3502 - Albumins (including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, containing by weight more than 80 percent whey proteins, calculated on the dry matter), albuminates and other albumin derivatives:

This HTS category, 3502, encompasses albumins and their derivatives. This includes naturally occurring proteins like egg albumin and milk albumin, as well as processed forms such as concentrates of whey proteins that meet a specific protein content threshold (more than 80% by dry weight). Albuminates, which are salts of albumin, and other compounds chemically derived from albumin also fall within this heading. The scope is limited to these specific protein substances and does not extend to crude animal or vegetable materials from which they might be extracted, nor to fully processed food products where albumin is merely an ingredient.

Distinguishing HTS 3502 from its sibling categories at the root level is crucial for accurate classification. Unlike headings for live animals (0101-0105) or other primary agricultural products, HTS 3502 focuses specifically on purified or derived protein substances. It is important to differentiate these albuminoidal substances from other chemical products in Section VI, Chapter 35, such as modified starches (Chapter 3505) or glues (Chapter 3506), by identifying the primary proteinaceous nature of the goods.

Within HTS 3502, further subdivisions differentiate between types of albumin. The subcategory for egg albumin specifically covers proteins derived from eggs. The subcategory 3502.20.00.00 addresses milk albumin and its concentrates, including those derived from whey. Finally, the "Other" category, 3502.90.00.00, is reserved for all other albumins, albuminates, and albumin derivatives not otherwise specified, providing a catch-all for the remainder of the substances covered by this heading.