Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormDry powder
Industry PositionFood Ingredient
Market
South Korea is an import-dependent market for cassava starch (tapioca starch) used as a food ingredient in domestic processing. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS shows Korea imported about 36.9 million kg valued at about USD 19.8 million in 2023 under HS 110814, with Thailand and Vietnam as the dominant origins. Imports clear under MFDS’s imported food safety system, which applies document review and can apply field, laboratory, and random sampling tests at customs. Tariff treatment is origin- and quota-dependent; under Korea–ASEAN FTA schedules, cassava starch is covered by an annual quota with imports beyond the quota reverting to MFN treatment.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent ingredient market)
Domestic RoleDownstream food manufacturing ingredient market; used in starch-based processed foods
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports; no domestic harvest season.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Dry powder ingredient; moisture protection is a key handling requirement because the Food Code specifies a maximum moisture content for 'Other starch'.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture (Water): not more than 15.0% for 'Other starch' (MFDS Food Code).
- Ash: not more than 0.4% (MFDS Food Code).
- Acidity (0.02 N NaOH consumption): not more than 3 mL (MFDS Food Code).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas starch mill (origin country) → sea freight to Korea → MFDS import declaration and inspection (as applicable) → customs clearance → importer warehousing → delivery to food manufacturers
Temperature- No cold chain required; protect from heat and especially moisture/condensation during storage and transport.
Atmosphere Control- Humidity control is important to prevent caking and quality deterioration during storage.
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable if kept dry; shelf-life and storage conditions should follow supplier specification and COA.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Supply Disruption HighKorea’s cassava starch supply is highly concentrated in Southeast Asia (notably Thailand and Vietnam), so regional cassava disease outbreaks—such as cassava mosaic disease reported in Southeast Asia—can reduce cassava root availability and starch output, tightening supply and increasing price/lead-time risk for Korea importers.Diversify approved origins and suppliers, maintain safety stock, and monitor Southeast Asia cassava health alerts and research updates (e.g., CGIAR/peer-reviewed CMD updates) alongside supplier crop reports.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMFDS uses a risk-based import inspection system; products with hazard concerns or non-compliance history can be escalated to laboratory testing or be subject to orders to undergo inspection by designated agencies before import declaration, increasing clearance time and cost risk.Align product specs to MFDS Food Code (e.g., moisture/ash/acidity for 'Other starch'), implement pre-shipment testing and document control, and confirm importer registration/manufacturer information used in declarations.
Logistics MediumAs a sea-freighted bulk ingredient, cassava starch is exposed to container availability, port congestion, and freight-rate spikes that can quickly raise landed costs and disrupt delivery schedules to Korean manufacturers.Lock freight capacity earlier in peak seasons, use multi-forwarder routing options, and buffer inventory for critical production lines.
Tariff And Quota MediumUnder Korea–ASEAN FTA schedules, cassava starch is covered by an annual quota with an in-quota tariff rate; volumes exceeding the quota revert to MFN treatment, creating landed-cost volatility tied to quota access and origin documentation.Plan procurement against quota calendars/allocation rules and ensure certificates of origin and origin compliance are managed to support any preferential treatment claims.
FAQ
Which countries does South Korea mainly import cassava starch from?UN Comtrade data published via the World Bank WITS shows Thailand and Vietnam are the dominant origins for Korea’s HS 110814 cassava starch imports (for example, in 2023 Thailand accounted for most of the import value and volume, followed by Vietnam).
What Korean Food Code specifications are most relevant for cassava starch compliance?In the MFDS Food Code section on Starches, cassava starch is treated as 'Other starch' and key specifications include moisture (water) not more than 15.0%, ash not more than 0.4%, and acidity (0.02 N NaOH consumption) not more than 3 mL.
How does MFDS inspect imported food ingredients like cassava starch at customs?MFDS describes imported food inspections as including document review, field test, laboratory test, and random sampling test, supported by a risk-based grading approach (OPERA). After the compliance decision, MFDS issues a certificate of completion of the import declaration process for customs clearance.
Is there a Korea–ASEAN FTA quota relevant to cassava starch imports?Yes. Korea’s Korea–ASEAN FTA minimum market access/quota materials list cassava starch (HS 110814) with an annual quota and an in-quota tariff rate; imports beyond the quota revert to MFN treatment, depending on origin and documentation.