HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2102.20 – Yeasts; inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead
HS code 2102.20 is the 6-digit subheading for yeasts, inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead. It is used for nutritional yeast flakes, yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, brewer's yeast powder (inactive) and torula yeast.
What HS 2102.20 covers
This code covers inactive yeasts and other dead single-cell microorganisms. Unlike active yeasts, these products do not possess fermentative capabilities but are highly valued for their nutritional content (rich in protein, B vitamins, and minerals) and flavor-enhancing properties. They are widely used as nutritional supplements, savory flavorings in processed foods, and as ingredients in animal feed. This category reflects a growing market for natural food additives and health-oriented products. Importers include pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers (for products like yeast extracts and savory snacks), and animal feed producers. Exporters are typically biotechnology firms and large-scale yeast producers that process yeast specifically for these non-fermentative applications, often from by-products of brewing or ethanol production.
- Covers
- Nutritional yeast flakes
- Yeast extract
- Hydrolyzed yeast
- Brewer's yeast powder (inactive)
- Torula yeast
- Beta-glucan from yeast
- Autolyzed yeast
- Examples
- Marmite (yeast extract)
- Vegemite (yeast extract)
- Bragg Nutritional Yeast
- Engevita Nutritional Yeast
Codes often confused with 2102.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 210210 (active yeasts) if the 'inactive' status is not specified, or with 2309 (preparations of a kind used in animal feeding) if primarily for animal feed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 210220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 210220 in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $163M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $124M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $95M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $184M 15% of world imports
- 2 Norway $125M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $70M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2102.20
Brazil does not split HS 2102.20: its NCM code is 2102.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 21.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2102.20
What is HS code 210220?
HS code 210220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Yeasts; inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead. This code covers inactive yeasts and other dead single-cell microorganisms. Unlike active yeasts, these products do not possess fermentative capabilities but are highly valued for their nutritional content (rich in protein, B vitamins, and minerals) and flavor-enhancing properties. They are widely used as nutritional supplements, savory flavorings in processed foods, and as ingredients in animal feed. This category reflects a growing market for natural food additives and health-oriented products. Importers include pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers (for products like yeast extracts and savory snacks), and animal feed producers. Exporters are typically biotechnology firms and large-scale yeast producers that process yeast specifically for these non-fermentative applications, often from by-products of brewing or ethanol production.
What products fall under HS code 210220?
Nutritional yeast flakes, yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, brewer's yeast powder (inactive), torula yeast, beta-glucan from yeast, autolyzed yeast
What are common misclassifications for HS code 210220?
Often confused with 210210 (active yeasts) if the 'inactive' status is not specified, or with 2309 (preparations of a kind used in animal feeding) if primarily for animal feed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 210220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 210220 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($163M, 16% of world exports), China ($124M) and the United States ($95M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 210220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 210220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($184M, 15% of world imports), Norway ($125M) and the Netherlands ($70M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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.
How is HS code 210220 structured?
HS code 210220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (21) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 210220?
In Brazil, HS code 210220 is NCM 2102.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.