Guar gum is made from the seed of the guar bean, grown mostly in Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. India grows most of the world's guar and Pakistan most of the rest. Food makers use the powder as a thickener, and the oil and gas industry uses large volumes in drilling and fracking fluids, so demand follows both food trends and oil prices.
To export guar gum, get your exporter registrations (in India an IEC, GST with an LUT and an RCMC), and an FSSAI licence for food grade. Guar gum falls under HS code 1302 32. Sell food grade (E412) and industrial grade separately, each with its own specification for viscosity, mesh, moisture and purity, and send a lab report and sample before the first order.
Registrations you need
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- RCMC: from the export council for your product, or FIEO. See the RCMC guide.
- FSSAI: needed for food-grade guar gum. See FSSAI for exporters.
- Outside India: suppliers in Pakistan and other countries need their own country's exporter and food registrations; the product specs below are the same.
HS code and grades
Guar gum falls under HS code 1302 32: mucilages and thickeners from locust beans, locust bean seeds or guar seeds. The same heading covers guar splits and powder; guar meal sold as animal feed is classified separately.
- Food grade (E412): for ice cream, sauces, bakery and dairy; strict limits on microbiology, heavy metals, pesticide residues and contaminants.
- Industrial grade: for oil and gas drilling, mining, textile printing, paper and explosives; judged mainly on viscosity and hydration speed.
- Derivatives: fast-hydrating and modified guar for oilfield use, sold at a premium.
Specifications buyers check
- Viscosity: measured in centipoise (cps) at a set concentration and time; the most important number in every contract.
- Mesh: particle size, often 200 mesh.
- Moisture, protein, ash and acid insoluble residue: stated as maximums.
- Food grade extras: total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli and Salmonella, and contaminant tests. Food-grade guar gum for the EU has faced extra contaminant checks in the past, so confirm current requirements with your buyer.
Send a certificate of analysis from an accredited lab with every lot, and keep retained samples.
Packing, shipping and pricing
Guar gum powder is packed in 25 kg multi-wall paper bags or PP bags with liners, or in jumbo bags for large industrial buyers, and shipped in dry containers. Keep it away from moisture, which spoils viscosity. Prices follow the guar seed crop and oilfield demand, so quote per tonne, FOB or CIF, for a short validity. For new buyers, use an advance or a letter of credit. See the payment terms guide.
Where to find guar gum buyers
The USA is the largest buyer of industrial guar for oil and gas, while Germany, the Netherlands, China, Russia, Norway and other countries buy food and industrial grades. Food ingredient distributors in Europe, the Gulf and Southeast Asia buy food grade. On BuyGenix, check the spices and herbs and chemicals requirements, and set a product alert so new guar gum requirements reach you first. Each requirement goes to at most 5 suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for guar gum?
Guar gum falls under HS code 1302 32, mucilages and thickeners from locust beans or guar seeds.
What is the difference between food grade and industrial guar gum?
Food grade (E412) meets strict limits on microbiology and contaminants for use in food; industrial grade is sold mainly on viscosity for oil drilling, mining, textiles and paper.
Which country produces the most guar gum?
India, mainly Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat, produces most of the world's guar; Pakistan is the second largest producer.
What is the most important guar gum specification?
Viscosity, measured in centipoise at a set concentration and time, followed by mesh size and moisture.
Who buys guar gum?
Oil and gas service companies, especially in the USA, and food, textile and paper makers in Europe, China, Russia and other countries.
Need FSSAI or export registration?
Our team handles IEC, GST, LUT, RCMC and FSSAI registration for guar gum exporters.
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