Product classification
HS code for Milk protein: 3501.10
Casein.
Classification of milk protein under HS 3501.10
Milk protein, specifically in the form of casein, is classified under HS code 3501.10. This classification is part of Chapter 35, which covers albuminoidal substances, modified starches, glues, and enzymes. Casein is the principal protein found in milk and is typically produced by the precipitation of skimmed milk using acids, rennet, or other enzymes. Heading 3501 specifically includes casein, caseinates, and other casein derivatives, as well as casein glues. Subheading 3501.10 is dedicated to the raw or isolated casein itself. This classification is distinct from the dairy products found in Chapter 4, such as milk, cream, and whey. While Chapter 4 covers products that are essentially food items in their natural or minimally processed state, Chapter 35 focuses on isolated chemical components and proteins intended for industrial, pharmaceutical, or specialized food applications. The transition from Chapter 4 to Chapter 35 occurs when the protein is isolated to a high degree of purity, transforming it from a dairy product into a chemical substance. This distinction is vital for customs purposes, as it affects duty rates and regulatory requirements. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, prioritizing the specific chemical identity of the substance over its biological origin.
- Covers
- Acid casein
- Rennet casein
- Isolated milk protein (casein-based)
- Industrial grade casein
- Edible casein for food fortification
- Also under 3501.10
- Arla Foods Ingredients Casein
- Fonterra Casein
- Lactalis Ingredients Casein
- FrieslandCampina Casein
- Glanbia Nutritionals Casein
Codes often confused with 3501.10
Common mistake. Casein is frequently confused with whey protein, which is classified under HS code 0404.10 or 3502.20 depending on its concentration and state. Another common misclassification is HS code 3501.90, which is reserved for caseinates and derivatives rather than the base protein. It is also important not to confuse casein with milk powders classified in Chapter 4, which contain fats, sugars, and other milk solids in addition to protein.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350110 (the code used for milk protein), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350110 (the code used for milk protein) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 350110, not only milk protein.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $433M 31% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $425M 30% of world exports
- 3 France $221M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $304M 21% of world imports
- 2 China $166M 12% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $117M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 protein
Brazil classifies milk protein under NCM 3501.10.00: HS 3501.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about milk protein
What is the HS code for Milk protein?
The HS code for Milk protein is 350110 (Casein). The HS code for milk protein in the form of casein is 3501.10.
How do I classify Milk protein for customs?
Milk protein is classified under HS code 350110 — Casein. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is whey protein classified under the same code?
No, whey protein is classified differently. If it is a whey protein concentrate with a protein content over 80%, it is usually classified under 3502.20; otherwise, it falls under 0404.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of milk protein (HS 350110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350110 (the code used for milk protein) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($433M, 31% of world exports), Ireland ($425M) and France ($221M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 (HS 350110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350110 (the code used for milk protein) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($304M, 21% of world imports), China ($166M) and Mexico ($117M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350110 for Milk protein 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, milk protein (HS 350110) is classified under NCM 3501.10.00.