HS Code: 210610
Concentrated protein
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 21 covers miscellaneous edible preparations, including extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea and cocoa, yeast, baking powder, sauces and mixed condiments, soups and broths, homogenized composite food preparations, ice cream and other edible ice, etc. This chapter does not include single-ingredient foods such as pure coffee or pure tea, nor does it include grain products of Chapter 19. Protein concentrates, as protein extracts or preparations, are classified in this chapter if they meet the notes to this chapter.
Heading
Heading 2106 is 'Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included', covering a wide range including protein concentrates and protein mixtures, textured proteins, gelatin preparations, yeast extracts, etc. This heading is intended to accommodate food preparations not specifically named in other headings, especially those made through mixing, extraction or similar processes. Protein concentrates are classified in 2106 if they are not classified in other more specific headings (such as Chapter 4, Chapter 11, Chapter 19, etc.).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '21' represent Chapter 21 'Miscellaneous edible preparations', covering food preparations that are not single-ingredient. Digits 3-4 '06' represent the heading 'Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included', i.e. 2106, used to classify food not specifically named in other chapters. Digits 5-6 '10' represent the subheading 'Protein concentrates', specifically referring to products with high protein content obtained through extraction and concentration processes, usually derived from soybeans, whey, peas, etc., used in food, nutritional supplements, etc.
Classification Basis
Protein concentrates are usually made by extracting and concentrating plant or animal proteins. They have high protein content but are not single-ingredient pure proteins (such as pure amino acids), nor do they belong to Chapter 4 dairy products or Chapter 11 grain flours. Because they are food preparations not specifically named in other headings, they are classified in 2106.10. If they were pure proteins (such as isolated proteins), they might be classified in other headings, but protein concentrates are generally classified here.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'protein concentrate', 'soy protein concentrate', etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'protein powder' or 'isolated protein', leading to classification errors.
Ingredient content
List the percentages of main ingredients such as protein content, moisture, ash, fat, etc. Protein content is the key indicator.
⚠️ Only writing 'protein ≥70%' without listing other ingredients may result in a request for supplementary information.
Source
State the protein source, such as soybean, whey, pea, wheat, etc. Different sources may affect classification.
⚠️ Not specifying the source and vaguely writing 'plant protein', making it impossible to determine.
Processing method
Briefly describe the production process, such as extraction, concentration, drying, etc., and whether modification has been carried out.
⚠️ Writing 'simple processing' without specific details may be questioned.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging form and net weight, such as 25kg/bag, to determine whether it is retail packaging.
⚠️ Writing 'bulk', but it is actually retail small packaging, affecting classification.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'None'.
⚠️ Ignoring the brand, resulting in inconsistency with filed information.
Use
State the main use, such as food ingredient, nutritional supplement, feed, etc.
⚠️ Writing 'edible' is too broad; it should be specific, such as 'used for protein beverages'.
Example:
Product name: Soy protein concentrate; Ingredient content: Protein 70%, moisture 8%, fat 1%, ash 5%; Source: Soybean; Processing method: Soybeans subjected to extraction, concentration, spray drying; Packaging specifications: 25kg/bag; Brand: None; Use: Used for food processing.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. If protein concentrate is a food preparation and is not specifically named in other headings, it is classified in 2106.10. Its protein content, source and processing technology need to be confirmed. If it is a single-ingredient pure protein (such as isolated protein), it may be classified in Chapter 35 (protein substances) or other chapters. If it is a dairy derivative, it may be classified in Chapter 4. Therefore, a comprehensive judgment is required.
Confused Codes:
3504 - Peptones and other protein substances
3504 covers peptones and protein derivatives, usually high-purity, non-food or specific-use; 2106.10 is food-grade protein concentrate with lower protein content and containing other ingredients.
0404 - Whey and modified whey
0404 covers whey products. If the protein concentrate is derived from whey and meets the definition of whey products, it is classified in 0404; 2106.10 is general protein concentrate, not limited to whey.
2309 - Preparations of a kind used in animal feeding
2309 is animal feed. If the protein concentrate is used for feed and meets the definition of feed, it is classified in 2309; 2106.10 is for food use, for human consumption.
1901 - Malt extract, cereal products
1901 covers cereal flours, malt extract, etc. If the protein concentrate uses cereals as raw materials and meets 1901, it is classified in 1901; 2106.10 is a protein extract, not cereal-based.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: What is the difference in HS codes between protein concentrate and isolated protein?
A: Protein concentrate is usually classified in 2106.10, with protein content generally 50-80%; isolated protein has higher protein content (above 90%) and may be classified in 3504 or other headings. The specific classification depends on composition and processing technology.
Q: How can I check the import tax rate for protein concentrate?
A: You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the 'Customs Classification Pre-ruling' system, enter HS code 2106.10 to check the MFN rate, VAT, etc. Tax rates may change, so it is advisable to refer to the latest announcements.
Q: When declaring protein concentrate, how should the ingredient content be filled in?
A: The percentages of protein, moisture, fat, ash, etc. need to be listed, and protein content is key. For example, 'protein 70%, moisture 8%', avoid writing only 'protein ≥70%'.
Q: Can protein concentrate be classified in Chapter 4?
A: If the protein concentrate is derived from whey and meets the definition of whey products, it may be classified in 0404. But general plant protein concentrate is not classified in Chapter 4. It needs to be judged based on source and composition.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of protein concentrate powder, which HS code should be used?
A: If it is food-grade protein concentrate, 2106.10 is recommended. However, note that if it is isolated protein or mixed with other ingredients, it may be classified under a different code. It is advisable to consult a professional customs broker.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for protein concentrate?
A: Common errors include: not specifying the source, inaccurate protein content, vague description of processing method, and packaging specifications inconsistent with the actual goods. These may lead to customs questions or classification errors.
Q: If protein concentrate is used for feed, is the HS code different?
A: Yes, if it is specifically used for animal feed, it may be classified in 2309. But it must meet the definition of feed and is usually not for human consumption. 2106.10 is for food use.
Q: How can I determine whether protein concentrate has been modified?
A: Modification refers to changing the protein structure through chemical or physical methods, such as hydrolysis, cross-linking, etc. If it is only extracted and concentrated without modification, it is classified in 2106.10; if modified, it may be classified in 3504.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.