HS Code 35.01 – Casein, caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues

HS code 3501 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Casein, caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues. Heading 3501 covers "Casein, caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues." This classification focuses on products derived from casein, a principal protein found in milk. Casein itself is obtained from skim milk through processes like acid precipitation (acid casein) or enzymatic coagulation (rennet casein). Caseinates are salts of casein, such as sodium caseinate or calcium caseinate, which are more soluble and functional than raw casein. The heading also explicitly includes other casein derivatives, highlighting its broad coverage of processed casein forms. Furthermore, glues formulated with casein as their primary adhesive component are classified here, distinguishing them from other animal glues. Casein and its derivatives have extensive applications: in the food industry as nutritional supplements, emulsifiers, and binders (e.g., in protein powders, processed meats, and infant formula); in industrial applications like paper coating, textile sizing, plastics manufacturing, and paints; and as specialized adhesives. Accurate classification is critical for trade compliance, as these products can be subject to specific food safety regulations, dairy import quotas, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, particularly when intended for human consumption. This heading is a cornerstone of Chapter 35, which groups albuminoidal substances and glues, emphasizing its protein-based nature and adhesive properties.

Acid casein, rennet casein, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, potassium caseinate, ammonium caseinate, hydrolyzed casein, casein protein powder, infant formula ingredients (casein-based), protein bars (casein-based), casein-based paint binders, casein glues for woodworking, casein-based paper coatings, casein plastics (raw material), photographic emulsions (casein component), textile sizing agents (casein-based), casein-based dietary supplements, caseinates for processed meats, casein for cheese making (as an additive), casein for leather finishing, edible casein, industrial casein.

A common misclassification involves distinguishing casein from finished dairy products or other protein preparations. Traders might confuse casein with cheese or curd (0406), but 3501 specifically covers the isolated protein and its derivatives, not the finished food product. Another mistake is classifying complex food preparations containing casein under 3501; if casein is merely an ingredient in a broader food item (e.g., a protein bar mix), the finished product might fall under 2106 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included). Additionally, other protein substances not derived from casein should be classified elsewhere, such as 3504 (Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3501 in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($813M, 37% of world exports), Ireland ($513M) and France ($302M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 3501 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($524M, 19% of world imports), China ($426M) and Germany ($181M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 3501 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 35 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.