HS Code 04.01 – Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter

HS code 0401 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. Heading 0401 encompasses fresh milk and cream that has not been concentrated and does not contain added sugar or other sweetening matter. This classification is foundational within Chapter 04, which covers dairy products, defining the purest forms of liquid milk and cream as they come from the animal, or after basic processing such as pasteurization or ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment. The scope includes whole milk, skim milk, semi-skim milk, and various types of cream (e.g., light, heavy, whipping) differentiated by fat content. Products under this heading may be pasteurized, sterilized, or UHT treated, extending their shelf life, but their fundamental nature as unconcentrated, unsweetened milk or cream remains. This classification is crucial for international trade as it dictates specific import duties, quotas, and, most importantly, stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations. These regulations ensure product safety, prevent disease transmission, and verify origin, which is vital for consumer confidence and public health. Historically, fresh milk has been a staple commodity, and its trade reflects global dietary patterns and the efficiency of dairy farming and processing. Accurate classification here prevents misapplication of tariffs meant for more processed or modified dairy items, ensuring fair trade practices and compliance with food safety standards globally.

Whole milk, skim milk, semi-skimmed milk, pasteurized milk, UHT milk, lactose-free milk (unconcentrated, unsweetened), organic milk (liquid), fresh goat milk, fresh sheep milk, fresh buffalo milk, heavy cream, light cream, whipping cream, half-and-half, cooking cream (unconcentrated, unsweetened), coffee cream (unconcentrated, unsweetened), raw milk (where permitted), fortified milk (unconcentrated, unsweetened), vitamin D milk (unconcentrated, unsweetened), A2 milk (unconcentrated, unsweetened), camel milk (fresh), mare milk (fresh).

A common mistake is confusing 0401 with 0402. The key differentiator is the lack of concentration or added sugar/sweetening matter in 0401. If milk is evaporated, condensed, or has any sugar added, it falls under 0402. Another frequent error is classifying flavored milk beverages under 0401; these, if containing significant other ingredients or if intended as a beverage rather than pure milk, often belong to 2202 (non-alcoholic beverages) or even 1901 (food preparations) if they are preparations of milk. The 'not concentrated, not containing added sugar' clause is paramount for 0401.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0401 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.6B, 12% of world exports), the Netherlands ($1.6B) and Belgium ($1.2B). World exports came to about $13.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0401 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.6B, 19% of world imports), China ($1.5B) and Belgium ($1.4B). World imports came to about $13.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 0401 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 04 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (04) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.