Product classification
HS code for Active yeast: 2102.10
Yeasts, active.
Classification of active yeast under HS 2102.10
Active yeast is classified under HS code 210210, specifically designated for "Yeasts; active." This classification is found in Chapter 21, which covers miscellaneous edible preparations. The key characteristic for this heading is the "active" state of the yeast, meaning it contains living microorganisms capable of fermentation. This distinguishes it from inactive forms of yeast. Active yeast is primarily utilized in industries such as baking, brewing, and distilling, where its metabolic activity is essential for processes like leavening dough or converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The classification reflects its biological activity and its role as a functional ingredient rather than a mere chemical compound or a dead biomass.
- Covers
- Baker's yeast (fresh, dry, or instant)
- Brewer's yeast (active cultures)
- Distiller's yeast
- Active nutritional yeast (when sold for its active properties)
- Wine yeast
- Also under 2102.10
- Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast
- Saf-Instant Yeast
- Red Star Yeast
- Lalvin Wine Yeast
Codes often confused with 2102.10
Common mistake. Active yeast is frequently misclassified, primarily with its inactive counterparts. HS code 210220 covers "Yeasts; inactive; other single-cell micro-organisms, dead." The crucial difference is the viability of the yeast cells; if the yeast has been processed to render it non-viable, it falls under 210220, often used for flavor enhancement or nutritional supplements rather than fermentation. Another potential misclassification could be with HS code 210230, which pertains to "Prepared baking powders." While active yeast is a leavening agent, prepared baking powders are mixtures of leavening agents (often including inactive yeast or chemical leavening agents) and other ingredients, not solely active yeast. Furthermore, yeast extracts, which are derived from yeast but are not active yeast themselves, are typically classified under HS code 210690 as "Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included."
Top exporters and importers of HS 210210 (the code used for active yeast), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210210 (the code used for active yeast) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 210210, not only active yeast.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $458M 22% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $238M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $145M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $297M 13% of world imports
- 2 Algeria* ~$108M 4.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 France $104M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 codes for active yeast
Brazil splits HS 2102.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2102.10.10Live Saccharomyces boulardii yeast
- 2102.10.90Other active (live) yeasts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about active yeast
What is the HS code for Active yeast?
The HS code for Active yeast is 210210 (Yeasts; active). The HS code for active yeast is 210210.
How do I classify Active yeast for customs?
Active yeast is classified under HS code 210210 — Yeasts; active. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is active yeast distinguished from inactive yeast for customs purposes?
Active yeast contains living, metabolically viable cells capable of initiating fermentation processes, typically requiring specific storage conditions to maintain viability. Inactive yeast, conversely, has undergone processing (e.g., heat treatment) that renders its cells non-viable, and it is primarily used for its flavor, nutritional content, or as a processing aid, not for its fermentative capacity.
Which countries are the top exporters of active yeast (HS 210210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210210 (the code used for active yeast) in UN Comtrade data were China ($458M, 22% of world exports), Türkiye ($238M) and Canada ($145M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of active yeast (HS 210210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210210 (the code used for active yeast) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($297M, 13% of world imports), Algeria (about $108M) and France ($104M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Active yeast the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210210 for Active yeast is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for active yeast in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 210210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for active yeast depends on the product's details: 2102.10.10 (Live Saccharomyces boulardii yeast), 2102.10.90 (Other active (live) yeasts).