Natural Gums, Gum Resins, Resins & Balsams (NESOI)

Seed lac (1301909120) is the minimally processed, granular form of lac resin after removal of insect bodies but before further refining. Bleached shellac (1301909110) has undergone chemical bleaching to remove color and is used in food-grade and pharmaceutical coatings. Other shellac forms — such as dewaxed or orange shellac — may fall under the residual NESOI line (1301909190). The degree of processing and the resulting physical and chemical characteristics determine the correct line, and importers should document the processing method on commercial invoices.

Gum tragacanth (1301909130) is recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by FDA for use as a food additive in specific applications, including as a thickener and stabilizer. Importers bringing it in for food use should ensure it meets FDA purity specifications and that the importing establishment is registered with FDA. Non-food-grade material destined for industrial use does not carry the same admissibility requirements, but the intended end use should be clearly documented at entry.