2104 - Soups and broths and preparations therefor; homogenized composite food preparations:

Category 2104 encompasses a diverse range of food preparations, primarily focusing on liquids and semi-liquids intended for consumption as meals or as key components of meals. This includes all forms of soups, whether ready-to-eat or in concentrated paste or powder form, as well as broths and bouillon. Additionally, this category covers homogenized composite food preparations, which are mixtures of ingredients processed to achieve a uniform consistency, often designed for specific dietary needs or convenience, such as infant foods or specialized nutritional supplements.

Unlike sibling categories within Chapter 21 which may focus on distinct product types like coffee, tea, or spices, or categories in preceding chapters that deal with raw agricultural products or live animals, Category 2104 is specifically for processed edible preparations. The key differentiator is the state of the food: it is no longer raw or minimally processed but has undergone significant processing to create a ready-to-consume or easily prepared food item.

Within Category 2104, further subdivisions clarify the specific types of preparations. Subcategory 2104.10.00 specifically addresses soups, broths, and their preparations, distinguishing between liquid, concentrated, or dried forms. Subcategory 2104.20 covers homogenized composite food preparations, emphasizing the uniform texture and blended nature of these products, often excluding simple mixtures of dry ingredients that do not achieve a homogeneous consistency.