HS Code 04.04 – Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included

HS code 0404 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 0404 encompasses whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included. This classification acts as a crucial category for the by-products of cheese and casein production, as well as specialized components extracted from milk. It covers liquid whey, concentrated whey, whey powder, and more refined products like whey protein concentrates (WPC) and isolates (WPI), lactose (milk sugar), and caseinates. The 'not elsewhere specified or included' clause is important, positioning this heading as a residual category for milk-derived components that don't fit into other specific dairy classifications. These products are invaluable in various industries: whey proteins are staples in sports nutrition and infant formula, lactose is used in confectionery and pharmaceuticals, and caseinates serve as functional ingredients in processed foods. Trade compliance for 0404 requires precise identification of the constituent, its purity, and any processing (e.g., demineralization, hydrolysis), as these factors directly impact tariffs and regulatory scrutiny, particularly for high-value protein ingredients. This heading highlights the comprehensive utilization of milk, extending beyond direct consumption to provide essential raw materials for diverse manufacturing sectors, firmly rooted within Chapter 04's dairy product scope.

Liquid whey, concentrated whey, whey powder, demineralized whey powder, whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), lactose, casein, caseinates (e.g., sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate), milk protein concentrate (MPC), milk protein isolate (MPI), permeate, milk mineral concentrates, lactoferrin (as a natural milk constituent), colostrum (raw/minimally processed milk constituent), sweet whey, acid whey, whey permeate powder, hydrolyzed whey protein, milk serum, butter serum, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin.

A common mistake is confusing 0404 with 3504, which covers peptones, other protein substances, and their derivatives. The key distinction is that 0404 applies to natural milk constituents and their basic concentrated/dried forms (e.g., WPC, WPI, casein). If the protein has undergone significant hydrolysis or further chemical modification to become a 'derivative' or 'peptone,' it would likely fall under 3504. Another error is classifying complex food preparations containing whey or casein under 0404; if these are mixtures with other ingredients (e.g., a complete infant formula), they typically belong to 1901 (preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk) or 2106 (food preparations not elsewhere specified or included).

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 0404 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($929M, 15% of world exports), New Zealand ($724M) and Germany ($691M). World exports came to about $6.1B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 0404 in UN Comtrade data were China ($940M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($559M) and the United States ($447M). World imports came to about $6.1B, 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.

HS code 0404 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 04 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (04) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.