HS Code 35.04 – Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included; hide powder, whether or not chromed

HS code 3504 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included; hide powder, whether or not chromed. Heading 3504 of the Harmonized System encompasses peptones and their derivatives, other protein substances and their derivatives not elsewhere specified or included, and hide powder, whether or not chromed. This classification is crucial for products that are essentially protein hydrolysates or modified proteins, derived from animal or plant sources, which have undergone partial hydrolysis. The scope includes a wide array of protein fragments, such as peptides and amino acid mixtures, but generally excludes pure, isolated amino acids (which typically fall under Chapter 29). It also specifically covers hide powder, used for tannin analysis, regardless of chroming. This heading serves as a catch-all for protein-based substances that are not intact proteins (like gelatin in 3503) or specific protein isolates (like casein in 3501) but rather their broken-down or chemically modified forms. This classification is vital for industries like food and beverage (e.g., flavor enhancers, nutritional supplements), pharmaceuticals (e.g., cell culture media, drug delivery systems), cosmetics (e.g., skin conditioning agents), and agriculture. Correct classification is paramount for trade compliance, as these products can be subject to varying duties, regulatory approvals (e.g., food safety, animal health certificates), and origin rules depending on their specific composition and intended use. Historically, the trade of protein derivatives has grown significantly with advancements in biotechnology and increased demand for functional ingredients.

Peptones, casein hydrolysates, soy protein hydrolysates, wheat protein hydrolysates, collagen peptides, gelatin hydrolysates, albumin derivatives, meat peptones, yeast peptones, amino acid mixtures derived from proteins, enzymatic protein hydrolysates, specific peptide fractions, hide powder (chromed), hide powder (non-chromed), blood protein hydrolysates, fish protein hydrolysates, milk protein hydrolysates, lactalbumin hydrolysates, serum albumin derivatives, elastin peptides, keratin hydrolysates, silk amino acids, plant-based protein hydrolysates, protein-based emulsifiers.

Common misclassifications arise from confusing protein derivatives with pure amino acids (HS 2922), which are chemically defined single compounds. Another frequent error is classifying intact proteins like gelatin (HS 3503) or specific protein isolates (HS 3501 for casein) under 3504; the key distinction is whether the protein has been significantly hydrolyzed or modified. Lastly, if a protein substance is specifically prepared as an animal feed (HS 2309), its classification might shift, depending on its primary function and degree of processing, leading to potential customs issues if the intent is not clear.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3504 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($843M, 15% of world exports), China ($738M) and Denmark ($615M). World exports came to about $5.6B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3504 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($796M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($611M) and Germany ($547M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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 3504 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 35 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.