Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood Additive (Anti-caking agent / Carrier)
Market
Amorphous silicon dioxide (INS 551/E551) is used as an anti-caking agent and carrier in Bangladesh’s powder-based food manufacturing and related formulation uses, and is largely supplied via imports. Market governance is shaped by Bangladesh’s Food Safety Act, 2013 and the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority’s (BFSA) stated approach to harmonize domestic food standards with Codex references. Imports clear through Bangladesh Customs using ASYCUDA World declarations and standard import documentation (e.g., L/C, invoice, B/L or AWB, packing list, certificate of origin). For importers, foreign-exchange policy updates affecting industrial raw-material import payment terms can influence procurement timing and working-capital needs.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient market for domestic food and pharmaceutical manufacturing
Domestic RoleFormulation aid used by domestic manufacturers (anti-caking/carrier) in powder and dry-mix applications; typically procured via importers and ingredient distributors
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityNon-seasonal demand; procurement is driven by manufacturing production cycles and import lead times rather than harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Amorphous (non-crystalline) silica; free-flowing powder characteristics targeted for anti-caking performance in dry mixes
- Produced synthetically via fumed (vapour-phase) or wet-process routes (e.g., precipitated silica/silica gel), depending on grade
Compositional Metrics- INS/CAS identifiers commonly used on documentation: INS 551; CAS 7631-86-9
- Buyer specifications typically reference food-additive purity and contaminant/heavy-metal limits consistent with international specifications (e.g., JECFA/Codex-linked specifications), supported by a batch Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
Grades- Food-grade (aligned to Codex GSFA provisions for INS 551 and JECFA specifications/evaluations)
- Industrial grades exist; for food use, confirm additive identity as amorphous and food-grade on CoA
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas manufacturer → sea freight shipment → Import General Manifest (IGM) submission by shipping agent → importer/C&F agent lodges Bill of Entry (Single Administrative Document) via ASYCUDA World → customs release → distributor warehousing/repacking (if applicable) → factory dosing/blending into dry-mix formulations
Temperature- Not temperature-sensitive; primary handling requirement is keeping product dry and protected from moisture uptake during Bangladesh’s humid conditions.
Atmosphere Control- Moisture control is critical: use sealed liners and minimize exposure to ambient humidity during port handling, warehousing, and factory use.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is typically long when kept sealed and dry; moisture ingress can reduce flowability and anti-caking performance, creating rework risk for dry-mix manufacturers.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighCustoms clearance can be delayed or blocked if the shipment is misclassified or the import file is incomplete (e.g., missing L/C, invoice, transport document, packing list, certificate of origin, or an incorrect/late ASYCUDA World Bill of Entry submission), disrupting supply continuity for domestic manufacturers relying on imported additive inputs.Pre-align HS classification (e.g., HS 28112200000 for silicon dioxide), prepare the full documentary pack before vessel arrival, and reconcile product identity as food-use amorphous silica (INS 551/E551) in the commercial and quality documents.
Financial / FX MediumImport affordability and timing can be impacted by Bangladesh Bank foreign-exchange policy updates affecting usance/deferred payment terms for industrial raw materials, influencing working capital and supplier credit structuring for imported additives.Structure payment terms and inventory buffers to reflect current Bangladesh Bank guidance and ensure AD-bank approval processes are completed early for the relevant credit arrangement.
Logistics MediumPort dwell time and clearance delays can increase demurrage and landed cost; prolonged exposure to humid conditions during handling can also degrade flowability (caking risk), creating quality and production disruptions for dry-mix users.Use moisture-resistant packaging and handling SOPs, and plan procurement with buffer lead time to absorb clearance variability.
Food Safety MediumUsing industrial-grade or non-conforming silica in food applications (or lacking evidence of conformance to recognized specifications) increases the risk of downstream non-compliance and product quality defects in dry-mix foods and supplements.Require supplier CoA aligned to recognized food additive specifications and verify identity as amorphous silicon dioxide (INS 551) consistent with Codex/JECFA references.
Labor & Social- Occupational exposure risk from fine powder handling (dust control, PPE, and housekeeping) in Bangladesh warehousing, repacking, and factory dosing operations.
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used to declare silicon dioxide imports into Bangladesh?Bangladesh Customs’ Harmonised Tariff (Chapter 28) lists “Silicon dioxide” under HS 28112200000. Importers should confirm the exact subheading and fiscal-year duty/tax treatment for the specific shipment and grade.
What documents are generally required for importing this ingredient into Bangladesh?Bangladesh Customs indicates that imports are cleared through ASYCUDA World using a goods declaration (Bill of Entry / Single Administrative Document) and typically require documents such as a Letter of Credit (L/C), invoice, transport document (Bill of Lading/AWB), packing list, and a certificate of origin.
What international references define the identity and permitted-use context for amorphous silicon dioxide as a food additive?Codex GSFA Online lists silicon dioxide, amorphous (INS 551) with functional classes such as anti-caking agent and carrier and provides food-category provisions, while the WHO JECFA database provides the additive’s identifiers (INS 551; CAS 7631-86-9), evaluation history, and links to JECFA specifications.