Product classification
HS code for Vital wheat gluten: 1109.00
Wheat gluten, whether or not dried.
Classification of vital wheat gluten under HS 1109.00
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 1109.00
- Bob's Red Mill Vital Wheat Gluten
- MGP Ingredients Wheat Gluten
- ADM Wheat Gluten
- Roquette Wheat Gluten
Codes often confused with 1109.00
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 110900 (the code used for vital wheat gluten), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 110900 (the code used for vital wheat gluten) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Norway, with 23% 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 110900, not only vital wheat gluten.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $378M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $289M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $242M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Norway $416M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $286M 16% of world imports
- 3 France $115M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 vital wheat gluten
Brazil classifies vital wheat gluten under NCM 1109.00.00: HS 1109.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vital wheat gluten
What is the HS code for Vital wheat gluten?
The HS code for Vital wheat gluten is 110900 (Wheat gluten; whether or not dried). The specific HS code for vital wheat gluten is 1109.00.
How do I classify Vital wheat gluten for customs?
Vital wheat gluten is classified under HS code 110900 — Wheat gluten; whether or not dried. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of vital wheat gluten (HS 110900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 110900 (the code used for vital wheat gluten) in UN Comtrade data were China ($378M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($289M) and Germany ($242M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of vital wheat gluten (HS 110900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 110900 (the code used for vital wheat gluten) in UN Comtrade data were Norway ($416M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($286M) and France ($115M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Vital wheat gluten the same in all countries?
The base HS code 110900 for Vital wheat gluten 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 vital wheat gluten in Brazil?
In Brazil, vital wheat gluten (HS 110900) is classified under NCM 1109.00.00.