HS Codes and Documents in Carob Exports
For carob exports, the correct customs tariff code (HS Code) and complete documentation are the basic conditions for the product to pass smoothly across the border and reach the buyer on time. Carob fruit, powder, seeds, gum and molasses may be in different tariff positions; misclassification can lead to delay, additional duty and penalty.
In this article, we discuss the logic of customs classification of carob products, the codes encountered in statistics, the main documents required for export, and practical suggestions to facilitate the process.
What is GTIP and Why is it Important?
HS Code (Customs Tariff Statistics Position) is a 12-digit code given to every imported and exported product in Turkey. The first 6 digits of this code are based on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) and are the same in almost every country in the world. The next digits are national sub-breakdowns that vary according to countries and customs unions.
The importance of the correct HS Code stems from several points:
- Determines the customs duty and preferential tariffs to be applied in the recipient country
- Determines which inspections (phytosanitary and food control, etc.) the product is subject to
- Affects the application of rules of origin and preferential trade documents
- It ensures that the product is recorded correctly in foreign trade statistics
- Ensures that the customs declarations of the exporter and the buyer are compatible with each other
The choice of HS Code in a raw material with more than one product shape, such as carob, depends on the process the product has undergone. Whole fruit, broken, powdered, seed, gum and molasses do not fall into the same code.
Classification Logic of Carob Products
In the Harmonized System, carob fruit is classified in heading 12.12 in chapter 12 (oilseeds and fruits, various grains, seeds and fruits, industrial plants). This heading; It covers carob whether it is fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, ground or not. As of the 2012 version of the Harmonized System, carob is shown separately in subheading 1212.92 within this heading.
The classification may change as the product is processed. A general framework can be drawn as follows:
| Product | Classification point to note |
|---|---|
| Whole carob fruit | 12.12 position, carob lower position (1212.92) |
| Broken (kibble) and ground powder | Since the position text contains the phrase "ground or not", it is usually the same position; additional processes such as roasting and the purpose of use should be confirmed |
| Carob seeds | It can be included in separate sub-breakdowns in national tariffs; it must be confirmed from the current tariff |
| Carob gamut (LBG) | Chapter 13, subheading 1302.32 (mucilage and thickeners from carob, carob seed or guar seed) |
| Molasses, syrups and extracts | It can be included in different chapters according to composition and production method; binding tariff information is recommended |
This table is a general road map; it is not binding. Tariff schedules are updated regularly and national sub-breakdowns may differ between countries for the same product.
Codes Encountered in Statistics
It is possible to encounter codes for carob products in foreign trade statistics in Turkey. The pre-feasibility report of the Çukurova Development Agency dated 2021 uses the following codes and explanations based on TURKSTAT data:
- 121210100013: "Carob in powder form"
- 130232101000: Carob-based sticky liquid and thickeners (gum)
- 200799390011: The code used for carob molasses in the report
- 1302.32: Carob gamut with TradeMap data tracks world trade
The important detail here is this: The code used for powdered carob in the report starts with 1212.10. In the pre-2012 version of the Harmonized System, carob was in subheading 1212.10; in the current structure, 1212.92 is used. In other words, a code you see in statistical sources, reports or old documents may not be valid today. For this reason, only the current Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule should be taken as a basis when preparing the declaration.
The foreign trade data in the same report also presents an interesting picture: According to TurkStat data, Turkey's carob exports were given as 750 tons in 2018 and 954 tons in 2019; In the 1302.32 item, Turkey appeared to be a predominantly importer in the 2016-2020 period. We discuss Turkey's export data in detail in a separate article.
The situation is similar in international statistics. FAO's FAOSTAT database tracks carob under the name "Locust beans (carobs)" in its product classification item number 01356. The fact that there is no record for Turkey in FAOSTAT's foreign trade data for this item indicates that different data sources collect products in different items.
What Should Be Done to Determine GTIP Correctly?
To reduce the risk of misclassification in carob products, the following steps can be followed:
- Prepare the full technical description of the product: whole, broken, powdered, roasted, core, gum, syrup, etc.
- Specify the process steps (drying, crushing, roasting, grinding, extraction) in writing
- Confirm the code from the current Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule
- Evaluate classification with your customs broker
- If in doubt, request binding tariff information (BTB) from the Ministry of Commerce
- Ask for the code that the recipient will use in their home country and make sure the first 6 digits of the two codes are compatible
Binding tariff information helps prevent future disputes, especially with products whose classification may be controversial, such as roasted powder, blended products, syrup and extract.
Main Documents Required in Export
The documents required for carob exports vary according to the type of product, the legislation of the buyer country and the sales contract. The documents generally encountered are as follows:
Business documents
- Commercial invoice: product description, HS code, quantity, unit price and delivery method
- Packing list: number of packs, net and gross weights, batch numbers
- Transport document: bill of lading by sea, CMR by land
- Insurance policy: if the mode of delivery requires
Certificates of origin
The certificate of origin, which shows that the product is of Turkish origin, is issued through chambers of commerce and industry. If there is a preferential trade arrangement between the buyer country and Turkey, movement documents such as EUR.1 or A.TR may be considered for exemption or reduction from customs duty. Which document is valid depends on the place of the product in the tariff and the relevant agreement; this issue must be confirmed with the customs broker.
