolster customer confidence and facilitate the export process.
Packaging and Labeling: Processed starch must be exported with appropriate packaging and labeling in line with the regulatory standards of the destination country, ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements and mitigating risks of product detention or rejection at customs.
Target Markets: Countries such as Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are primary markets for Iranian processed starch, driven by their geographic proximity and demand for high-quality products. These countries constitute the main customer base for processed starch exported from Iran.
Import and Export Status of Processed Starch to and from Iran
Processed starch imports to Iran predominantly originate from countries such as China, India, Germany, and Turkey. Given the extensive consumption of this product in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, Iran serves as a major market for processed starch in the region. Annual imports of processed starch to Iran fluctuate based on market demand and domestic production capacity, with estimates indicating approximately 50,000 to 70,000 tons imported annually.
Iran's processed starch exports to neighboring and global markets have also been on the rise. With modern production facilities and capabilities to produce high-quality starch, Iran has successfully fulfilled a substantial portion of regional demand. The annual export volume of processed starch from Iran is estimated at between 10,000 and 15,000 tons.
Global Processed Starch Market
The global processed starch market has witnessed significant annual growth, attributed to the product's wide-ranging industrial applications. The market value of processed starch reached approximately USD 60 billion in 2023, and projections indicate further growth in the coming years, spurred by high demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors.
Key exporters of processed starch include China, Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands, which collectively supply a large share of the global market. China, with its substantial processed starch production capabilities, is recognized as one of the leading exporters worldwide.
Major importers of processed starch comprise developing and industrialized nations that necessitate significant volumes of this product for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Countries such as India, Turkey, Brazil, Iran, and numerous European nations are among the top importers globally.
Required Documents for Starch Clearance
Customs clearance of starch, akin to any other product, involves the meticulous preparation and submission of a comprehensive set of documents. These documents serve not only to provide detailed descriptions of the goods but also to demonstrate compliance with customs and health regulations within the importing nation.
1. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration is a pivotal document that must be completed by either the importer or the customs broker. It details the type, quantity, value, and transportation information of the goods and constitutes the initial step in the customs clearance process.
2. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice, issued by the seller, provides specific details regarding the goods, including unit price, quantity, total value, and sales conditions. This document is fundamental for determining customs duties and calculating the value of goods.
3. Packing List
The packing list offers comprehensive information on the packaging, including the number of packages, gross and net weights, and other relevant specifications. This document aids customs authorities in conducting physical inspections and verifying conformity with other documentation.
4. Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
The bill of lading, issued by the transport company, details the transport of goods from the country of origin to the destination and is critical for customs clearance.
5. Certificate of Origin
Issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin, this document certifies the origin of the goods, which is crucial for determining preferential customs tariffs and import duties.
6. Health Certificate
For starch imported for food or pharmaceutical purposes, a health certificate is mandatory. Issued by the health authorities of the country of origin, it certifies that the product complies with relevant health and safety standards.
7. Import Permit from the Food and Drug Administration
An import permit from the Food and Drug Administration is required for processed starch intended for the food or pharmaceutical sectors, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
8. Standard Certificate
The imported starch must conform to both Iran's national standards and pertinent international standards. The standard certificate ensures that the product meets required quality specifications for use in different industries.
9. Delivery Order
The delivery order, issued by the transport company after the goods arrive at customs, allows the importer to take possession of the goods at the port or airport, marking one of the final stages of the customs clearance process.
10. Transport Insurance Certificate
This document attests that the goods were insured throughout transportation from the country of origin to the destination, becoming significant in case of any damage occurring during transit.
11. Operating License
If the starch is imported for industrial or production use within factories, the relevant factory's operating license must be submitted to customs. This license indicates the legitimate use of the imported goods in domestic production.
12. Quarantine Permit (if applicable)
For starch derived from particular plant sources or subject to additional sanitary inspection, a quarantine permit must be provided. This document certifies that the product has passed requisite health and environmental evaluations.
Special Services of Saba Brokerage in Processed Starch Clearance
Saba Brokerage, leveraging extensive experience and expertise in handling the clearance of industrial and food products, offers specialized services for processed starch clearance. Key services include:
Specialized Consultation: The brokerage's experts provide comprehensive advice on customs regulations and tariffs, guiding clients through the clearance process efficiently and effectively.
Full Customs Procedures Follow-up: All stages of customs clearance, including obtaining requisite permits, quality control inspections, and tariff payments, are meticulously and promptly managed to ensure the smooth release of goods.
Compliance with Standards: A notable feature of the brokerage's services is the strict adherence to national and international standards, ensuring the quality and safety of products.
Cost and Time Reduction: By leveraging strong relationships with customs and regulatory bodies, Saba Brokerage minimizes additional costs and reduces waiting times, ensuring expedited clearance processes.
As one of the leading customs brokers in Iran, Saba Brokerage ensures that the clearance of processed starch is conducted accurately, promptly, and in full compliance with relevant regulations.
Contact our experts for more information.
