Product classification
HS code for Whey protein concentrate: 3502.20
Albumins, milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins.
Classification of whey protein concentrate under HS 3502.20
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is classified under HS code 3502.20. This classification is based on the chemical nature and protein concentration of the product. Chapter 35 covers albuminoidal substances, modified starches, glues, and enzymes. Heading 3502 specifically includes albumins, albuminates, and other albumin derivatives. Subheading 3502.20 is designated for milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins. To qualify for this heading, the product must typically have a protein content exceeding 80% calculated on the dry matter. If the protein content is lower, or if the product is not sufficiently refined, it may fall under Chapter 4. The Harmonized System distinguishes between whey as a dairy product and whey protein as a chemical isolate or concentrate. WPC is viewed as a protein isolate used in food manufacturing, sports nutrition, and clinical applications, rather than a simple dairy byproduct. The manufacturing process, often involving ultrafiltration and diafiltration to remove lactose and minerals, reinforces its status as an albuminoidal substance.
- Covers
- Whey protein concentrate (WPC 80)
- Whey protein concentrate (WPC 35)
- Lactalbumin
- Denatured whey proteins
- Dried milk albumin
- Whey protein isolates (WPI)
- Also under 3502.20
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
- Fonterra WPC/WPI
- Arla Foods Ingredients Lacprodan
Codes often confused with 3502.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 0404.10, which covers whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar. The distinction lies in the protein concentration; products with less than 80% protein on a dry weight basis are often classified in 0404, while those above are in 3502. Additionally, if the WPC is flavored or contains significant additives for retail sale as a supplement, it might be classified under 2106.90 as a food preparation not elsewhere specified.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350220 (the code used for whey protein concentrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350220 (the code used for whey protein concentrate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 350220, not only whey protein concentrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $985M 27% of world exports
- 2 Germany $662M 18% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $439M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $611M 15% of world imports
- 2 Japan $328M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $321M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $4.0B 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 whey protein concentrate
Brazil classifies whey protein concentrate under NCM 3502.20.00: HS 3502.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whey protein concentrate
What is the HS code for Whey protein concentrate?
The HS code for Whey protein concentrate is 350220 (Albumins; milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins). The standard HS code for milk albumin and whey protein concentrates is 3502.20.
How do I classify Whey protein concentrate for customs?
Whey protein concentrate is classified under HS code 350220 — Albumins; milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is whey protein isolate (WPI) under the same code?
Yes, whey protein isolates, which generally have a protein concentration of 90% or higher, are also classified under 3502.20 as milk albumins because they are highly refined protein derivatives.
Which countries are the top exporters of whey protein concentrate (HS 350220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350220 (the code used for whey protein concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($985M, 27% of world exports), Germany ($662M) and the Netherlands ($439M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 whey protein concentrate (HS 350220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350220 (the code used for whey protein concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($611M, 15% of world imports), Japan ($328M) and the Netherlands ($321M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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 Whey protein concentrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350220 for Whey protein concentrate 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 whey protein concentrate in Brazil?
In Brazil, whey protein concentrate (HS 350220) is classified under NCM 3502.20.00.