HS Code 21.02 – Yeasts (active or inactive); other single-cell micro-organisms, dead (but not including vaccines of heading no. 3002); prepared baking powders

HS code 2102 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yeasts (active or inactive); other single-cell micro-organisms, dead (but not including vaccines of heading no. 3002); prepared baking powders. Heading 2102 covers a specialized but globally significant category: 'Yeasts (active or inactive); other single-cell micro-organisms, dead (but not including vaccines of heading no. 3002); prepared baking powders.' This classification is crucial for industries ranging from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and animal feed. It encompasses various forms of yeast, including active dry yeast used in baking and brewing, inactive nutritional yeast, and yeast extracts used for flavoring. The distinction between active and inactive forms is important for their application and sometimes for regulatory purposes. Furthermore, 2102 includes other dead single-cell micro-organisms, provided they are not vaccines (which fall under 3002). This can include certain probiotic bacteria (dead cultures), spirulina, and chlorella powders when consisting of dead cells, used in health supplements and functional foods. The inclusion of 'prepared baking powders' as a distinct category highlights its role as a leavening agent in the food industry. Proper classification is essential for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and for determining applicable import duties and health certifications. This heading plays a critical role in global food production, biotechnology, and the growing market for health and wellness products, providing foundational ingredients for countless applications.

Active dry yeast for baking, instant yeast, fresh baker's yeast, brewer's yeast (active), nutritional yeast flakes (inactive), yeast extract (for flavoring), torula yeast, dead probiotic bacteria cultures (e.g., Lactobacillus), spirulina powder (dead cells), chlorella powder (dead cells), prepared baking powder (double-acting), single-acting baking powder, cream of tartar baking powder, ammonium bicarbonate (as a baking component), yeast for animal feed supplements, yeast for biofuel fermentation, wine yeast (active), champagne yeast (active), sourdough starter culture (containing yeast), yeast protein concentrate, yeast hydrolysate, inactive dry yeast, liquid yeast for brewing, fortified nutritional yeast, gluten-free baking powder.

A common classification error is confusing products under 2102 with vaccines of heading 3002. While 2102 includes dead single-cell micro-organisms, any product specifically prepared as a vaccine, even if consisting of dead microorganisms, belongs to 3002. Another frequent mistake is classifying raw chemical ingredients used in baking, like pure sodium bicarbonate, as 'prepared baking powders' (2102) instead of under Chapter 28 or 29 for individual chemicals. Furthermore, live probiotic cultures might be confused with dead single-cell microorganisms; live cultures, if not specifically yeasts, might fall under other chapters or 3002 if for therapeutic uses. It is crucial to confirm the state (active/inactive, dead/live) and intended use of the microorganisms.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2102 in UN Comtrade data were China ($604M, 18% of world exports), Türkiye ($248M) and France ($212M). World exports came to about $3.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2102 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($492M, 13% of world imports), France ($177M) and Germany ($156M). World imports came to about $3.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 2102 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 21 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (21) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.