What HS code do I use for fresh milk?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 04
HS chapter 04: Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey
Section I — live animals; animal products
Dairy produce, birds' eggs, and natural honey fall under HS-04, which includes items like fresh milk, cheese, and honey. For example, a shipment of 1,000 liters of fresh milk would be classified under this chapter. Understanding the specific HS-4 codes is crucial for accurate customs declarations and tariffs.
To determine the appropriate HS-4 code, start by identifying the product type and its characteristics. For instance, if you have concentrated milk with added sugar, you would look at 0402. If unsure, review the product's packaging and any additional ingredients, as these can guide you to the correct classification.
Next, narrow down to HS-6 codes by examining the specific product form and intended use. If you’re dealing with yogurt, check if it’s flavored or contains fruit, which would direct you to 0403. Be mindful of products that may seem similar, like cheese and curd, to avoid misclassification.
Always consult the notes associated with each HS-4 heading for any exclusions or specific criteria that might affect your product. Engaging with a customs broker can also provide clarity on rulings and ensure compliance with national regulations.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
dairy products · birds' eggs · natural honey · milk and cream · cheese classification · yogurt types · butter and fats · animal products · HS-04 · customs classification · trade regulations · food imports · food exports · edible animal products · egg products · natural food products
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify dairy products for customs
- what is the HS code for natural honey
- guidelines for importing cheese
- requirements for exporting milk products
- understanding HS-04 for dairy and eggs
- how to determine HS-4 codes for yogurt
- classification of animal products in trade
- notes on birds' eggs for customs
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- 1,000 liters of fresh milk
- 500 kg of cheddar cheese
- 200 kg of natural honey in jars
- 300 liters of yogurt with fruit
- 100 kg of butter
- 1,000 preserved birds' eggs
- 50 kg of dried egg yolks
- 250 kg of whey protein powder
Common classification questions
How to classify cheese for export?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Is honey subject to tariffs?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What are the regulations for importing yogurt?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
How do I find the right HS-4 code for butter?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Are there specific notes for birds' eggs?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is the difference between HS-0401 and HS-0402?
- HS-0401 covers fresh milk and cream without added sugar, while HS-0402 includes concentrated milk or those with added sugar.
- Can I use the same HS code for different types of cheese?
- No, different types of cheese may fall under different HS-4 codes, so check the specific classification for each type.
- Are there any restrictions on importing honey?
- Yes, honey imports may be subject to specific regulations and tariffs, so verify with your customs authority.
- What should I check for when classifying yogurt?
- Look for added ingredients like flavorings or fruit, which can affect the HS-4 classification.
- How do I find the right HS code for animal products?
- Review the product's characteristics and consult the notes for exclusions or specific criteria related to animal products.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 04 (10)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
0401
Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter
0402
Milk and cream; concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter
0403
Yogurt; buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, kephir and other fermented or acidified milk and cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured or containing added fruit, nuts or cocoa.
0404
Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included
0405
Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads
0406
Cheese and curd
0407
Birds' eggs, in shell; fresh, preserved or cooked
0408
Birds' eggs, not in shell; egg yolks, fresh, dried, cooked by steaming or boiling in water, moulded, frozen or otherwise preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter
0409
Honey; natural
0410
Animal products; insects and other edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included
Browse first heading (HS-4 0401)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (0401). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.