HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2106.90 – Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10

HS code 2106.90 is the 6-digit subheading for food preparations, n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10. It is used for dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals), energy bars, meal replacement shakes, non-alcoholic cocktail mixes and food thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum).

What HS 2106.90 covers

HS code 210690 is a broad 'basket' category for food preparations not elsewhere specified or included, making it one of the most diverse and challenging codes in international trade. It encompasses a vast array of highly processed, composite food products, dietary supplements, food additives, and novel foods that don't fit into more specific headings. Exporters and importers are found globally, reflecting the immense variety of specialized food products traded. Key trade considerations include complex ingredient lists, functional properties (e.g., nutritional, thickening, flavoring), specialized packaging, and rigorous compliance with diverse national food safety, labeling, and health regulations. This category is constantly expanding with innovations in food technology, functional foods, and dietary trends, requiring careful classification to avoid misdeclaration due to its catch-all nature and the sheer diversity of products it covers.

Covers
  • Dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals)
  • Energy bars
  • Meal replacement shakes
  • Non-alcoholic cocktail mixes
  • Food thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum)
  • Flavor enhancers
  • Chewing gum
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Protein bars
  • Sports nutrition drinks
Examples
  • Ensure nutritional drinks
  • Clif Bars
  • Gatorade powder
  • Splenda artificial sweetener
  • Xanthan gum (food grade)
  • various vitamin supplements
  • Red Bull (concentrate)
  • Boost nutritional drinks

Codes often confused with 2106.90

Common mistake. This is the most common 'fallback' code; it's often confused with almost any other food code if the product doesn't perfectly fit, e.g., 210390 (mixed condiments) if it's a complex sauce, or 190190 (malt extract, food preparations of flour/starch) if it contains significant flour/starch. The key is 'not elsewhere specified or included.'

2103.90Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings1901.90Food preparations; of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901

Top exporters and importers of HS code 210690, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 210690 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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. 1 Germany $6.8B
  2. 2 United States $6.7B
  3. 3 Netherlands $4.8B

World total: $66.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $7.5B
  2. 2 United States $6.2B
  3. 3 Germany $4.0B

World total: $68.8B 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 codes for 2106.90 8

Brazil splits HS 2106.90 into 8 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 2106.90.10 Preparations for making beveragesPreparações do tipo utilizado para elaboração de bebidas
  2. 2106.90.2 Powders, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, for making puddings, creams, ice cream, flans, jellies or similar preparationsPós, inclusive com adição de açúcar ou outro edulcorante, para a fabricação de pudins, cremes, sorvetes, flans, gelatinas ou preparações semelhantes Group
  3. 2106.90.21 Pudding powders in packings of 1 kg or lessPara a fabricação de pudins, em embalagens imediatas de conteúdo inferior ou igual a 1 kg
  4. 2106.90.29 Other pudding, cream, ice cream and jelly powdersOutros
  5. 2106.90.30 Food supplementsSuplementos alimentares
  6. 2106.90.40 Sodium ascorbate and glucose mixes for sausagesMisturas à base de ascorbato de sódio e glucose próprias para embutidos
  7. 2106.90.50 Sugar-free chewing gumGomas de mascar, sem açúcar
  8. 2106.90.60 Sugar-free caramels, comfits and pastillesCaramelos, confeitos, pastilhas e produtos semelhantes, sem açúcar
  9. 2106.90.90 Other food preparations not elsewhere specifiedOutras

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 2106.90

What is HS code 210690?

HS code 210690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10. HS code 210690 is a broad 'basket' category for food preparations not elsewhere specified or included, making it one of the most diverse and challenging codes in international trade. It encompasses a vast array of highly processed, composite food products, dietary supplements, food additives, and novel foods that don't fit into more specific headings. Exporters and importers are found globally, reflecting the immense variety of specialized food products traded. Key trade considerations include complex ingredient lists, functional properties (e.g., nutritional, thickening, flavoring), specialized packaging, and rigorous compliance with diverse national food safety, labeling, and health regulations. This category is constantly expanding with innovations in food technology, functional foods, and dietary trends, requiring careful classification to avoid misdeclaration due to its catch-all nature and the sheer diversity of products it covers.

What products fall under HS code 210690?

Dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals), energy bars, meal replacement shakes, non-alcoholic cocktail mixes, food thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum), flavor enhancers, chewing gum, artificial sweeteners, protein bars, sports nutrition drinks

What are common misclassifications for HS code 210690?

This is the most common 'fallback' code; it's often confused with almost any other food code if the product doesn't perfectly fit, e.g., 210390 (mixed condiments) if it's a complex sauce, or 190190 (malt extract, food preparations of flour/starch) if it contains significant flour/starch. The key is 'not elsewhere specified or included.'

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 210690?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 210690 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($6.8B, 10% of world exports), the United States ($6.7B) and the Netherlands ($4.8B). World exports came to about $66.3B, 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 210690?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 210690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.5B, 11% of world imports), the United States ($6.2B) and Germany ($4.0B). World imports came to about $68.8B, 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.

How is HS code 210690 structured?

HS code 210690 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 210690?

Brazil splits HS code 210690 into 8 NCM codes: 2106.90.10 (Preparations for making beverages), 2106.90.21 (Pudding powders in packings of 1 kg or less), 2106.90.29 (Other pudding, cream, ice cream and jelly powders), 2106.90.30 (Food supplements), 2106.90.40 (Sodium ascorbate and glucose mixes for sausages), 2106.90.50 (Sugar-free chewing gum), 2106.90.60 (Sugar-free caramels, comfits and pastilles), 2106.90.90 (Other food preparations not elsewhere specified). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.