HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2106.10 – Protein; concentrates and textured protein substances
HS code 2106.10 is the 6-digit subheading for protein, concentrates and textured protein substances. It is used for soy protein concentrate, pea protein isolate, textured vegetable protein (TVP), wheat gluten and rice protein.
What HS 2106.10 covers
This HS code covers protein concentrates and textured protein substances, a rapidly growing segment of the food industry driven by the plant-based food movement, health consciousness, and sustainability concerns. International trade involves various protein sources, including soy, pea, wheat, and rice, processed into forms suitable for food manufacturing. Exporters are typically agricultural powerhouses and food ingredient manufacturers, while importers include food processors, supplement companies, and manufacturers of plant-based meat alternatives worldwide. Key trade considerations include protein content, functional properties (e.g., emulsification, water-binding), non-GMO and organic certifications, and bulk packaging for industrial use. The market is heavily influenced by consumer demand for alternative proteins, meat extenders, and nutritional supplements, making it a crucial component of the evolving global food supply chain.
- Covers
- Soy protein concentrate
- Pea protein isolate
- Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- Wheat gluten
- Rice protein
- Faba bean protein
- Potato protein
- Whey protein concentrate (if not 0408)
- Examples
- Beyond Meat (as an ingredient source)
- Impossible Foods (as an ingredient source)
- Gardenburger (as an ingredient source)
- Mycoprotein (Quorn)
- various protein powder brands (e.g., Optimum Nutrition, Myprotein)
Codes often confused with 2106.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with 0408 (whey protein, if not concentrated/textured) or 2309 (preparations of a kind used in animal feeding) if intended for animal feed; also, 210690 (other food preparations) if it's a finished product rather than a concentrate or substance.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 210610, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 210610 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.2% 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 United States $806M 24% of world exports
- 2 China $395M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $332M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $305M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 Canada $220M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $183M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $3.3B 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 2106.10
Brazil does not split HS 2106.10: its NCM code is 2106.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 21.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2106.10
What is HS code 210610?
HS code 210610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Protein; concentrates and textured protein substances. This HS code covers protein concentrates and textured protein substances, a rapidly growing segment of the food industry driven by the plant-based food movement, health consciousness, and sustainability concerns. International trade involves various protein sources, including soy, pea, wheat, and rice, processed into forms suitable for food manufacturing. Exporters are typically agricultural powerhouses and food ingredient manufacturers, while importers include food processors, supplement companies, and manufacturers of plant-based meat alternatives worldwide. Key trade considerations include protein content, functional properties (e.g., emulsification, water-binding), non-GMO and organic certifications, and bulk packaging for industrial use. The market is heavily influenced by consumer demand for alternative proteins, meat extenders, and nutritional supplements, making it a crucial component of the evolving global food supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 210610?
Soy protein concentrate, pea protein isolate, textured vegetable protein (TVP), wheat gluten, rice protein, faba bean protein, potato protein, whey protein concentrate (if not 0408)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 210610?
Can be confused with 0408 (whey protein, if not concentrated/textured) or 2309 (preparations of a kind used in animal feeding) if intended for animal feed; also, 210690 (other food preparations) if it's a finished product rather than a concentrate or substance.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 210610?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 210610 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($806M, 24% of world exports), China ($395M) and the Netherlands ($332M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 210610?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 210610 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($305M, 9.2% of world imports), Canada ($220M) and the Netherlands ($183M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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 210610 structured?
HS code 210610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (21) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 210610?
In Brazil, HS code 210610 is NCM 2106.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.