Chapter 21 is the dedicated chapter for 'Miscellaneous Edible Preparations' in the HS classification system, covering a wide range including extracts and preparations of coffee, tea, cocoa, yeast, baking powder, sauces, soups, ice cream, and food preparations not elsewhere specified. Goods in this chapter are mostly complex processed foods, typically not belonging directly to the primary agricultural products or simply processed goods of Chapters 1-20, but rather ready-to-eat or semi-finished products obtained through mixing, compounding, or refining to meet specific functional or nutritional needs. Heading 2106 is the residual heading of Chapter 21, covering 'food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.' Its scope includes: preparations for making beverages or food directly (such as beverage bases, cake premixes), nutritional supplements (such as protein powder, vitamin preparations), and various functional foods. However, note that this heading does not include foods already listed in other headings, such as sauces (2103), soups (2104), ice cream (2105), etc. The first 2 digits '21' represent Chapter 21 'Miscellaneous Edible Preparations,' indicating the goods belong to the food category but are not primary agricultural products or simply processed goods. The 3rd-4th digits '06' represent heading 2106 'Other Food Preparations,' a residual heading used to classify food preparations not specified in other headings. The 5th-6th digits '90' are subheading 210690, meaning 'Other,' i.e., food preparations not further subdivided under 2106. Therefore, 210690 covers all food preparations not elsewhere specified, such as mixed nutritional powders, beverage bases, food supplements, etc. The goods are classified under 210690 rather than adjacent codes because they do not meet the definitions of other more specific headings. For example, if the goods are sauces, they should be classified under 2103; if soups, under 2104; if ice cream, under 2105. But if the goods are nutritional supplements, beverage bases, or premixes, etc., and are not specified in other headings, they are classified under 210690. This code is the 'other' residual item for food preparations, ensuring all food preparations not elsewhere specified have a place for classification.
Chapter
Chapter 21 is the dedicated chapter for 'Miscellaneous Edible Preparations' in the HS classification system, covering a wide range including extracts and preparations of coffee, tea, cocoa, yeast, baking powder, sauces, soups, ice cream, and food preparations not elsewhere specified. Goods in this chapter are mostly complex processed foods, typically not belonging directly to the primary agricultural products or simply processed goods of Chapters 1-20, but rather ready-to-eat or semi-finished products obtained through mixing, compounding, or refining to meet specific functional or nutritional needs.
Heading
Heading 2106 is the residual heading of Chapter 21, covering 'food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.' Its scope includes: preparations for making beverages or food directly (such as beverage bases, cake premixes), nutritional supplements (such as protein powder, vitamin preparations), and various functional foods. However, note that this heading does not include foods already listed in other headings, such as sauces (2103), soups (2104), ice cream (2105), etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '21' represent Chapter 21 'Miscellaneous Edible Preparations,' indicating the goods belong to the food category but are not primary agricultural products or simply processed goods. The 3rd-4th digits '06' represent heading 2106 'Other Food Preparations,' a residual heading used to classify food preparations not specified in other headings. The 5th-6th digits '90' are subheading 210690, meaning 'Other,' i.e., food preparations not further subdivided under 2106. Therefore, 210690 covers all food preparations not elsewhere specified, such as mixed nutritional powders, beverage bases, food supplements, etc.
Classification Basis
The goods are classified under 210690 rather than adjacent codes because they do not meet the definitions of other more specific headings. For example, if the goods are sauces, they should be classified under 2103; if soups, under 2104; if ice cream, under 2105. But if the goods are nutritional supplements, beverage bases, or premixes, etc., and are not specified in other headings, they are classified under 210690. This code is the 'other' residual item for food preparations, ensuring all food preparations not elsewhere specified have a place for classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'protein powder,' 'beverage base,' etc. Ingredient Content: List the main ingredients and their percentages, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc., which must be consistent with the test report. Use: Explain the direct use of the goods, such as 'for making beverages,' 'as a nutritional supplement,' etc. Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging form and specifications of the goods, such as '25kg/bag,' '1kg/can,' etc. Brand: Declare the brand of the goods; if no brand, indicate 'no brand.' Production Date: Declare the production date or batch number of the goods for traceability and shelf-life verification. Shelf Life: Declare the shelf life or validity period of the goods, usually expressed in months or years. Product Name: Whey Protein Powder; Ingredient Content: Protein 80%, Carbohydrates 10%, Fat 5%, Moisture 5%; Use: As a nutritional supplement for fitness people; Packaging Specifications: 5kg/bag, industrial packaging; Brand: XYZ; Production Date: 2025-01-01; Shelf Life: 24 months. False declaration of ingredient content, such as protein content not matching actual testing, may be deemed as misrepresentation. Vague use description, such as only writing 'edible,' without specifying the specific use, easily leading to classification disputes. Packaging specifications not indicating retail or industrial packaging, affecting whether regulated as prepackaged food.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as 'protein powder,' 'beverage base,' etc.
