HS Code for Nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast is classified under HS code 210220. This classification is situated within Chapter 21 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which covers miscellaneous edible preparations. Heading 2102 is specifically designated for yeasts (active or inactive) and other single-cell micro-organisms. The critical factor in classifying nutritional yeast is its biological state. Nutritional yeast is produced by culturing a yeast, typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on a nutrient-rich medium like molasses, then harvesting, washing, and drying it with heat. This heating process deactivates the yeast, meaning it is no longer alive and cannot be used for leavening or fermentation. Consequently, it falls under subheading 210220, which covers yeasts; inactive; other single-cell micro-organisms, dead. This is distinct from subheading 210210, which is reserved for active yeasts used in the baking and brewing industries. The classification is also supported by the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, which clarify that inactive yeasts are often used in animal feed or as human food supplements due to their high vitamin and protein content. If the yeast were mixed with significant amounts of other ingredients like vitamins or minerals beyond what is naturally occurring or used for processing, one might consider heading 2106 for food preparations, but pure nutritional yeast remains firmly in 210220.

Products Included

• Inactive nutritional yeast flakes
• Nutritional yeast powder
• Dead single-cell micro-organisms for human consumption
• Deactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Common Misclassification

Nutritional yeast is often misclassified under HS code 210210, which is for active yeast. The distinction is vital because active yeast is a leavening agent, while nutritional yeast is a food supplement. Another common error is using HS code 210690 for general food preparations. While nutritional yeast is a food product, the specific heading for inactive yeast (210220) takes precedence over the general basket heading of 2106. Furthermore, yeast extracts are classified under 210230, which should not be confused with the whole inactive yeast cell found in nutritional yeast.

FAQ

What is the HS code for nutritional yeast?

The HS code for nutritional yeast, which is an inactive yeast, is 210220.

Is nutritional yeast classified differently if it is fortified?

Generally, nutritional yeast fortified with vitamins remains under 210220, provided the yeast remains the primary constituent and the vitamins are added to enhance its nutritional profile as a supplement.