Product classification

HS code for Serum albumin: 3502.90

Albumins, albuminates and other albumin derivatives, other than egg or milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins.

Classification of serum albumin under HS 3502.90

Serum albumin is classified under HS code 3502.90. This heading covers albumins, albuminates, and other albumin derivatives. Albumins are proteins that are soluble in water and concentrated salt solutions. Serum albumin, specifically, is the main protein found in blood plasma and is widely used in laboratory research, diagnostics, and medical treatments. The classification 3502.90 is a residual category for albumins other than egg albumin (3502.11/19) and milk albumin (3502.20). This code includes both human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the product as a protein derivative rather than its biological origin as a blood fraction, provided it has been purified to a certain degree. If the product is unrefined or contains other blood components, it may shift to a different chapter.

Covers
  • Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) in powder or solution form
  • Human Serum Albumin (HSA) for laboratory use
  • Albuminates (salts of albumin)
  • Purified serum protein fractions
  • Concentrates of whey protein containing more than 80% protein
Also under 3502.90
  • Sigma-Aldrich BSA
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific recombinant human albumin
  • Cargill plant protein isolates
  • ADM soy protein isolates

Codes often confused with 3502.90

Common mistake. Serum albumin is frequently misclassified under HS code 3002.12, which covers antisera and other blood fractions. The distinction depends on the level of purification and the intended use. According to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 35, albumin is excluded from Chapter 30 if it is not prepared for therapeutic or prophylactic uses or if it is a highly purified protein. Another common error is using 3502.11 for egg albumin (ovalbumin), which is a different protein source entirely. Importers must ensure the source (serum vs. egg vs. milk) is clearly documented to avoid these errors.

3002.12Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products; antisera and other blood fractions3502.11Albumins; egg albumin, dried

Top exporters and importers of HS 350290 (the code used for serum albumin), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350290 (the code used for serum albumin) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 350290, not only serum albumin.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $40M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $29M
  3. 3 Belgium $23M

World total: $174M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $28M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 China $18M

World total: $185M 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 serum albumin

Brazil splits HS 3502.90 into 2 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 serum albumin

What is the HS code for Serum albumin?

The HS code for Serum albumin is 350290 (Albumins, albuminates and other albumin derivatives; other than egg or milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins). The HS code for serum albumin, including BSA and HSA, is 3502.90.

How do I classify Serum albumin for customs?

Serum albumin is classified under HS code 350290 — Albumins, albuminates and other albumin derivatives; other than egg or milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is medical-grade human albumin classified here?

If the human albumin is prepared for therapeutic use (e.g., for infusions), it is often classified under 3002.12. However, if it is a pure chemical/protein for lab use, 3502.90 applies.

Which countries are the top exporters of serum albumin (HS 350290)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350290 (the code used for serum albumin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($40M, 23% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($29M) and Belgium ($23M). World exports came to about $174M, 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 serum albumin (HS 350290)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 350290 (the code used for serum albumin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($28M, 15% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and China ($18M). World imports came to about $185M, 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 Serum albumin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 350290 for Serum albumin 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 serum albumin in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 350290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for serum albumin depends on the product's details: 3502.90.10 (Serum albumin), 3502.90.90 (Other albumins, albuminates and derivatives).