HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 0401.20 – Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6%

HS code 0401.20 is the 6-digit subheading for dairy produce, milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6%. It is used for semi-skimmed milk (2% fat), reduced-fat milk, whole milk (standardized to 3.5% fat), pasteurized cream (low fat) and UHT semi-skimmed milk.

What HS 0401.20 covers

This HS code encompasses liquid milk and cream that is not concentrated, contains no added sugar or sweetening matter, and has a fat content exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6% by weight. This category typically includes semi-skimmed (reduced-fat) milk and standard whole milk (often standardized to around 3.5% fat). It represents a substantial portion of the global fluid milk trade, catering to general consumer preferences for everyday milk products. Trade flows are influenced by domestic dairy production capacities, consumer tastes, and the logistical challenges of transporting perishable goods. Major dairy-exporting countries supply markets where local production cannot meet demand or where specific quality standards are sought. The EU, USA, and New Zealand are key players in this segment.

Covers
  • Semi-skimmed milk (2% fat)
  • Reduced-fat milk
  • Whole milk (standardized to 3.5% fat)
  • Pasteurized cream (low fat)
  • UHT semi-skimmed milk
  • Organic 2% milk
Examples
  • Nestlé UHT Semi-Skimmed Milk
  • Danone 2% Milk
  • Organic Valley Reduced Fat Milk
  • Anchor Standard Milk
  • ARLA 3.5% Milk

Codes often confused with 0401.20

Common mistake. Distinguishing factors are fat content (1-6%), 'not concentrated,' and 'no added sugar.' Milk with very low fat (0401.10) or higher fat (0401.40, 0401.50) or concentrated forms (0402) would be incorrect.

0401.10Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, not exceeding 1%0401.40Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 6% but not exceeding 10%0401.50Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%04.02Milk and cream; concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter

Top exporters and importers of HS code 040120, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 040120 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $915M
  2. 2 Czechia $632M
  3. 3 Belgium $568M

World total: $7.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $1.8B
  2. 2 Belgium $747M
  3. 3 Netherlands $670M

World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM codes for 0401.20 2

Brazil splits HS 0401.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 0401.20.10 UHT milk, fat content over 1% but not over 6%Leite UHT (Ultra High Temperature)
  2. 0401.20.90 Other milk and cream, fat over 1% to 6%Outros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 04.01 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Questions about HS 0401.20

What is HS code 040120?

HS code 040120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6%. This HS code encompasses liquid milk and cream that is not concentrated, contains no added sugar or sweetening matter, and has a fat content exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6% by weight. This category typically includes semi-skimmed (reduced-fat) milk and standard whole milk (often standardized to around 3.5% fat). It represents a substantial portion of the global fluid milk trade, catering to general consumer preferences for everyday milk products. Trade flows are influenced by domestic dairy production capacities, consumer tastes, and the logistical challenges of transporting perishable goods. Major dairy-exporting countries supply markets where local production cannot meet demand or where specific quality standards are sought. The EU, USA, and New Zealand are key players in this segment.

What products fall under HS code 040120?

Semi-skimmed milk (2% fat), reduced-fat milk, whole milk (standardized to 3.5% fat), pasteurized cream (low fat), UHT semi-skimmed milk, organic 2% milk

What are common misclassifications for HS code 040120?

Distinguishing factors are fat content (1-6%), 'not concentrated,' and 'no added sugar.' Milk with very low fat (0401.10) or higher fat (0401.40, 0401.50) or concentrated forms (0402) would be incorrect.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 040120?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 040120 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($915M, 13% of world exports), Czechia ($632M) and Belgium ($568M). World exports came to about $7.1B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 040120?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 040120 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.8B, 24% of world imports), Belgium ($747M) and the Netherlands ($670M). World imports came to about $7.4B, 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.

How is HS code 040120 structured?

HS code 040120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (04) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 040120?

Brazil splits HS code 040120 into 2 NCM codes: 0401.20.10 (UHT milk, fat content over 1% but not over 6%), 0401.20.90 (Other milk and cream, fat over 1% to 6%). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.