Mucilages & Thickeners from Locust Bean and Guar Seeds

Guar gum and locust bean gum — the two dominant hydrocolloids under this heading — serve as critical viscosity agents in food processing, hydraulic fracturing fluids, and pharmaceutical formulations. The US schedule distinguishes guar-derived products (1302320020) from locust bean (carob) derivatives (1302320040), a split that matters for end-use specification and duty treatment. India dominates global guar seed production and is the leading supplier to the US market, with Spain and Italy contributing locust bean gum. FDA oversight applies to food-grade imports, and buyers should confirm whether a shipment is native or chemically modified, as modification can affect classification.