HS Code 23.02 – Bran, sharps and other residues; whether or not in the form of pellets derived from the sifting, milling or other working of cereals or of leguminous plants

HS code 2302 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Bran, sharps and other residues; whether or not in the form of pellets derived from the sifting, milling or other working of cereals or of leguminous plants. HS Code 2302 covers 'Bran, sharps and other residues; whether or not in the form of pellets derived from the sifting, milling or other working of cereals or of leguminous plants.' This heading is a key component of Chapter 23, which focuses on residues and waste from the food industries, primarily for use as animal fodder. The scope encompasses the fibrous and nutrient-rich by-products generated during the processing of grains (cereals) and pulses (leguminous plants) into flour or other refined products. Examples include wheat bran, rice bran, corn bran, pea hulls, and soybean hulls, often presented in loose form or compacted into pellets for easier transport and storage. This classification is vital for trade compliance as these residues are significant components of animal feed formulations globally. Regulations often pertain to feed safety, moisture content, mycotoxin levels, and labeling requirements. The economic value of these by-products is substantial, contributing to the sustainability of grain and pulse processing industries by valorizing waste streams into valuable feed ingredients. Historically, these residues have been fundamental in livestock farming, providing essential fiber and supplementary energy. Its place in Chapter 23 highlights its role in the agricultural supply chain, transforming processing waste into economically viable inputs for animal agriculture, contributing to food security and resource efficiency.

Wheat bran, rice bran, corn bran, oat bran, rye bran, barley bran, wheat sharps, maize gluten feed, pea hulls, soybean hulls, lentil hulls, chickpea hulls, sorghum bran, millet bran, wheat middlings, rice polish, corn germ meal, brewers' spent grain (dry form), canola meal hulls, sunflower meal hulls, buckwheat bran, triticale bran, faba bean hulls, lupin hulls, spelt bran, quinoa bran, amaranth bran.

Common misclassifications for HS 2302 arise from confusing these residues with the unprocessed cereals or leguminous plants themselves (Chapters 10 and 07, respectively) or with their flours fit for human consumption (Chapter 11). The key distinction is that 2302 covers 'residues' from *sifting, milling, or other working* processes, meaning they are by-products, not the primary grain or flour. For example, whole wheat grains (1001) are distinct from wheat bran (2302). Similarly, processed cereal flours for human consumption (1101) are not to be confused with the bran or sharps. Another potential confusion is with oil-cakes (2304, 2306); while both are residues, 2302 specifically refers to residues from *cereals or leguminous plants* from milling, not oil extraction.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2302 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $393M, 14% of world exports), Russia (about $374M) and Germany ($258M). World exports came to about $2.9B, 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 2302 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 31% of world imports), Türkiye ($483M) and Norway ($164M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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 2302 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 23 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (23) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.