Product classification
HS code for Milk albumin: 3502.20
Albumins, milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins.
Classification of milk albumin under HS 3502.20
Milk albumin is classified under HS code 3502.20 because it is an albuminoidal substance derived from milk. Unlike standard dairy products found in Chapter 04, milk albumin (often referred to as lactalbumin) undergoes significant processing to isolate the protein from the liquid whey. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 35 covers protein substances that have been modified or concentrated to a high degree. Specifically, milk albumin includes concentrates of two or more whey proteins where the protein content exceeds 80% by weight, calculated on the dry matter. If the concentration is lower, the product might remain in Chapter 04. This classification is essential for international trade as it distinguishes industrial or food-grade protein isolates from raw agricultural dairy commodities. The technical nature of the extraction process, which typically involves heat denaturation or ultrafiltration, justifies its placement in Chapter 35 rather than the dairy chapter. The product is often used in the food industry for its functional properties, such as emulsification and gelling, or as a nutritional supplement.
- Covers
- Lactalbumin in powder or solution form
- Whey protein concentrates with a protein content exceeding 80% on a dry weight basis
- Dried milk albumin isolates
- Denatured milk proteins specifically categorized as albumins
- Milk albumin fractions used in pharmaceutical or food grade applications
- Also under 3502.20
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
- Fonterra WPC/WPI
- Arla Foods Ingredients Lacprodan
Codes often confused with 3502.20
Common mistake. Milk albumin is frequently misclassified under HS code 0404.10, which covers whey and modified whey. The distinction lies in the protein concentration; if the whey protein concentrate contains 80% or less protein by weight, it must be classified in Chapter 04. Another common error is using HS code 3504.00, which covers peptones and other protein substances. However, because milk albumin is specifically named in heading 3502, it takes precedence over the more general heading 3504. Importers must verify the dry-matter protein percentage through laboratory analysis to ensure the correct code is applied, as the transition from Chapter 04 to Chapter 35 often involves different tariff rates and regulatory requirements.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350220 (the code used for milk albumin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350220 (the code used for milk albumin) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 350220, not only milk albumin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $985M 27% of world exports
- 2 Germany $662M 18% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $439M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $611M 15% of world imports
- 2 Japan $328M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $321M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $4.0B 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 milk albumin
Brazil classifies milk albumin under NCM 3502.20.00: HS 3502.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about milk albumin
What is the HS code for Milk albumin?
The HS code for Milk albumin is 350220 (Albumins; milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins). The primary HS code for milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins with high protein content, is 3502.20.
How do I classify Milk albumin for customs?
Milk albumin is classified under HS code 350220 — Albumins; milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does milk albumin differ from whey protein for customs purposes?
For customs purposes, the difference is defined by the protein concentration. Products with more than 80% protein (calculated on dry matter) are classified as milk albumin under 3502.20, while those with 80% or less are classified as whey under 0404.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of milk albumin (HS 350220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350220 (the code used for milk albumin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($985M, 27% of world exports), Germany ($662M) and the Netherlands ($439M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 milk albumin (HS 350220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350220 (the code used for milk albumin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($611M, 15% of world imports), Japan ($328M) and the Netherlands ($321M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Milk albumin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350220 for Milk albumin 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 milk albumin in Brazil?
In Brazil, milk albumin (HS 350220) is classified under NCM 3502.20.00.