Product classification
HS code for Peptones: 3504.00
Peptones and their derivatives, other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included, hide powder, whether or not chromed.
Classification of peptones under HS 3504.00
Peptones and their derivatives are classified under HS code 3504.00. This classification is determined by the chemical nature of the substance as an albuminoidal matter. Peptones are produced through the primary hydrolysis of proteins, such as those found in meat, casein, or gelatin, using enzymes or acids. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 35 specifically covers protein substances and modified starches. Peptones are distinct from pure amino acids, which are classified in Chapter 29, because they consist of complex mixtures of polypeptides and amino acids that have not been refined into single chemical compounds. Furthermore, this code includes protein isolates and hide powder, which is used in the tanning industry for testing. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the peptone is in liquid, paste, or solid form, provided it has not been prepared as a medicament or a culture medium with added nutrients.
- Covers
- Meat peptones and fish peptones
- Casein peptones and soy peptones
- Protein isolates (e.g., soy protein isolate)
- Hide powder, whether or not chromed
- Glutelins and globulins
- Keratins and nucleoproteids
- Also under 3504.00
- BD Bacto Peptone
- Kerry Bio-Science protein hydrolysates
- Gelita collagen peptides
- Ingredion pea protein
- DSM yeast extracts
Codes often confused with 3504.00
Common mistake. Peptones are frequently misclassified under HS code 3821.00, which covers prepared culture media for the development of micro-organisms. While peptones are a primary ingredient in culture media, 3821.00 is only applicable if other ingredients like agar, salts, or vitamins have been added. Another common error is using HS code 3002 for vaccines or toxins; however, peptones lack the specific therapeutic or prophylactic properties required for Chapter 30. Additionally, pure amino acids must be classified under 2922 or 2930 rather than 3504.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350400 (the code used for peptones), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350400 (the code used for peptones) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 350400, not only peptones.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $843M 15% of world exports
- 2 China $738M 13% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $615M 11% of world exports
World total: $5.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $796M 15% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $611M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $547M 10% of world imports
World total: $5.4B 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 codes for peptones
Brazil splits HS 3504.00 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3504.00.11Peptones and peptonates
- 3504.00.19Other peptone derivatives
- 3504.00.20Soy protein powder, 90% or more protein
- 3504.00.30Potato protein powder, 80% or more protein
- 3504.00.90Other protein substances; hide powder
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about peptones
What is the HS code for Peptones?
The HS code for Peptones is 350400 (Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included, hide powder, whether or not chromed). The HS code for Peptones and their derivatives, including other protein substances not elsewhere specified, is 3504.00.
How do I classify Peptones for customs?
Peptones is classified under HS code 350400 — Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included, hide powder, whether or not chromed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is soy protein isolate classified here?
Yes, soy protein isolates and other vegetable protein isolates are generally classified under 3504.00, provided they contain a protein content of 90% or more by weight on a dry basis.
Which countries are the top exporters of peptones (HS 350400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350400 (the code used for peptones) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($843M, 15% of world exports), China ($738M) and Denmark ($615M). World exports came to about $5.6B, 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 peptones (HS 350400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350400 (the code used for peptones) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($796M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($611M) and Germany ($547M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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 Peptones the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350400 for Peptones 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 peptones in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 350400 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for peptones depends on the product's details: 3504.00.11 (Peptones and peptonates), 3504.00.19 (Other peptone derivatives), 3504.00.20 (Soy protein powder, 90% or more protein), 3504.00.30 (Potato protein powder, 80% or more protein), 3504.00.90 (Other protein substances; hide powder).