Product classification
HS code for Protein powder: 1901.90
Food preparations, of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901.
Classification of protein powder under HS 1901.90
Protein powder is classified under HS code 1901.90 when it is a food preparation based on milk products, flour, meal, or starch. This classification is particularly common for dairy-based protein powders, such as whey protein concentrates, that have been modified with flavorings, sweeteners, or other nutritional additives. Heading 1901 covers preparations of milk products containing more than 5% by weight of milk solids, provided they are not specified in more specific headings. The classification logic follows the principle that once a protein is mixed with other ingredients to create a retail-ready food supplement, it moves from the category of a pure chemical substance (Chapter 35) to a food preparation (Chapter 19 or 21). For powders where the milk solid content is the characterizing feature, 1901.90 is the appropriate subheading. This code is essential for importers to distinguish between raw industrial proteins and finished consumer goods intended for fitness and nutritional support.
- Covers
- Whey protein concentrate with added flavorings
- Milk-based meal replacement powders
- Casein-based protein supplements for athletes
- Dairy-based nutritional powders for weight gain
- Malt-extract based protein drinks in powder form
- Also under 1901.90
- Ensure Original Nutrition Shake
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
- Coffee-Mate Powder Creamer
- Jell-O Instant Pudding
- Ovaltine Malt Drink Mix
Codes often confused with 1901.90
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2106.90, which is a general 'catch-all' for food preparations. While many protein powders do fall under 2106.90 (especially plant-based ones like pea or hemp protein), milk-based powders are specifically directed to 1901.90 due to their dairy content. Additionally, pure whey protein isolate without any additives may be classified under 3502.20 (milk albumin), which carries different duty implications. It is vital to check the percentage of milk solids and the presence of additives to choose between 1901, 2106, and 3502.
Top exporters and importers of HS 190190 (the code used for protein powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 190190 (the code used for protein powder) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.5% 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 190190, not only protein powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.2B 11% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $1.1B 11% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $1.0B 9.7% of world exports
World total: $10.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $804M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $476M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $452M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $10.7B 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 powder
Brazil splits HS 1901.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1901.90.10Malt extract
- 1901.90.20Caramelised milk spread (milk jam)
- 1901.90.90Other flour, starch or milk food preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about protein powder
What is the HS code for Protein powder?
The HS code for Protein powder is 190190 (Food preparations; of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901). The HS code for milk-based protein powder is typically 1901.90, while plant-based protein powders are usually classified under 2106.90.
How do I classify Protein powder for customs?
Protein powder is classified under HS code 190190 — Food preparations; of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 1901. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use HS code 3502 instead of 1901?
Use 3502.20 for pure milk albumin (whey protein) that has not been flavored, sweetened, or mixed with other food ingredients. Once additives are present, it must be classified in Chapter 19 or 21.
Which countries are the top exporters of protein powder (HS 190190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 190190 (the code used for protein powder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.2B, 11% of world exports), Ireland ($1.1B) and Malaysia ($1.0B). World exports came to about $10.8B, 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 powder (HS 190190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 190190 (the code used for protein powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($804M, 7.5% of world imports), Germany ($476M) and the Netherlands ($452M). World imports came to about $10.7B, 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 powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 190190 for Protein powder 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 powder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 190190 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for protein powder depends on the product's details: 1901.90.10 (Malt extract), 1901.90.20 (Caramelised milk spread (milk jam)), 1901.90.90 (Other flour, starch or milk food preparations).