What is HS code 040390 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
040390
Dairy produce; buttermilk, curdled milk or cream, kephir, fermented or acidified milk or cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sweetening, flavouring, fruit, nuts or cocoa (excluding yoghurt)
Heading 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.
Chapter 04: Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 040390 when importing or exporting dairy products like buttermilk or curdled milk that are not classified as yogurt. For instance, a shipment of flavored buttermilk with added fruit would fall under this code.
This code specifically covers dairy produce such as fermented or acidified milk and cream, excluding yogurt. For example, if you're dealing with a shipment of kefir, it would be classified under this line unless it meets the criteria for yogurt.
In contrast, HS-6 0403XX includes yogurt and related products, while 040390 is for other dairy items like curdled milk and cream. If your product is a sweetened, flavored cream but not yogurt, this is the correct classification.
When considering similar products, note that 040391 pertains to concentrated forms of these dairy products. If your shipment involves concentrated buttermilk, you would need to use that specific code instead.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
buttermilk classification · curdled milk products · fermented dairy items · kefir shipments · acidified milk cream · dairy export codes · non-yogurt dairy · flavored buttermilk · sweetened dairy products · dairy produce HS code · food service dairy items · concentrated dairy products · milk and cream classification · dairy import regulations · dairy product examples
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Flavored buttermilk with added fruit
- Curdled milk used in baking
- Kefir with nuts and cocoa
- Acidified cream for culinary use
- Non-concentrated fermented milk products
- Sweetened curdled milk beverages
- Cream with added flavorings for desserts
- Dairy products for food service applications
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify buttermilk for export?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is flavored kefir under HS 040390?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What dairy products fall under HS 0403?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to differentiate yogurt from curdled milk?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use HS 040390 for sweetened cream?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are the requirements for importing buttermilk?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Are there specific regulations for fermented milk?
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 curdled milk for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
What products are included in HS code 040390
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Guidelines for importing flavored buttermilk
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Differences between yogurt and acidified cream
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Requirements for shipping kefir internationally
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Can I export sweetened dairy products under HS 040390?
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Best practices for classifying dairy items
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What to know about dairy produce HS codes
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are classified under HS code 040390?
- HS code 040390 includes various dairy products such as buttermilk, curdled milk, and fermented milk or cream that are not yogurt.
- Can I classify flavored buttermilk under HS 040390?
- Yes, flavored buttermilk with added ingredients falls under HS code 040390 as long as it is not classified as yogurt.
- What is the difference between HS 040390 and HS 0403XX?
- HS 040390 covers dairy products excluding yogurt, while HS 0403XX includes yogurt and related products.
- Is kefir classified under HS 040390?
- Yes, kefir is included under HS code 040390 as it is a fermented milk product that is not yogurt.
- How do I determine if my product is concentrated?
- If your dairy product has been concentrated or has a reduced water content, it may fall under a different code, such as HS 040391.
- Are there specific import regulations for dairy products?
- Yes, dairy products are subject to various import regulations, including health and safety standards, which vary by country.
- What should I know about exporting sweetened dairy products?
- When exporting sweetened dairy products, ensure they meet the classification criteria and comply with the importing country’s regulations.
- Can I use HS 040390 for all types of dairy products?
- No, HS 040390 is specifically for certain dairy products like buttermilk and curdled milk, not including yogurt or concentrated forms.
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