HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3502.20 – Albumins; milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins
HS code 3502.20 is the 6-digit subheading for albumins, milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins. It is used for whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), milk albumin powder, hydrolyzed whey protein and lactalbumin.
What HS 3502.20 covers
This HS code encompasses milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, which are vital ingredients derived from milk. These products, primarily whey protein concentrates (WPC) and isolates (WPI), are highly valued for their nutritional profile and functional properties. They are extensively traded for use in sports nutrition supplements, infant formulas, functional foods, and clinical nutrition products. Major importers are countries with significant food processing, pharmaceutical, and supplement manufacturing industries. Exporters are typically dairy-rich nations with advanced whey processing technologies. Key aspects of trade include protein purity levels, solubility, specific amino acid profiles, and strict compliance with food safety, labeling, and infant formula regulations, making quality control a paramount concern.
- Covers
- Whey protein concentrate (WPC)
- Whey protein isolate (WPI)
- Milk albumin powder
- Hydrolyzed whey protein
- Lactalbumin
- Milk protein concentrate
- Examples
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
- Fonterra WPC/WPI
- Arla Foods Ingredients Lacprodan
Codes often confused with 3502.20
Common mistake. Often confused with casein and caseinates (350190), which are also milk proteins but have different functional characteristics. It can also be mistaken for other general protein substances (350400) if not clearly identified as milk-derived albumin or whey protein.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 350220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 350220 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 United States $985M 27% of world exports
- 2 Germany $662M 18% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $439M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $611M 15% of world imports
- 2 Japan $328M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $321M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $4.0B 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 code for 3502.20
Brazil does not split HS 3502.20: its NCM code is 3502.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 35.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3502.20
What is HS code 350220?
HS code 350220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Albumins; milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins. This HS code encompasses milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, which are vital ingredients derived from milk. These products, primarily whey protein concentrates (WPC) and isolates (WPI), are highly valued for their nutritional profile and functional properties. They are extensively traded for use in sports nutrition supplements, infant formulas, functional foods, and clinical nutrition products. Major importers are countries with significant food processing, pharmaceutical, and supplement manufacturing industries. Exporters are typically dairy-rich nations with advanced whey processing technologies. Key aspects of trade include protein purity levels, solubility, specific amino acid profiles, and strict compliance with food safety, labeling, and infant formula regulations, making quality control a paramount concern.
What products fall under HS code 350220?
Whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), milk albumin powder, hydrolyzed whey protein, lactalbumin, milk protein concentrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 350220?
Often confused with casein and caseinates (350190), which are also milk proteins but have different functional characteristics. It can also be mistaken for other general protein substances (350400) if not clearly identified as milk-derived albumin or whey protein.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 350220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 350220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($985M, 27% of world exports), Germany ($662M) and the Netherlands ($439M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 350220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 350220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($611M, 15% of world imports), Japan ($328M) and the Netherlands ($321M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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 350220 structured?
HS code 350220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 350220?
In Brazil, HS code 350220 is NCM 3502.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.