HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0404.10 – Dairy produce; whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter
HS code 0404.10 is the 6-digit subheading for dairy produce, whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. It is used for liquid whey, whey powder, demineralized whey powder, sweet whey powder and acid whey powder.
What HS 0404.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers whey, a byproduct of cheese and casein production, in various forms, including liquid, concentrated, or sweetened. Whey is a highly valuable commodity in international trade, primarily as an ingredient in the food, beverage, and animal feed industries due to its high protein content and functional properties. Major exporters are typically large cheese-producing nations such as the EU (especially France, Germany, Netherlands), the USA, and New Zealand, which have significant whey processing capabilities. Importers include food manufacturers globally, particularly those producing sports nutrition products, infant formulas, baked goods, and confectionery, as well as feed manufacturers. Key aspects of this trade involve the degree of processing (e.g., whey protein concentrate, isolate), protein content, lactose levels, and compliance with food safety and labeling standards. The global demand for whey continues to grow, driven by its nutritional value and versatility.
- Covers
- Liquid whey
- Whey powder
- Demineralized whey powder
- Sweet whey powder
- Acid whey powder
- Whey protein concentrate (WPC)
- Whey protein isolate (WPI)
- Lactose (derived from whey)
- Examples
- Arla Foods Ingredients Whey Protein
- Fonterra Whey Protein Concentrate
- Glanbia Nutritionals Whey Protein Isolate
- Hilmar Ingredients Whey Protein
- Milk Specialties Global Whey Powder
Codes often confused with 0404.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 040490 (other natural milk constituents) if the product is a milk derivative but not specifically whey, or with protein concentrates from other sources (e.g., soy protein) if not clearly identified as dairy.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 040410, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 040410 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% 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 United States $662M 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $581M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $413M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $894M 21% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $523M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $219M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $4.3B 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 code for 0404.10
Brazil does not split HS 0404.10: its NCM code is 0404.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 04.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0404.10
What is HS code 040410?
HS code 040410 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dairy produce; whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. This HS code specifically covers whey, a byproduct of cheese and casein production, in various forms, including liquid, concentrated, or sweetened. Whey is a highly valuable commodity in international trade, primarily as an ingredient in the food, beverage, and animal feed industries due to its high protein content and functional properties. Major exporters are typically large cheese-producing nations such as the EU (especially France, Germany, Netherlands), the USA, and New Zealand, which have significant whey processing capabilities. Importers include food manufacturers globally, particularly those producing sports nutrition products, infant formulas, baked goods, and confectionery, as well as feed manufacturers. Key aspects of this trade involve the degree of processing (e.g., whey protein concentrate, isolate), protein content, lactose levels, and compliance with food safety and labeling standards. The global demand for whey continues to grow, driven by its nutritional value and versatility.
What products fall under HS code 040410?
Liquid whey, Whey powder, Demineralized whey powder, Sweet whey powder, Acid whey powder, Whey protein concentrate (WPC), Whey protein isolate (WPI), Lactose (derived from whey)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 040410?
This code can be confused with 040490 (other natural milk constituents) if the product is a milk derivative but not specifically whey, or with protein concentrates from other sources (e.g., soy protein) if not clearly identified as dairy.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 040410?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 040410 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($662M, 16% of world exports), Germany ($581M) and France ($413M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 040410?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 040410 in UN Comtrade data were China ($894M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($523M) and Germany ($219M). World imports came to about $4.3B, 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.
How is HS code 040410 structured?
HS code 040410 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (04) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 040410?
In Brazil, HS code 040410 is NCM 0404.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.