Product classification
HS code for Baker's yeast: 2102.10
Yeasts, active.
Classification of baker's yeast under HS 2102.10
Baker's yeast is classified under HS code 2102.10, which is designated for active yeasts. This classification is based on the biological state of the yeast at the time of import. Heading 2102 covers yeasts (active or inactive) and other single-cell micro-organisms. Baker's yeast, typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is used in the food industry for fermentation. To be classified under 2102.10, the yeast must be "active," meaning it is capable of inducing fermentation in a sugar-containing medium. This includes various physical forms such as liquid yeast, compressed yeast (cream yeast), and active dry yeast. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the subheading specifically names active yeasts. This distinguishes it from chemical leavening agents or dead yeasts used for nutritional purposes.
- Covers
- Active dry yeast (ADY)
- Instant yeast
- Compressed fresh baker's yeast
- Liquid cream yeast
- Active sourdough starter cultures
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2102.20, which is for inactive yeasts. Inactive yeast is often used as a nutritional supplement or flavoring agent and cannot be used for leavening. Another common error is HS code 2102.30, which covers prepared baking powders. Baking powders are chemical leaveners (usually a mix of bicarbonate and an acid) and do not contain living organisms like yeast. Importers must ensure the product's biological activity is documented to justify 2102.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210210 (the code used for baker's yeast), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210210 (the code used for baker's 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 baker's 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 baker's 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 baker's yeast
What is the HS code for Baker's yeast?
The HS code for Baker's yeast is 210210 (Yeasts; active). The HS code for active baker's yeast is 2102.10, covering all forms of yeast capable of fermentation.
How do I classify Baker's yeast for customs?
Baker's yeast is classified under HS code 210210 — Yeasts; active. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is nutritional yeast classified under the same code?
No, nutritional yeast is typically inactive and is classified under HS code 2102.20. Only yeast used for leavening that is still biologically active belongs in 2102.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of baker's yeast (HS 210210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210210 (the code used for baker's 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 baker's yeast (HS 210210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210210 (the code used for baker's 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 Baker's yeast the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210210 for Baker's 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 baker's yeast in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 210210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for baker's yeast depends on the product's details: 2102.10.10 (Live Saccharomyces boulardii yeast), 2102.10.90 (Other active (live) yeasts).