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Other algae

Seaweeds and other algae fit for human consumption

NO PGA · STANDARD CUSTOMS PROCEDURE

HSN 1212 21 90 (Other algae, fit for human consumption) is not covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order and carries no Partner Government Agency clearance requirement at the tariff-line level. Import follows the standard customs procedure: Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), bill of entry, commercial invoice, packing list. Algae products processed into extracts, food additives, or pharmaceutical preparations may fall under distinct chapters that do carry compliance obligations.

No partner government agency notification covers this tariff line.
A word of counsel

The absence of compliance at this tariff line applies specifically to other algae fit for human consumption in fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried form; algae derivatives — carrageenan, agar, alginate — processed into food additives or industrial inputs are classified elsewhere and attract their own requirements. Re-classification on customs examination to a more specific line triggers retrospective compliance, including detention pending the relevant clearance. Confirm the product's processing state, intended end use, and form against the customs tariff before relying on this absence of compliance.

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Frequently asked
Does HSN 1212 21 90 require any pre-import registration?
A valid Importer-Exporter Code is required for any commercial import; no product-specific registration applies to this tariff line.
What changes if the algae has been processed into an extract or hydrocolloid?
Processed algae derivatives such as agar, carrageenan, or alginates are classified under separate chapters and may attract food safety or other compliance requirements distinct from those applicable to whole or dried algae.
Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: BIS / DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.
Related
ChapterChapter 12 · Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plantsHSNLOCUST BEANS, SEAWEEDS AND OTHER ALGAE, SUGAR BEET AND SUGARCANE, FRESH, CHILLED, FROZEN OR DRIED, WHETHER OR NOT GROUND; FRUIT STONES AND KERNELS AND OTHER VEGETABLE PRODUCTS (INCLUDING UNROASTED CHICORY ROOTS OF THE VARIETY CICHORIUM INTYBUS SATIVUM) OF A KIND USED PRIMARILY FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, NOT ELSEWHERE SPECIFIED OR INCLUDEDHSNFit for human consumption: