What is the HS code for butter?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
0405 — Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads
Chapter 04: Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 0405 when importing butter, dairy spreads, or other fats derived from milk. For example, if you are bringing in a shipment of salted butter from France, this is the correct code to use.
When deciding between the HS-6 lines, consider whether your product is specifically butter or a dairy spread. Use 040510 for traditional butter, while 040520 applies to spreads like cream cheese or margarine made from dairy.
If your product is a milk-derived fat that doesn't fall under butter or spreads, you’ll need 040590. This could include items like ghee or clarified butter, which are not classified as standard butter or spreads.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
butter import code · dairy spreads classification · milk-derived fats · HS-4 0405 · butter vs dairy spread · importing dairy products · customs code for butter · milk fats classification · dairy product tariffs · butter shipping regulations · ghee import rules · cream cheese HS code · margarine customs classification · clarified butter HS-6 · import dairy spreads
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Salted butter from Europe
- Unsalted butter for baking
- Cream cheese spread for bagels
- Margarine made from milk
- Ghee used in Indian cooking
- Butter blends with oils
- Dairy-based dips and spreads
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify dairy spreads?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is ghee classified as butter?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the tariffs on dairy imports?
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Can I import cream cheese under HS-4?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products fall under HS-4 0405?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine the right HS-6 for dairy?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
how to classify butter for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
dairy spreads HS code explanation
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
importing clarified butter regulations
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
difference between butter and dairy spreads
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
customs classification for milk fats
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
understanding HS-4 0405 for dairy
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
shipping salted butter internationally
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
rules for importing cream cheese
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
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-6 040510 and 040520?
- HS-6 040510 is for traditional butter, while 040520 is for dairy spreads like cream cheese or margarine.
- Can I use HS-4 0405 for all dairy products?
- No, HS-4 0405 specifically covers butter, dairy spreads, and certain milk-derived fats, not all dairy products.
- What products are classified under HS-6 040590?
- HS-6 040590 includes milk-derived fats not classified as butter or spreads, such as ghee or clarified butter.
- Are there specific import regulations for butter?
- Yes, importing butter may have specific regulations and tariffs depending on the country of origin and destination.
- How do I determine the correct HS code for my dairy product?
- Identify whether your product is butter, a dairy spread, or another milk-derived fat, then refer to the appropriate HS-6 classification.
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