Product classification

HS code for Milk protein derivative: 3501.90

Caseinates and other casein derivatives, casein glues.

Classification of milk protein derivative under HS 3501.90

Milk protein derivatives, including caseinates and other modified casein products, are classified under HS code 3501.90. This subheading is part of heading 3501, which covers casein, caseinates, and other casein derivatives, along with casein glues. While 3501.10 is reserved for pure casein, 3501.90 encompasses the various chemical derivatives produced from casein. Caseinates, such as sodium caseinate or calcium caseinate, are produced by dissolving acid casein in an alkali and then drying the resulting solution. These substances are widely used in the food industry as emulsifiers and stabilizers, as well as in technical applications like paper coating and leather finishing. Also included in this subheading are casein glues, which are adhesives made by mixing casein with lime or other alkaline substances. The classification under 3501.90 is determined by the chemical modification of the base protein. It is essential to distinguish these derivatives from other protein isolates or peptones, which are classified under heading 3504. The Harmonized System uses these specific subheadings to differentiate between raw proteins and their chemically altered counterparts. Classification is guided by the Chapter 35 notes and General Interpretative Rule 1, ensuring that these specialized chemical products are correctly identified for international trade.

Covers
  • Sodium caseinate
  • Calcium caseinate
  • Potassium caseinate
  • Casein glues and adhesives
  • Chlorinated casein and other chemical derivatives
Also under 3501.90
  • Arla Foods Ingredients Caseinates
  • Fonterra Caseinates
  • FrieslandCampina Caseinates
  • Kerry Group Caseinates
  • DMV Caseinates

Codes often confused with 3501.90

Common mistake. Caseinates are often misclassified as pure casein under HS code 3501.10. The distinction lies in the solubility and chemical processing; caseinates are salts of casein and are generally water-soluble. Another common error is classifying these under HS code 3504.00, which covers peptones and other protein substances. However, because heading 3501 specifically mentions caseinates, it takes precedence over the more general protein heading 3504.

3501.10Casein3504.00Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included, hide powder, whether or not chromed35.01Casein, caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues35.04Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included; hide powder, whether or not chromed

Top exporters and importers of HS 350190 (the code used for milk protein derivative), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350190 (the code used for milk protein derivative) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% 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 350190, not only milk protein derivative.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 New Zealand $380M
  2. 2 Germany $96M
  3. 3 Ireland $87M

World total: $803M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $259M
  2. 2 United States $220M
  3. 3 Germany $118M

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 codes for milk protein derivative

Brazil splits HS 3501.90 into 3 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 milk protein derivative

What is the HS code for Milk protein derivative?

The HS code for Milk protein derivative is 350190 (Caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues). The HS code for milk protein derivatives like caseinates is 3501.90.

How do I classify Milk protein derivative for customs?

Milk protein derivative is classified under HS code 350190 — Caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are casein glues included in this HS code?

Yes, casein glues, which are made from casein and alkaline substances, are specifically included under the subheading 3501.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of milk protein derivative (HS 350190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350190 (the code used for milk protein derivative) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($380M, 47% of world exports), Germany ($96M) and Ireland ($87M). World exports came to about $803M, 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 protein derivative (HS 350190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 350190 (the code used for milk protein derivative) in UN Comtrade data were China ($259M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($220M) and Germany ($118M). 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 Milk protein derivative the same in all countries?

The base HS code 350190 for Milk protein derivative 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 protein derivative in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 350190 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for milk protein derivative depends on the product's details: 3501.90.11 (Sodium caseinate), 3501.90.19 (Other caseinates and casein derivatives), 3501.90.20 (Casein glues).