HS 210690 Other
Quick Answer: HS code 210690, "Other," is a broad residual category within Chapter 21, covering various food preparations not elsewhere specified or included. This includes a wide array of products such as food supplements, protein concentrates, non-alcoholic compound preparations for beverage manufacture, and certain sweetening preparations. Due to its residual nature, classification here requires careful consideration to ensure no more specific heading applies. Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific product. For example, the UK Trade Tariff shows rates like 16.00% ad valorem and 35.00 GBP/100 kg/net mas. The EU TARIC indicates rates such as 9.00% ad valorem plus agricultural components (EA), or 42.70 EUR/100 kg/net mas. The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) includes rates like 12.1¢/kg, 2.9¢/kg, and numerous "Free" rates under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A*, AU, CL, KR). Importers and brokers must verify the precise 10-digit subheading and applicable trade agreements for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2106902000 | 16.00 % | — | — |
| 2106902090 | 16.00 % | — | — |
| 2106903010 | 35.00 GBP / 100 kg/net mas | — | — |
| 2106905100 | 11.00 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
| 2106905190 | 11.00 GBP / 100 kg | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2106909869 | 9.00 % + EA | — | — |
| 2106900000 | — | — | — |
| 2106902000 | 17.30 % MIN 1.00 EUR / % vol/hl | — | — |
| 2106903090 | 42.70 EUR / 100 kg/net mas | — | — |
| 2106905110 | 14.00 EUR / 100 kg | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2106900300 | 2.9¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 210690 | — | — | — |
| 2106900900 | 86.2¢/kg | Free (BH,CL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,SG) See 9822.04.25 (AU) See 9823.08.01-9823.08.38 (S+) See 9918.04.60-9918.04.80 (1 programs) | ["kg","kg cmsc"] |
| 2106901500 | 8.4¢/kg + 1.9% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2106902200 | 15.4¢/kg | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2106.90?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 19 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 210690 cover?
This subheading covers food preparations not elsewhere specified or included, falling under Heading 2106, which broadly encompasses food preparations not elsewhere specified or included. Specifically, HS 210690 acts as a residual category for various edible mixtures or preparations that do not fit into the more specific subheadings under 2106, such as protein concentrates or textured protein substances (2106.10) or food preparations for infants (2106.90.91). This includes a wide array of products like certain food supplements, vitamin preparations, or complex food mixtures designed for specific nutritional purposes, provided they are not covered by other Chapters or Headings of the Harmonized System, as defined by the WCO HS Explanatory Notes and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC.
What falls outside HS 210690?
The following products are excluded from HS 210690: preparations specifically covered by other headings, even if they contain food ingredients. For instance, beverages (Chapter 22), pharmaceutical products (Chapter 30), or cosmetics (Chapter 33) are explicitly excluded, even if they possess nutritional properties. Protein concentrates and textured protein substances are classified under 2106.10. Food preparations for infants or young children, put up for retail sale, are typically found under 2106.90.91 or 2106.90.93. Additionally, single-ingredient food items, such as unmixed spices (Chapter 09), cereals (Chapter 10), or vegetables (Chapter 07), are classified according to their specific nature, not as preparations under 210690, even if processed.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 210690?
A common error is misclassifying products that have a primary function other than general food preparation, such as medicinal or cosmetic uses, into HS 210690. Importers often overlook the specific provisions of Chapters 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) or 33 (Essential Oils and Resins; Perfumery, Cosmetic or Toilet Preparations) when a product contains food ingredients but is marketed or formulated for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes. Another frequent mistake involves failing to apply General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) correctly, especially for composite goods. If a product consists of several components, and one component gives the product its essential character, it should be classified according to that component, potentially leading it out of 210690 if the essential character is not a "food preparation not elsewhere specified."
How should importers classify products under HS 210690?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 210690 involves a systematic review of the product's composition, intended use, and marketing presentation, starting with the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs). Importers and customs brokers should first consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2106 to understand the scope of "food preparations not elsewhere specified or included." Next, meticulously analyze the product's ingredients and their proportions. If the product is a mixture, apply GRI 3 to determine if one ingredient imparts the essential character. Crucially, verify that the product is not more specifically described by any other heading or subheading in the entire Harmonized System, particularly Chapters 22, 30, and 33. Finally, cross-reference with the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC for any specific national or regional classification rulings or notes relevant to similar products to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors.
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FAQ
What is the general classification scope of HS code 2106.90 and what types of products fall under 'Other'?
HS code 2106.90, titled 'Other,' is a residual subheading under heading 2106, which covers 'Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included.' This subheading is a 'basket' category for food preparations that do not fit more specific subheadings within 2106 (e.g., protein concentrates, food supplements, preparations for making beverages, etc.). Products commonly classified here include various compound food preparations, food supplements presented in forms like capsules or tablets (if not covered by other specific headings), food preparations for special dietary uses (e.g., weight control, diabetic, or gluten-free, provided they are not medicinal), and other edible mixtures or preparations not specified elsewhere in the Harmonized System. Classification hinges on the product's primary function, ingredients, and presentation, ensuring it's not more specifically described by another HS code.
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for products classified under HS 2106.90 in major trading blocs, and how do they vary?
The MFN duty rates for HS 2106.90 can vary significantly by country or customs union. For instance, the United States (USITC) may apply rates such as 12.1¢/kg or 2.9¢/kg, depending on the specific product description within the national tariff lines. The European Union (EU TARIC) often applies a compound duty, such as '9.00 % + EA' (where 'EA' refers to an agricultural component), or specific rates like '17.30 % MIN 1.00 EUR / % vol/hl' for certain preparations containing alcohol, or '42.70 EUR / 100 kg/net mas' for others. The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) might show rates like '16.00 % ad valorem' or '35.00 GBP / 100 kg/net mas'. Importers must consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country to determine the precise MFN rate applicable to their product, as national subdivisions under 2106.90 can have distinct rates.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free or reduced rates for HS 2106.90, and what documentation is required to claim them?
Many preferential trade agreements offer duty-free (Free) or reduced rates for products under HS 2106.90, provided the goods meet the respective rules of origin. Examples of countries or blocs with which the U.S. has agreements offering 'Free' rates include Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). Similar preferential rates exist under agreements like the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) or various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) it has with other nations. To claim preferential duty rates, importers typically need a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, Form A, or a self-certification by the exporter) that explicitly states the goods originate in a partner country and meet the specific origin criteria of the trade agreement. Customs brokers and importers must ensure all documentation is accurate and available for presentation to customs authorities upon request.
Are there any specific import documentation or regulatory requirements, beyond standard customs declarations, for food preparations under HS 2106.90?
Yes, beyond standard customs declarations (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), food preparations under HS 2106.90 often face additional regulatory scrutiny due to their nature as edible products. Depending on the importing country, these may include:
- Health Certificates: Issued by the competent authority in the exporting country, certifying the product's safety and compliance with health standards.
- Ingredient Lists and Nutritional Information: Required for labeling compliance and to verify product composition.
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures: Especially for products containing animal or plant-derived ingredients, requiring specific permits or inspections.
- Food Additive Approvals: Verification that any additives used are permitted in the importing country.
- Special Dietary Claims: If the product makes claims (e.g., 'gluten-free,' 'organic,' 'low sugar'), substantiating documentation and certification may be required.
- Import Permits: Certain types of food preparations may require pre-market approval or import permits from food safety agencies (e.g., FDA in the US, EFSA/national food agencies in the EU, FSA in the UK). Importers should verify specific national requirements well in advance of shipment.