Product classification

HS code for Protein hydrolysate: 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 protein hydrolysate under HS 3504.00

Protein hydrolysates are classified under HS code 3504.00 because they represent protein substances that have been chemically or enzymatically broken down into their constituent peptides and amino acids. This heading specifically covers peptones and their derivatives, as well as other protein substances and their derivatives not elsewhere specified or included. The classification is determined by the degree of processing; unlike intact proteins found in Chapter 04 or Chapter 21, these substances have undergone hydrolysis to enhance solubility, reduce allergenicity, or improve metabolic absorption. This makes them essential components in laboratory culture media, specialized infant formulas, and industrial fermentation processes. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), products consisting of protein fragments resulting from the hydrolysis of proteins fall here, provided they are not medicaments of heading 30.03 or 30.04. The heading also includes hide powder, whether or not chromed, which is a specialized protein preparation used in the tanning industry to determine the tannin content of extracts.

Covers
  • Casein hydrolysates used in food or industrial applications
  • Soy protein hydrolysates for nutritional supplements
  • Meat peptones used as nutrients for bacterial cultures
  • Fish protein hydrolysates (FPH)
  • Hide powder used in tanning analysis
  • Whey protein hydrolysates
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. Protein hydrolysates are frequently misclassified under HS code 2106.90, which covers food preparations not elsewhere specified. This confusion arises when the hydrolysate is intended for use as a dietary supplement. However, if the product is a pure protein derivative without significant additives like flavorings or sweeteners, 3504.00 takes precedence. Another common error is 3004.90, which applies to medicaments. A product only moves to Chapter 30 if it is specifically formulated and labeled for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans or animals.

2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.103004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 350400 (the code used for protein hydrolysate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350400 (the code used for protein hydrolysate) 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 protein hydrolysate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $843M
  2. 2 China $738M
  3. 3 Denmark $615M

World total: $5.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $796M
  2. 2 Netherlands $611M
  3. 3 Germany $547M

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 protein hydrolysate

Brazil splits HS 3504.00 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about protein hydrolysate

What is the HS code for Protein hydrolysate?

The HS code for Protein hydrolysate is 350400 (Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included, hide powder, whether or not chromed). The primary HS code for protein hydrolysate is 3504.00, which covers peptones and their derivatives.

How do I classify Protein hydrolysate for customs?

Protein hydrolysate 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.

Does the source of the protein change the HS code?

Generally, no. Whether the protein is derived from milk (casein/whey), soy, meat, or fish, it remains under 3504.00 as long as it has been hydrolyzed into peptides and amino acids and is not a more specific food preparation.

Which countries are the top exporters of protein hydrolysate (HS 350400)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350400 (the code used for protein hydrolysate) 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 protein hydrolysate (HS 350400)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 350400 (the code used for protein hydrolysate) 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 Protein hydrolysate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 350400 for Protein hydrolysate 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 hydrolysate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 350400 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for protein hydrolysate 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).