⚠️ Using vague names like 'food additive' without specifying the specific use or ingredients.
Ingredient Content
List the main ingredients and their percentages, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc., which must be consistent with the test report.
⚠️ Only writing 'multiple ingredients' without providing specific content, leading to customs questioning.
Use
Explain the direct use of the goods, such as 'for making beverages,' 'as a nutritional supplement,' etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as 'edible,' without specifying the specific usage scenario.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging form and specifications of the goods, such as '25kg/bag,' '1kg/can,' etc.
⚠️ Not indicating retail packaging or industrial packaging, affecting classification judgment.
Brand
Declare the brand of the goods; if no brand, indicate 'no brand.'
⚠️ Brand does not match the actual, or failure to declare the brand leading to infringement risks.
Production Date
Declare the production date or batch number of the goods for traceability and shelf-life verification.
⚠️ Failure to provide the production date, making it impossible to determine if within the shelf life.
Shelf Life
Declare the shelf life or validity period of the goods, usually expressed in months or years.
⚠️ Shelf life contradicts the production date, or failure to provide shelf life information.
Example: Product Name: Whey Protein Powder; Ingredient Content: Protein 80%, Carbohydrates 10%, Fat 5%, Moisture 5%; Use: As a nutritional supplement for fitness people; Packaging Specifications: 5kg/bag, industrial packaging; Brand: XYZ; Production Date: 2025-01-01; Shelf Life: 24 months.
Common Mistakes:
False declaration of ingredient content, such as protein content not matching actual testing, may be deemed as misrepresentation.
Vague use description, such as only writing 'edible,' without specifying the specific use, easily leading to classification disputes.
Packaging specifications not indicating retail or industrial packaging, affecting whether regulated as prepackaged food.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core classification criterion is whether the goods belong to 'food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.' First, confirm whether the goods belong to other headings of Chapter 21 (such as 2103 sauces, 2104 soups, 2105 ice cream) or goods of Chapters 1-20. Second, determine whether the goods have been processed through mixing, compounding, etc., and do not possess the characteristics of other headings. Finally, if the goods are not specified in other headings, they are classified under 210690. For example, if protein powder is pure whey protein, it may be classified under 0404; if it is a mixed nutritional powder, it is classified under 210690. 2103 Sauces and preparations therefor: 2103 covers sauces, such as soy sauce, tomato ketchup, etc., while 210690 covers non-sauce food preparations, such as nutritional powder. The core difference is whether the goods are used for seasoning. 2104 Soups and broths and preparations therefor: 2104 specifically refers to soups and preparations for soups, while 210690 covers other food preparations, such as beverage bases. The difference is whether the goods are used for making soup. 2105 Ice cream and other edible ice: 2105 covers ice cream and other edible ice, while 210690 covers non-ice food preparations, such as premixes. The difference is whether the goods exist in ice form. 0404 Whey and modified whey: 0404 covers natural whey products, while 210690 covers mixed prepared whey protein powder. The difference is whether other ingredients are added. 1901 Malt extract and food preparations: 1901 covers malt extract and food preparations containing cocoa, while 210690 covers food preparations not containing cocoa. The difference is whether cocoa is contained. Do the goods belong to Chapters 1-20 or other headings of Chapter 21? Have the goods been processed through mixing, compounding, etc.? Are the goods used for seasoning, making soup, or ice-making? Do the goods contain cocoa ingredients? Are the goods used as nutritional supplements or beverage bases?
Basis
The core classification criterion is whether the goods belong to 'food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.' First, confirm whether the goods belong to other headings of Chapter 21 (such as 2103 sauces, 2104 soups, 2105 ice cream) or goods of Chapters 1-20. Second, determine whether the goods have been processed through mixing, compounding, etc., and do not possess the characteristics of other headings. Finally, if the goods are not specified in other headings, they are classified under 210690. For example, if protein powder is pure whey protein, it may be classified under 0404; if it is a mixed nutritional powder, it is classified under 210690.
Confused Codes:
2103 - Sauces and preparations therefor
2103 covers sauces, such as soy sauce, tomato ketchup, etc., while 210690 covers non-sauce food preparations, such as nutritional powder. The core difference is whether the goods are used for seasoning.
2104 - Soups and broths and preparations therefor
2104 specifically refers to soups and preparations for soups, while 210690 covers other food preparations, such as beverage bases. The difference is whether the goods are used for making soup.
2105 - Ice cream and other edible ice
2105 covers ice cream and other edible ice, while 210690 covers non-ice food preparations, such as premixes. The difference is whether the goods exist in ice form.
0404 - Whey and modified whey
0404 covers natural whey products, while 210690 covers mixed prepared whey protein powder. The difference is whether other ingredients are added.