Phytosanitary and food safety certificates
Since carob fruit and seeds are herbal products, the buyer country may request a phytosanitary certificate (phytosanitation certificate). In Turkey, this certificate is issued by the provincial and district directorates of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry after the control of the product. For products to be used as food, the buyer country may request a health certificate, analysis reports or documents related to contaminants.
Quality and conformity certificates
International buyers often require a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each batch. This document includes moisture, impurities, microbiological values and other parameters specified in the contract. If the product is sold organically, an organic certificate and the corresponding processing certificate may also be required, and for certain markets, a halal or kosher certificate may also be required. In some cases, documentation of fumigation against storage pests may also be requested.
Consistency and Traceability in Documentation
One of the most common problems in customs processes is the inconsistency between documents. If the product description on the invoice and the definition on the phytosanitary certificate, the GTIP in the declaration and the code expected by the recipient country, or the weights on the packing list and the bill of lading do not match, the goods may be held at customs.
The importance of documented and traceable trade in the carob sector has increased even more in recent years. In operations in the Valencia region of Spain in 2020 and 2022, unauthorized warehouses were identified, and some individuals were investigated on charges of document forgery. In Portugal, producers have requested a legal regulation that would link the purchase and sale of carob to an official registration system. FAO's 2025 assessment for Morocco also recommends the establishment of a traceability and control system along the carob value chain.
These developments have the following result for exporters: Records showing which garden or region the product comes from, what processes it has undergone and which batch it belongs to are important not only in terms of quality but also in terms of legal assurance.
- Give each party a unique batch number
- Use the batch number on the packaging label, invoice, packing list, and certificate of analysis in the same way
- Store raw material purchase records and supplier information
- Reserve witness samples for each batch
General Flow of the Export Process
- Clarification of product specification and HS Code with buyer
- Determination of the sales contract and delivery method (Incoterms)
- Production, packaging and batch numbering
- Preparation of sampling and analysis certificate
- Phytosanitary control and certificate if necessary
- Submission of export declaration through customs broker
- Issuance of loading, transport documents and obtaining certificates of origin
- Sending the document set to the recipient or bank
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for carob? In the Harmonized System, carob is in heading 12.12, and since 2012 it has been in subheading 1212.92. Since the 12-digit Turkish GTIP may vary depending on the shape of the product, it should be confirmed from the current Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule.
What is the HS code for the carob scale? The carob gum is located in subheading 1302.32. This subheading also includes thickeners obtained from guar seeds.
Is a phytosanitary certificate required for carob exports? It depends on the legislation of the buyer country. It is frequently requested in fruits and seeds, which are herbal products; the conditions of the buyer country should be checked before export.
Can I use the HS code I saw in old reports? No, it is not recommended. Tariff schedules are updated; codes in old sources may not be valid today.
Export Process with Carob Türkiye
In carob exports, accurate product description, accurate classification, and consistent document set are the foundation for a smooth shipment. At Carob Türkiye, we supply carob fruit, crumbs, flour/powder, seeds, and extracts. Our products Our Products You can review it on the page, for your wholesale and export requests Contact Now You can contact us on our page.
Domestic resources
Çukurova Development Agency (under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey), "Mersin Province Carob Processing Plant Investment Pre-Feasibility Report", 2021. INVESTMENTSUPPORT.
gov. en/ pdf/ assets/ upload/ Feasibility Studies/ mer... Foreign sources
FAO, "FAOSTAT – Crops and livestock products (product codes: 461 / CPC 01356 Locust beans (carobs))", December 2025 edition. bulks-
Faostat. FAO. org/ production/ Production_Crops_Livesto... FAO, "FAOSTAT – Trade: Crops and livestock products, Locust beans (carobs)", July 2026 edition. bulks-
Faostat. FAO. org/ production/ Trade_CropsLivestock_E_A... FAO, "Morocco – Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)", One Country One Product (OCOP) Initiative, 2025. openknowledge.
FAO. org/ server/ api/ core/ bitstreams/ 6749540d... Valencia News, "La Policía de la Generalitat interviene 632 toneladas de algarrobas robadas", 05.10.2020. valencianews.
es/ economia/ la- policia- de- la- generalitat- int... Agronews Castilla y León, News of the carob theft operation in Valencia, 19.04.2022. agronewscastillayleon.
com/ ?p=48982 Lusa / Agroportal, "Apreensão de alfarroba furtada no Algarve duplica face ao ano passado – GNR", 26.07.2022. agroportal.
Scientific Resourcespt/ ?p=907196
