Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionFood Ingredient / Additive (Hydrocolloid)
Market
Low-methoxyl pectin (a pectin grade used for calcium-set/low-sugar gel systems) is primarily a B2B food-ingredient input in India for processed food and formulation use. India is a net importer of HS 130220 (pectic substances, pectinates and pectates), indicating that domestic demand is largely met via imports rather than domestic production. In 2024, India’s gross imports of HS 130220 were about USD 25.7 million versus exports of about USD 0.18 million. Regulatory compliance and import clearance workflows are centered on FSSAI requirements (standards for food additives, labeling, and import clearance via FICS integrated with Customs ICEGATE).
Market RoleNet importer
Domestic RoleSpecialty hydrocolloid used by Indian food manufacturers and ingredient formulators; regulated as a permitted food additive (pectins/INS 440) under FSSAI standards.
Specification
Primary VarietyLow-methoxyl pectin (LM) — including amidated LM grades
Physical Attributes- Typically supplied as a white to light brown powder (appearance can vary by grade and standardization).
Compositional Metrics- Identity: pectins are partial methyl esters of polygalacturonic acid and their sodium/potassium/calcium/ammonium salts; amidated pectins contain primary amide groups (INS 440).
- Galacturonic acid: not less than 65% (ash-free, dried basis) per JECFA specification monograph.
- Loss on drying: not more than 12% (105°C, 2 h) per JECFA specification monograph.
- Residual solvents: not more than 1% (methanol/ethanol/2-propanol), singly or in combination, per JECFA specification monograph.
- Sulfur dioxide: not more than 50 mg/kg per JECFA specification monograph.
- Lead: not more than 5 mg/kg per JECFA specification monograph.
- Degree of amidation (amidated pectins): not more than 25% of total carboxyl groups per JECFA specification monograph.
- Degree of esterification / degree of methylation: commonly a declared functional parameter; LM grades are typically DM < 50%.
Grades- Food additive grade meeting applicable JECFA specifications for pectins (INS 440)
Packaging- Bulk industrial packaging is commonly used for ingredient supply (verify supplier pack format and liner requirements for humidity control).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas pectin production and standardization (often from citrus/apple by-products) → export packing → sea freight to India → Customs + FSSAI (FICS/ICEGATE) clearance with document scrutiny and risk-based sampling/testing → importer/distributor warehousing and, where applicable, repacking/blending → delivery to industrial food manufacturers/formulators
Temperature- Ambient transport is typical; protect from heat and humidity exposure during transit and storage to preserve flow and functionality.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with FSSAI requirements for import clearance (FICS/ICEGATE document scrutiny, labeling compliance, and risk-based sampling/testing) can result in delays, non-conforming reports, and potential rejection of consignments.Align product identity and use with applicable FSSAI standards (including permitted additive context for pectins/INS 440), ensure mandatory import documents are complete and consistent, and pre-validate labeling against the Labelling and Display Regulations compendium used by FSSAI.
Food Safety MediumShipments that fail additive specification parameters (e.g., residual solvents, sulfur dioxide limits, heavy metals such as lead, or minimum galacturonic acid content) may be deemed non-conforming in testing or documentation review.Contract to JECFA pectin specifications (INS 440) and require shipment-specific COA aligned to key purity criteria; verify test methods and lab accreditation where required.
Product Performance MediumLow-methoxyl pectin gel performance is sensitive to degree of methylation/esterification (and amidation, if used) and to formulation conditions (notably calcium level and pH); mismatches between declared grade and application conditions can cause set failure or texture defects.Specify functional grade parameters (DE/DM, amidation, viscosity/gel strength) in purchase specs and run pilot trials under the intended calcium/pH/sugar system before scale-up.
Sustainability- Upstream raw-material linkage to fruit-processing by-products (commonly citrus peels or apple pomace) can raise supplier due-diligence expectations around sourcing, by-product handling, and quality consistency.
FAQ
Is pectin (including low-methoxyl grades) recognized as a food additive in India?Yes. FSSAI’s Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations list pectin as a permitted food additive (including references to pectin and pectinates/pectates in relevant sections), and it appears in the permitted additive listings for pectins (INS 440) as a thickener/stabilizer/gelling agent in applicable contexts.
What is the standard identifier used for pectins in international additive listings?Pectins are identified as INS 440 in Codex/JECFA contexts, and Codex GSFA lists pectins (amidated and non-amidated) with functional classes such as gelling agent, thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier.
What documents are commonly required to clear imported food consignments in India?FSSAI’s import guidance (FICS/Imports Manual) highlights core documents such as Country of Origin Certificate, Bill of Lading, FSSAI importer license (as applicable), invoice, packing list, ingredient list, product label, and end-use declaration, with a Certificate of Analysis required in applicable cases, alongside prerequisites like an Import-Export Code (IEC).