Product classification
HS code for Protein concentrate: 2106.10
Protein, concentrates and textured protein substances.
Classification of protein concentrate under HS 2106.10
Protein concentrates and textured protein substances are classified under HS code 2106.10. This code is part of Heading 2106, which serves as a \"basket\" category for food preparations not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 2106.10 specifically targets protein concentrates that are used as ingredients in food manufacturing or as nutritional supplements. These products are typically obtained by removing non-protein constituents (like lipids or carbohydrates) from vegetable or animal sources, but they do not reach the level of chemical purity required for classification as isolated proteins in Chapter 35. For example, soy protein concentrate containing approximately 70% protein is classified here. The inclusion of \"textured\" substances also covers products like textured vegetable protein (TVP), which are processed to mimic the texture of meat. This classification is often a point of contention in customs audits because the line between a food preparation (2106) and a pure protein substance (3504) can be thin, depending on the degree of processing and the presence of additives like flavoring, vitamins, or minerals. If the product is intended for human consumption and has been further prepared beyond simple extraction, 2106.10 is the most appropriate code. This includes protein powders marketed for athletes that contain sweeteners or flavoring agents.
- Covers
- Soy protein concentrate
- Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- Whey protein concentrates (with additives)
- Protein-based meat substitutes
- Also under 2106.10
- Beyond Meat (as an ingredient source)
- Impossible Foods (as an ingredient source)
- Gardenburger (as an ingredient source)
- Mycoprotein (Quorn)
- various protein powder brands (e.g., Optimum Nutrition, Myprotein)
Codes often confused with 2106.10
Common mistake. Protein concentrates are frequently misclassified under HS code 3504.00. Code 3504.00 is reserved for protein isolates and peptones that are chemically pure and not prepared as food. Another common error is using 0404.10 for whey protein, which only applies to natural whey components that haven't been concentrated or modified.
Top exporters and importers of HS 210610 (the code used for protein concentrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210610 (the code used for protein concentrate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.2% 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 210610, not only protein concentrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $806M 24% of world exports
- 2 China $395M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $332M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $305M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 Canada $220M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $183M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $3.3B 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 protein concentrate
Brazil classifies protein concentrate under NCM 2106.10.00: HS 2106.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about protein concentrate
What is the HS code for Protein concentrate?
The HS code for Protein concentrate is 210610 (Protein; concentrates and textured protein substances). The HS code for protein concentrates and textured protein substances is 2106.10.
How do I classify Protein concentrate for customs?
Protein concentrate is classified under HS code 210610 — Protein; concentrates and textured protein substances. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include flavored protein powders?
Yes, protein powders that include flavoring, sweeteners, or other additives are generally classified under 2106.10 as food preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of protein concentrate (HS 210610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210610 (the code used for protein concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($806M, 24% of world exports), China ($395M) and the Netherlands ($332M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of protein concentrate (HS 210610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 210610 (the code used for protein concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($305M, 9.2% of world imports), Canada ($220M) and the Netherlands ($183M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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 Protein concentrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 210610 for Protein concentrate 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 protein concentrate in Brazil?
In Brazil, protein concentrate (HS 210610) is classified under NCM 2106.10.00.