HS Code 35.02 – 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

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.

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.

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.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3502 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 25% of world exports), Germany ($699M) and the Netherlands ($548M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 3502 in UN Comtrade data were China ($629M, 14% of world imports), Japan ($394M) and the Netherlands ($339M). World imports came to about $4.5B, 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 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.