Product classification

HS code for Dietary supplements: 2106.90

Food preparations, n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10.

Classification of dietary supplements under HS 2106.90

Dietary supplements are classified under HS code 2106.90, which serves as a residual category for food preparations not elsewhere specified or included. This classification is used because dietary supplements, while often presented in dosage forms like capsules or tablets, do not typically meet the criteria for medicaments under Chapter 30. Heading 2106 covers a wide range of food products, and subheading 2106.90 specifically captures preparations intended for human consumption to provide nutritional support. These products usually contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or botanical extracts. The classification logic hinges on the product's intended use: if it is marketed to maintain general health or supplement a diet rather than to treat a specific medical condition, it remains in Chapter 21. Furthermore, the absence of a specific therapeutic or prophylactic claim is a primary factor in keeping these products out of the pharmaceutical categories.

Covers
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements in tablet or capsule form
  • Herbal extracts sold as dietary aids
  • Protein powders not based on dairy or cocoa
  • Amino acid preparations for nutritional use
Also under 2106.90
  • Ensure nutritional drinks
  • Clif Bars
  • Gatorade powder
  • Splenda artificial sweetener
  • Xanthan gum (food grade)
  • various vitamin supplements
  • Red Bull (concentrate)
  • Boost nutritional drinks

Codes often confused with 2106.90

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is under HS code 3004, which covers medicaments. If a supplement makes specific claims to cure a disease, it may be moved to 3004. Another common error is using 2936 for pure vitamins; however, once vitamins are mixed or put into dosage form as a supplement, they move to 2106.90.

30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale29.36Provitamins, vitamins; natural or reproduced by synthesis (including natural concentrates) derivatives thereof used as vitamins, and intermixtures of the fore-going, whether or not in any solvent

Top exporters and importers of HS 210690 (the code used for dietary supplements), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210690 (the code used for dietary supplements) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 210690, not only dietary supplements.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $6.8B
  2. 2 United States $6.7B
  3. 3 Netherlands $4.8B

World total: $66.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $7.5B
  2. 2 United States $6.2B
  3. 3 Germany $4.0B

World total: $68.8B 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 codes for dietary supplements

Brazil splits HS 2106.90 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about dietary supplements

What is the HS code for Dietary supplements?

The HS code for Dietary supplements is 210690 (Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10). The most common HS code for dietary supplements is 2106.90, as they are considered food preparations not elsewhere specified.

How do I classify Dietary supplements for customs?

Dietary supplements is classified under HS code 210690 — Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

When is a supplement classified as a medicine?

A supplement is classified under heading 3004 (medicaments) if it contains active substances for therapeutic use or is labeled with specific claims to treat or prevent a disease.

Which countries are the top exporters of dietary supplements (HS 210690)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210690 (the code used for dietary supplements) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($6.8B, 10% of world exports), the United States ($6.7B) and the Netherlands ($4.8B). World exports came to about $66.3B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of dietary supplements (HS 210690)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 210690 (the code used for dietary supplements) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.5B, 11% of world imports), the United States ($6.2B) and Germany ($4.0B). World imports came to about $68.8B, 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 Dietary supplements the same in all countries?

The base HS code 210690 for Dietary supplements 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 dietary supplements in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 210690 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for dietary supplements depends on the product's details: 2106.90.10 (Preparations for making beverages), 2106.90.21 (Pudding powders in packings of 1 kg or less), 2106.90.29 (Other pudding, cream, ice cream and jelly powders), 2106.90.30 (Food supplements), 2106.90.40 (Sodium ascorbate and glucose mixes for sausages), 2106.90.50 (Sugar-free chewing gum), and more.