About HS Code 3502
Heading 3502 encompasses "Albumins (including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, containing by weight more than 80% whey proteins, calculated on the dry matter), albuminates and other albumin derivatives." This classification is crucial for products derived from various sources of albumin, a class of globular proteins. It covers egg albumin (from egg whites), serum albumin (from blood plasma, e.g., bovine serum albumin or human serum albumin), and lactalbumin (from milk). A significant inclusion is high-concentration whey protein products – specifically, concentrates of two or more whey proteins containing over 80% protein by dry weight, such as whey protein isolate (WPI). Albuminates (salts of albumin) and other derivatives are also included, recognizing their modified forms. The applications for these products are vast: in the food industry as protein supplements, emulsifiers, and binders; in pharmaceuticals for vaccines, culture media, and plasma expanders; in diagnostics; and in industrial uses like clarifying agents for beverages or photographic emulsions. Precise classification under 3502 is paramount due to strict regulatory oversight, particularly for pharmaceutical and food-grade products, which face rigorous health, safety, and quality standards (e.g., GMP, FDA approval). This heading resides within Chapter 35, dedicated to albuminoidal substances and glues, highlighting its focus on protein-based raw materials and their primary derivatives.
Products Under This Code
Egg albumin powder, dried egg whites, serum albumin (from blood), bovine serum albumin (BSA), human serum albumin (HSA), lactalbumin, whey protein isolate (WPI > 80% protein), whey protein concentrate (WPC > 80% protein), albuminates (e.g., sodium albuminate), albumin derivatives for pharmaceuticals, food-grade albumin as a binder, clarifying agents (e.g., for wine), photographic grade albumin, medical diagnostic reagents (albumin component), animal feed supplements (albumin-based), emulsifiers in food processing, foaming agents, binders in cosmetics, ovalbumin, blood albumin.
Real World Examples
A pharmaceutical company in Switzerland imports high-purity bovine serum albumin (BSA) from the USA for use in vaccine production and as a critical component in cell culture media for biotechnological research. A popular sports nutrition brand in the UK imports large quantities of whey protein isolate (WPI) from New Zealand, where it's processed from dairy, to formulate its premium protein powder supplements for the European market. A large bakery in Japan imports dried egg albumin powder from the Netherlands to use as a foaming agent and binder in its confectionery and meringue products.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassification pitfalls include confusing raw albumin with finished food products or specific therapeutic blood fractions. For example, while 3502 covers albumin, prepared human blood for therapeutic uses (e.g., plasma, whole blood) falls under 3002. Similarly, egg albumin is covered, but fresh or preserved eggs in shell are classified under 0407. Another error is classifying protein *blends* or finished food preparations (e.g., multi-ingredient protein bars) that contain albumin; these are generally classified under 2106 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included), as 3502 is for the isolated albumin or high-concentration whey proteins.
Subheadings 4
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
The USA, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany are major exporters, owing to their robust dairy, poultry, and pharmaceutical industries. Key importers include the USA, EU member states, Japan, China, and India, driven by demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic sectors. These products often face stringent regulatory requirements, particularly for human and animal health applications (e.g., BSE-free certification for bovine products, GMP for pharma). Trade agreements frequently offer tariff concessions, but adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary measures and quality standards is crucial for market entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 3502?
HS code 3502 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Albumins (including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, containing by weight more than 80% whey proteins, calculated on the dry matter), albuminates and other albumin derivatives. Heading 3502 encompasses "Albumins (including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, containing by weight more than 80% whey proteins, calculated on the dry matter), albuminates and other albumin derivatives." This classification is crucial for products derived from various sources of albumin, a class of globular proteins. It covers egg albumin (from egg whites), serum albumin (from blood plasma, e.g., bovine serum albumin or human serum albumin), and lactalbumin (from milk). A significant inclusion is high-concentration whey protein products – specifically, concentrates of two or more whey proteins containing over 80% protein by dry weight, such as whey protein isolate (WPI). Albuminates (salts of albumin) and other derivatives are also included, recognizing their modified forms. The applications for these products are vast: in the food industry as protein supplements, emulsifiers, and binders; in pharmaceuticals for vaccines, culture media, and plasma expanders; in diagnostics; and in industrial uses like clarifying agents for beverages or photographic emulsions. Precise classification under 3502 is paramount due to strict regulatory oversight, particularly for pharmaceutical and food-grade products, which face rigorous health, safety, and quality standards (e.g., GMP, FDA approval). This heading resides within Chapter 35, dedicated to albuminoidal substances and glues, highlighting its focus on protein-based raw materials and their primary derivatives.
What products fall under HS code 3502?
Egg albumin powder, dried egg whites, serum albumin (from blood), bovine serum albumin (BSA), human serum albumin (HSA), lactalbumin, whey protein isolate (WPI > 80% protein), whey protein concentrate (WPC > 80% protein), albuminates (e.g., sodium albuminate), albumin derivatives for pharmaceuticals, food-grade albumin as a binder, clarifying agents (e.g., for wine), photographic grade albumin, medical diagnostic reagents (albumin component), animal feed supplements (albumin-based), emulsifiers in food processing, foaming agents, binders in cosmetics, ovalbumin, blood albumin.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 3502?
Common misclassification pitfalls include confusing raw albumin with finished food products or specific therapeutic blood fractions. For example, while 3502 covers albumin, prepared human blood for therapeutic uses (e.g., plasma, whole blood) falls under 3002. Similarly, egg albumin is covered, but fresh or preserved eggs in shell are classified under 0407. Another error is classifying protein *blends* or finished food preparations (e.g., multi-ingredient protein bars) that contain albumin; these are generally classified under 2106 (Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included), as 3502 is for the isolated albumin or high-concentration whey proteins.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 3502?
The USA, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany are major exporters, owing to their robust dairy, poultry, and pharmaceutical industries. Key importers include the USA, EU member states, Japan, China, and India, driven by demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic sectors. These products often face stringent regulatory requirements, particularly for human and animal health applications (e.g., BSE-free certification for bovine products, GMP for pharma). Trade agreements frequently offer tariff concessions, but adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary measures and quality standards is crucial for market entry.
How is HS code 3502 structured?
HS code 3502 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 35 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.