HS Code for Caseinate

Caseinates and other casein derivatives are classified under HS code 3501.90. This code is a residual category within heading 3501, which covers casein and its derivatives. While 3501.10 is dedicated to pure casein, 3501.90 encompasses the salts of casein (caseinates) and other modified forms of the protein. Caseinates are produced by neutralizing acid casein with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide. This process makes the protein water-soluble, which is a key functional requirement for many industrial and food applications. The classification 3501.90 also includes casein glues, which are adhesives formulated primarily from casein. The classification is driven by the chemical transformation of the base casein protein into a more functional salt or derivative. Under the Harmonized System, the addition of the alkali to create a salt is considered a sufficient modification to move the product from the primary protein code (3501.10) to the derivative code (3501.90). This code is also used for other derivatives like chlorinated casein or brominated casein. It is essential to distinguish these from prepared food supplements that might contain caseinates but also include other significant ingredients like fats or carbohydrates, which might lead to classification in heading 2106. The solubility in water is often the primary physical characteristic that distinguishes a caseinate from pure casein.

Products Included

• Sodium caseinate
• Calcium caseinate
• Potassium caseinate
• Casein glues and adhesives
• Chlorinated or brominated casein

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 3501.10, which is only for the base casein protein. Another common error is 3506.10 for glues; however, if the glue is specifically a casein glue, heading 3501 is more specific and takes precedence. Caseinates are also sometimes incorrectly classified under 2106.90 as food preparations; they only belong there if they are part of a complex mixture with other nutrients. Finally, they should not be confused with albuminates, which fall under heading 3502.

FAQ

What is the HS code for caseinate?

The HS code for caseinate is 3501.90. This code covers various salts of casein such as sodium and calcium caseinate.

What is the difference between casein and caseinate in the HS system?

Casein (3501.10) is the raw protein precipitated from milk, while caseinate (3501.90) is the water-soluble salt formed by reacting casein with an alkali.