Bovine Serum Albumin
Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) is a highly purified albumin extracted from cow blood, commonly used in cell culture media and laboratory research. It is classified under tariff item 3502.90.00 as an 'other' albumin, distinct from egg albumin (3502.11.00) and milk albumin (3502.19.00), and not prepared for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, thus excluded from Chapter 30.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the albumin is derived from eggs
Egg albumin is specifically classified under 3502.11.00, not as 'other' albumins.
If the BSA is prepared for therapeutic or prophylactic uses
Medicaments and blood fractions for therapeutic use fall under Chapter 30, per Chapter Note 1(b).
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the BSA is not presented as a medicament or for therapeutic use, as that would shift classification to Chapter 30
• Provide a Certificate of Analysis showing purity and absence of pathogens for CBSA review
• Verify the product is not radioactive or covered by heading 28.44/28.45, per Section Note 1
Related Products under Tariff item 3502.90.00
Casein Albuminate
Casein Albuminate is a modified casein derivative where the protein is combined with an alkali or other agent to form an albuminate. It is classified under tariff item 3502.90.00 as an albumin derivative, distinct from unmodified casein (3501.10.00) and not excluded by Chapter 35 notes.
Egg Albumin Powder
Egg Albumin Powder is a dried albumin derived from chicken eggs, used as a binder in baking and confectionery. It is classified under tariff item 3502.90.00 as 'other' albumin, but note that egg albumin is specifically covered by subheading 3502.11.00 (dried) or 3502.19.00 (other), so this candidate may be misclassified.
Human Serum Albumin Fraction
Human Serum Albumin Fraction is a non-therapeutic albumin fraction from human blood, used for research purposes, with protein content over 80%. It is classified under tariff item 3502.90.00 as 'other' albumin, provided it is not prepared for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, which would place it in Chapter 30.
Milk Albumin Powder
Milk Albumin Powder is a dried albumin derived from milk, typically obtained during casein separation. It is classified under tariff item 3502.90.00 as 'other' albumin, but if it is a concentrate of two or more whey proteins with over 80% whey protein by dry weight, it may fall under subheading 3502.20.00. Milk protein substances with less than 85% milk protein are classified in Chapter 4.
Plant-Derived Albumin Derivative
Plant-Derived Albumin Derivative is an albumin-like protein from pea or soy, processed for industrial emulsification in foods. It is classified under tariff item 3502.90.00 as an albumin derivative, provided it is not a hardened protein (Chapter 39) or a gelatin product (Chapter 49).
Synthetic Albumin Derivative
Synthetic Albumin Derivative is a recombinant albumin produced via biotechnology, used for cell culture stabilization. It is classified under tariff item 3502.90.00 as an albumin derivative, as it is not a natural albumin but a derivative thereof, and not excluded by Chapter 35 notes.