Product classification

HS code for Textured protein: 2106.10

Protein, concentrates and textured protein substances.

Classification of textured protein under HS 2106.10

Textured protein substances are classified under HS code 210610, which resides within Chapter 21 for miscellaneous edible preparations. This code is a specific subheading for protein concentrates and textured protein substances. Unlike pure protein isolates which are often classified in Chapter 35 as chemical products, the products under 210610 are generally food preparations intended for human consumption. Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), often derived from soy, wheat, or peas, is the most common product in this category. The texturing process involves extrusion cooking, which subjects the vegetable protein to heat and pressure, giving it a fibrous, meat-like structure upon rehydration. This classification is vital for the global plant-based meat industry. The code covers products that have been processed beyond simple flours or meals but have not yet been transformed into a final, specific food product like a ready-to-eat meal. It serves as a primary category for ingredients used as meat extenders or as the base for vegetarian meat substitutes. The classification depends on the protein being "textured" or "concentrated," distinguishing it from basic agricultural commodities.

Covers
  • Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) from soy
  • Textured wheat gluten (seitan base)
  • Textured pea protein concentrates
  • Soy protein concentrates in textured form
  • Meat analogues in bulk textured form
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. Textured protein is frequently misclassified under 350400, which covers protein isolates and peptones. The distinction is that 210610 is for food preparations, while 3504 is for more refined chemical proteins. It is also confused with 230400 (soybean oil-cake and meal), but 2304 is generally for animal feed or less processed meal. Additionally, if the product is a finished "meat" patty, it might fall under 210690.

3504.00Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included, hide powder, whether or not chromed35.04Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included; hide powder, whether or not chromed2304.00Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil23.04Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10

Top exporters and importers of HS 210610 (the code used for textured protein), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 210610 (the code used for textured protein) 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 textured protein.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $806M
  2. 2 China $395M
  3. 3 Netherlands $332M

World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $305M
  2. 2 Canada $220M
  3. 3 Netherlands $183M

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 textured protein

Brazil classifies textured protein 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 textured protein

What is the HS code for Textured protein?

The HS code for Textured protein is 210610 (Protein; concentrates and textured protein substances).

How do I classify Textured protein for customs?

Textured protein is classified under HS code 210610 — Protein; concentrates and textured protein substances. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)?

The HS code for Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) is 210610.

Is soy protein isolate classified under 210610?

Generally, no. Pure soy protein isolate is typically classified under HS code 350400, unless it has been textured or prepared as a food supplement.

Which countries are the top exporters of textured protein (HS 210610)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 210610 (the code used for textured protein) 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 textured protein (HS 210610)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 210610 (the code used for textured protein) 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 Textured protein the same in all countries?

The base HS code 210610 for Textured protein 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 textured protein in Brazil?

In Brazil, textured protein (HS 210610) is classified under NCM 2106.10.00.