1901 - Malt extract and food preparations
1901 covers malt extract and food preparations containing cocoa, while 210690 covers food preparations not containing cocoa. The difference is whether cocoa is contained.
Self-Check:
✓ Do the goods belong to Chapters 1-20 or other headings of Chapter 21?
✓ Have the goods been processed through mixing, compounding, etc.?
✓ Are the goods used for seasoning, making soup, or ice-making?
✓ Do the goods contain cocoa ingredients?
✓ Are the goods used as nutritional supplements or beverage bases?
❓ FAQ
How to query the tax rate for HS code 210690? You can check the latest import tax rate, value-added tax, and consumption tax by entering HS code 210690 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tax rates may vary by country, trade agreements, and origin of goods; it is recommended to rely on real-time customs data. What regulatory documents are required for importing goods under 210690? Usually, an inbound goods customs clearance form, certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, etc., are required. If it is prepackaged food, Chinese label filing is also needed. Specific documents depend on the use and ingredients of the goods; it is recommended to consult local customs or professional customs brokers. Should protein powder be classified under 210690 or 0404? If the protein powder is pure whey protein with no added ingredients, it is usually classified under 0404; if it is mixed protein powder (such as with added vitamins, minerals), it is classified under 210690. Classification should be judged based on ingredients and processing technology. What is the main difference between 210690 and 2103? 2103 covers sauces, such as soy sauce, vinegar, seasoning sauces, etc., used to enhance food flavor; 210690 covers non-sauce food preparations, such as nutritional supplements, beverage bases. The difference is whether the goods are used for seasoning. What are the considerations for cross-border e-commerce retail import of 210690 goods? Declaration must be made through cross-border e-commerce platforms, the goods must meet the positive list requirements, and be for personal use. When importing, order, payment, and logistics documents are required, and cross-border e-commerce comprehensive tax must be paid. Note that goods must not involve endangered ingredients or prohibited items. What are the requirements for Chinese labels on goods under 210690? Prepackaged food must have Chinese labels affixed, indicating product name, ingredient list, net content, production date, shelf life, country of origin, importer, etc. Labels must comply with GB 7718 standards and be filed with customs. How to determine whether goods are classified under 210690? First confirm whether the goods belong to Chapters 1-20 or other headings of Chapter 21. If none apply, and they are mixed prepared food preparations, they are classified under 210690. It is recommended to refer to the 'Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System' or consult professional classification agencies. How to avoid classification errors when importing 210690 goods? Provide detailed ingredients, use, processing technology, etc., and apply for pre-classification if necessary. Keep test reports and certificates of origin to ensure declaration matches actual. If uncertain, apply to customs for classification guidance.
Q: How to query the tax rate for HS code 210690?
A: You can check the latest import tax rate, value-added tax, and consumption tax by entering HS code 210690 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tax rates may vary by country, trade agreements, and origin of goods; it is recommended to rely on real-time customs data.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing goods under 210690?
A: Usually, an inbound goods customs clearance form, certificate of origin, health certificate, ingredient test report, etc., are required. If it is prepackaged food, Chinese label filing is also needed. Specific documents depend on the use and ingredients of the goods; it is recommended to consult local customs or professional customs brokers.
Q: Should protein powder be classified under 210690 or 0404?
A: If the protein powder is pure whey protein with no added ingredients, it is usually classified under 0404; if it is mixed protein powder (such as with added vitamins, minerals), it is classified under 210690. Classification should be judged based on ingredients and processing technology.
Q: What is the main difference between 210690 and 2103?
A: 2103 covers sauces, such as soy sauce, vinegar, seasoning sauces, etc., used to enhance food flavor; 210690 covers non-sauce food preparations, such as nutritional supplements, beverage bases. The difference is whether the goods are used for seasoning.
Q: What are the considerations for cross-border e-commerce retail import of 210690 goods?
A: Declaration must be made through cross-border e-commerce platforms, the goods must meet the positive list requirements, and be for personal use. When importing, order, payment, and logistics documents are required, and cross-border e-commerce comprehensive tax must be paid. Note that goods must not involve endangered ingredients or prohibited items.
Q: What are the requirements for Chinese labels on goods under 210690?
A: Prepackaged food must have Chinese labels affixed, indicating product name, ingredient list, net content, production date, shelf life, country of origin, importer, etc. Labels must comply with GB 7718 standards and be filed with customs.
Q: How to determine whether goods are classified under 210690?
A: First confirm whether the goods belong to Chapters 1-20 or other headings of Chapter 21. If none apply, and they are mixed prepared food preparations, they are classified under 210690. It is recommended to refer to the 'Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System' or consult professional classification agencies.
Q: How to avoid classification errors when importing 210690 goods?
A: Provide detailed ingredients, use, processing technology, etc., and apply for pre-classification if necessary. Keep test reports and certificates of origin to ensure declaration matches actual. If uncertain, apply to customs for classification guidance.
⚠️ 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.