Product classification
HS code for Inactive yeast: 2102.20
Yeasts, inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead.
Classification of inactive yeast under HS 2102.20
Inactive yeast and other dead single-cell micro-organisms are classified under HS code 2102.20. This classification is situated within Chapter 21, "Miscellaneous edible preparations," which encompasses a variety of food-related products that do not fall into more specific chapters. The primary distinction for 2102.20 is the biological state of the yeast. While active yeast (2102.10) is a living organism used for its ability to induce fermentation in dough or liquids, inactive yeast has been processed—usually through heat—to kill the yeast cells. This process stops all enzymatic and fermentative activity, making the product stable for use as a nutritional supplement or flavoring agent. Common examples include nutritional yeast flakes or powders. Additionally, this code covers other single-cell micro-organisms, such as certain types of algae or bacteria, provided they are dead and intended for human consumption or industrial use. It is important to distinguish these from "prepared baking powders" (2102.30), which are chemical leavening agents, and from animal feed preparations (Chapter 23). The classification process requires laboratory confirmation that the yeast is indeed inactive. If any live cells remain that could facilitate fermentation, the product may be reclassified under 2102.10, which often carries different regulatory requirements and import duties.
- Covers
- Nutritional yeast (inactive)
- Dried dead yeast cells
- Dead single-cell proteins (edible)
- Inactive brewer's yeast
- Torula yeast (inactive)
- Also under 2102.20
- Marmite (yeast extract)
- Vegemite (yeast extract)
- Bragg Nutritional Yeast
- Engevita Nutritional Yeast
Codes often confused with 2102.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 2102.10 (active yeast). Importers also confuse this with 2309.90 when the yeast is intended for animal feed, or 2106.90 for general food supplements. If the product contains other ingredients like vitamins in significant amounts, it may be pushed toward 2106.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210220 (the code used for inactive yeast), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210220 (the code used for inactive yeast) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 210220, not only inactive yeast.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $163M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $124M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $95M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $184M 15% of world imports
- 2 Norway $125M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $70M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 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 inactive yeast
Brazil classifies inactive yeast under NCM 2102.20.00: HS 2102.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about inactive yeast
What is the HS code for Inactive yeast?
The HS code for Inactive yeast is 210220 (Yeasts; inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead). The HS code for inactive yeasts and other dead single-cell micro-organisms is 2102.20.
How do I classify Inactive yeast for customs?
Inactive yeast is classified under HS code 210220 — Yeasts; inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is nutritional yeast the same as inactive yeast?
Yes, most nutritional yeast sold for human consumption is inactive and falls under HS code 2102.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of inactive yeast (HS 210220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210220 (the code used for inactive yeast) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($163M, 16% of world exports), China ($124M) and the United States ($95M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 inactive yeast (HS 210220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210220 (the code used for inactive yeast) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($184M, 15% of world imports), Norway ($125M) and the Netherlands ($70M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Inactive yeast the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210220 for Inactive 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 inactive yeast in Brazil?
In Brazil, inactive yeast (HS 210220) is classified under NCM 2102.20.00.