Product classification
HS code for Casein: 3501.10
Casein.
Classification of casein under HS 3501.10
Casein is classified under HS code 3501.10. This substance is the primary protein found in milk and is isolated through a process of precipitation. Chapter 35 covers albuminoidal substances, modified starches, glues, and enzymes. Heading 3501 specifically includes casein, caseinates, and other casein derivatives. The classification 3501.10 is reserved for the raw casein protein, which can be produced via acid precipitation (acid casein) or through the action of enzymes like rennet (rennet casein). The classification logic depends on the degree of isolation and the chemical nature of the product. While milk and dairy products are generally found in Chapter 4, once the protein is extracted to the point where it is a distinct industrial or chemical raw material, it is moved to Chapter 35. Casein is used in a wide variety of applications, from food additives and nutritional supplements to industrial uses like the production of plastics, paints, and adhesives. To be classified under 3501.10, the product must meet the chemical definition of casein and not be a more complex food preparation or a derivative like a caseinate. The distinction between casein and its salts is critical for correct classification, as the salts are diverted to a different subheading. The purity and the absence of other milk constituents like lactose or milk fat are key indicators for classification in this heading.
- Covers
- Acid casein (industrial or food grade)
- Rennet casein
- Lactic casein
- Casein in powder or granular form
- Isolated milk protein (casein-based)
- Also under 3501.10
- Arla Foods Ingredients Casein
- Fonterra Casein
- Lactalis Ingredients Casein
- FrieslandCampina Casein
- Glanbia Nutritionals Casein
Codes often confused with 3501.10
Common mistake. Casein is often misclassified under HS code 0404.10 (whey proteins), but whey and casein are different protein fractions of milk. Another common error is using 3501.90, which is reserved for caseinates (the salts of casein) and other derivatives. If the product is a prepared food supplement containing other ingredients like vitamins or fats, it might be classified under 2106.90. Additionally, casein glues are sometimes confused with pure casein; while both are in heading 3501, glues are specifically under 3501.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350110 (the code used for casein), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350110 (the code used for casein) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 350110, not only casein.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $433M 31% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $425M 30% of world exports
- 3 France $221M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $304M 21% of world imports
- 2 China $166M 12% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $117M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 casein
Brazil classifies casein under NCM 3501.10.00: HS 3501.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about casein
What is the HS code for Casein?
The HS code for Casein is 350110 (Casein). The HS code for casein is 3501.10. This includes various types of precipitated casein protein.
How do I classify Casein for customs?
Casein is classified under HS code 350110 — Casein. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is edible casein classified differently from industrial casein?
No, both edible and industrial grade casein are classified under 3501.10, provided they meet the chemical description of the protein and are not further modified into salts.
Which countries are the top exporters of casein (HS 350110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350110 (the code used for casein) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($433M, 31% of world exports), Ireland ($425M) and France ($221M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of casein (HS 350110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350110 (the code used for casein) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($304M, 21% of world imports), China ($166M) and Mexico ($117M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Casein the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350110 for Casein 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 casein in Brazil?
In Brazil, casein (HS 350110) is classified under NCM 3501.10.00.