HS Code for Soups

Soups and broths, along with preparations for making them, are classified under HS code 2104.10. This classification is found in Chapter 21, which covers miscellaneous edible preparations. The scope of 2104.10 is broad, encompassing products in liquid, solid, or powder form. This includes ready-to-eat canned soups, condensed soups that require the addition of water or milk, and dehydrated soup mixes or bouillon. The classification is determined by GRI 1, which looks at the heading terms, and GRI 6, which applies the same logic to subheadings. A product is classified here if its essential character is that of a soup or a base for a soup. This remains true even if the preparation contains visible pieces of meat, vegetables, or pasta, provided those ingredients are subordinate to the soup preparation itself. The code covers both the finished product and the intermediate preparations used to create the final dish. This classification ensures that various food technologies—canning, drying, and freezing—are grouped under a single functional category for international trade and tariff application.

Products Included

• Canned vegetable and meat soups
• Dehydrated soup mixes and powders
• Bouillon cubes and concentrated broths
• Frozen soup preparations

Common Misclassification

Soups are sometimes misclassified under 2103.90 (other sauces and preparations), but 2104.10 is more specific for soups. They may also be confused with 1602 (prepared meat) or 2004 (prepared vegetables) if they contain high amounts of those ingredients. However, if the product is intended to be consumed as a soup, 2104.10 takes precedence. Instant noodles with a soup base are often classified under 1902.30 rather than 2104.10.

FAQ

What is the HS code for soups?

The HS code for soups, broths, and preparations therefor is 2104.10.

Are bouillon cubes classified as soups?

Yes, bouillon cubes are considered preparations for soups and broths and are classified under HS code 2104.10.