Product classification
HS code for Nutritional yeast: 2102.20
Yeasts, inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead.
Classification of nutritional yeast under HS 2102.20
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.
- Covers
- Inactive nutritional yeast flakes
- Nutritional yeast powder
- Dead single-cell micro-organisms for human consumption
- Deactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Also under 2102.20
- Marmite (yeast extract)
- Vegemite (yeast extract)
- Bragg Nutritional Yeast
- Engevita Nutritional Yeast
Codes often confused with 2102.20
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210220 (the code used for nutritional yeast), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210220 (the code used for nutritional 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 nutritional 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 nutritional yeast
Brazil classifies nutritional 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 nutritional yeast
What is the HS code for Nutritional yeast?
The HS code for Nutritional yeast is 210220 (Yeasts; inactive, other single-cell micro-organisms, dead). The HS code for nutritional yeast, which is an inactive yeast, is 210220.
How do I classify Nutritional yeast for customs?
Nutritional 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 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of nutritional yeast (HS 210220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210220 (the code used for nutritional 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 nutritional yeast (HS 210220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210220 (the code used for nutritional 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 Nutritional yeast the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210220 for Nutritional 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 nutritional yeast in Brazil?
In Brazil, nutritional yeast (HS 210220) is classified under NCM 2102.20.00.