HS Code Heading

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

21.02 Heading
Section IV — Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

About HS Code 2102

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.

Products Under This Code

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.

Real World Examples

A major French yeast manufacturer exports active dry yeast in bulk to commercial bakeries throughout the Middle East, facilitating the production of bread and pastries. Concurrently, a Chinese supplier ships large quantities of spirulina powder, consisting of dead single-cells, to supplement manufacturers in the United States, where it is encapsulated for health food products. In another scenario, a US company exports prepared baking powder to food processing plants in Mexico for the production of packaged baked goods, navigating specific labeling and ingredient regulations under the USMCA.

Common Misclassification

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.

Subheadings 3

Industry

This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.

Trade Overview

France and Germany are significant producers and exporters of various yeasts, serving global baking and brewing industries. China is a major supplier of spirulina and chlorella powders. The US, EU, and Japan are key importers and exporters, driven by demand for food ingredients, health supplements, and industrial applications. Regulatory hurdles for microorganisms can be complex, especially concerning health claims and food safety. Tariffs on products under 2102 are generally low, but specific formulations or concentrations might face different rates or require specific certifications, especially for pharmaceutical or animal feed applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2102?

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.

What products fall under HS code 2102?

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.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2102?

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.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 2102?

France and Germany are significant producers and exporters of various yeasts, serving global baking and brewing industries. China is a major supplier of spirulina and chlorella powders. The US, EU, and Japan are key importers and exporters, driven by demand for food ingredients, health supplements, and industrial applications. Regulatory hurdles for microorganisms can be complex, especially concerning health claims and food safety. Tariffs on products under 2102 are generally low, but specific formulations or concentrations might face different rates or require specific certifications, especially for pharmaceutical or animal feed applications.

How is HS code 2102 structured?

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.