HS Code for Vital wheat gluten

Vital wheat gluten is classified under HS code 1109.00. This classification is straightforward as the heading specifically describes "Wheat gluten, whether or not dried." Vital wheat gluten is a natural protein derived from wheat flour through a process of hydration and washing, which removes the starch and leaves the concentrated protein mass. In the Harmonized System, products of the milling industry are generally found in Chapter 11. Since gluten is a specific constituent of wheat separated during the milling and processing phase, and because there is a dedicated four-digit heading for it, GRI 1 dictates its placement here. The "vital" designation refers to its ability to retain viscoelastic properties when rehydrated, which is the standard form for this commodity in international trade.

Products Included

• Dried vital wheat gluten powder
• Granulated wheat gluten
• Devitalized wheat gluten (used in animal feed)
• Wet wheat gluten (if traded in that form)
• High-protein wheat gluten for bakery applications

Common Misclassification

Vital wheat gluten is often misclassified under HS code 1101.00, which is for wheat or meslin flour. While gluten comes from wheat, it is a separated protein and no longer qualifies as flour. Another common mistake is using HS code 2106.90 (food preparations not elsewhere specified). This usually happens when the gluten is blended with other ingredients like spices or binders to make "seitan" or meat substitutes. If the product is pure gluten, it must remain in 1109.00. Additionally, textured vegetable protein (TVP) made from wheat is sometimes confused with 1109.00, but if it has been further processed by extrusion, it may move to 2106.

FAQ

What is the HS code for vital wheat gluten?

The specific HS code for vital wheat gluten is 1109.00.

Is wheat gluten classified as a vegetable protein?

While it is a protein derived from a vegetable source, it is classified specifically by its source (wheat) in Chapter 11, rather than under general protein isolates in 3504, because of the specific provision in 1109.00.