HS Code 21: Miscellaneous edible preparations

Q: Is HS code 21 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 21 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 21 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 21?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 21.

What is HS Code 21

HS Code 21 covers Miscellaneous edible preparations. It is one of the 96 chapters of the WCO Harmonized System, sitting in Section IV (Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes). The two digits "21" are the chapter level — every 4-digit heading and 6-digit subheading starting with "21" belongs here.

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What does HS Code 21 Miscellaneous edible preparations Cover?

Section IV

Chapters (16-24) Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

Chapter 21

Miscellaneous edible preparations

HS Code 2101

Extracts, essences, concentrates of coffee, tea or mate; preparations with a basis of these products or with a basis of coffee, tea or mate; roasted chicory and other roasted coffee substitutes and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof

HS Code 2102

Yeasts (active or inactive); other single-cell micro-organisms, dead (but not including vaccines of heading no. 3002); prepared baking powders

HS Code 2103

Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard

HS Code 2104

Soups and broths and preparations therefor; homogenised composite food preparations

HS Code 2105

Ice cream and other edible ice; whether or not containing cocoa

HS Code 2106

Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included

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What HS Codes for Edible Preparations Do Not Cover

Chapter 21 is the catch-all for prepared foods not classified elsewhere — extracts, sauces, soups, ice cream, food supplements. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Mixed seasonings dominated by one spice

Chapter 09

Bakery and cereal preparations

Chapter 19

Medicaments and pharmaceutical preparations

Chapter 30

Mineral waters and flavored beverages

Chapter 22

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Related HS Codes under Edible Preparations HS 21

HS Code 2101

HS Code 2102

Yeasts (active or inactive); other single-cell micro-organisms, dead (but not including vaccines of heading no. 3002); prepared baking powders

HS Code 2103

Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard

HS Code 2104

Soups and broths and preparations therefor; homogenised composite food preparations

HS Code 2105

Ice cream and other edible ice; whether or not containing cocoa

HS Code 2106

Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included

HS Code 210111

Extracts, essences and concentrates; of coffee, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of coffee

HS Code 210112

Preparations with a basis of extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of coffee

HS Code 210120

Extracts, essences and concentrates; of tea or mate, and preparations with a basis of these extracts, essences or concentrates or with a basis of tea or mate

HS Code 210130

Chicory, roasted and other roasted coffee substitutes; extracts, essences and concentrates thereof

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 21?

HS code 21 covers Miscellaneous edible preparations, one of the chapter 21 of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System. It is the broadest level of HS classification, grouping all products of this type before they are narrowed down by more specific 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings.

Is HS code 21 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 21 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 21?