Probiotics Hs Code

Probiotics harmonized system code

Product Overview Probiotics classified under HS Code 210690 are defined as preparations containing viable microbial cultures that confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. These products typically consist of live bacteria or yeasts, processed into various physical forms such as powders, capsules, liquids, or fermented food additives. Key quality attributes include strain viability (commonly ≥10^9 CFU/g or per dose), purity levels free from contaminants, and stability under prescribed storage conditions. The HS Code 210690 encompasses subcategories including dietary supplements, fermented milk-based probiotics, and concentrated microbial formulations intended for human consumption. Commercially, these probiotics serve critical roles across the food service sector, retail health supplements, and industrial food processing, enhancing digestive health, immunity, and functional food profiles. Their market positioning is anchored on scientifically validated health claims, regulatory compliance, and formulation versatility, providing importers and exporters with a standardized product class that supports global trade and consumer demand for health-promoting ingredients. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The complete HS Code for probiotics under this classification is 2106.90, where Chapter 21 covers “Miscellaneous edible preparations,” Heading 2106 designates “Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included,” and Subheading 210690 specifically identifies “Other food preparations.” Probiotics fall under this code due to their classification as food supplements and additives containing live microbial cultures not classified within pharmaceutical or dairy product chapters. Trade considerations include packaging in hermetically sealed containers such as blister packs, vacuum-sealed pouches, or refrigerated bulk containers to maintain microbial viability. Preservation methods rely on cold chain logistics or freeze-dried formulations to ensure stability during transit. Quality standards adhere to Codex Alimentarius guidelines, ISO 22196 for antimicrobial activity, and local regulatory frameworks including FDA (USA) and EFSA (EU) requirements. Compliance with WTO agreements and Harmonized System nomenclature ensures harmonized customs documentation, facilitating efficient import/export processing and reducing classification disputes for international trade professionals.

Probiotics Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Mixed vegetables of heading 07.12; (b) Roasted coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportion (heading 09.01); (c) Flavoured tea (heading 09.02); (d) Spices or other products of headings 09.04 to 09.10; (e) Food preparations, other than the products described in heading 21.03 or 21.04, containing more than 20 % by weight of sausage, meat, meat offal, blood, insects, fish or crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or any combination thereof (Chapter 16); (f) Products of heading 24.04; (g) Yeast put up as a medicament or other products of heading 30.03 or 30.04; or (h) Prepared enzymes of heading 35.07. 2.- Extracts of the substitutes referred to in Note 1 (b) above are to be classified in heading 21.01. 3.- For the purposes of heading 21.04, the expression “homogenised composite food preparations” means preparations consisting of a finely homogenised mixture of two or more basic ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruit or nuts, put up for retail sale as food suitable for infants or young children or for dietetic purposes, in containers of a net weight content not exceeding 250 g. For the application of this definition, no account is to be taken of small quantities of any ingredients which may be added to the mixture for seasoning, preservation or other purposes. Such preparations may contain a small quantity of visible pieces of ingredients.