HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0404.90 – Dairy produce; natural milk constituents (excluding whey), whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, n.e.c. in chapter 04
HS code 0404.90 is the 6-digit subheading for dairy produce, natural milk constituents (excluding whey), whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, n.e.c. in chapter 04. It is used for casein, caseinates (sodium, calcium), milk protein concentrate (MPC), milk protein isolate (MPI) and lactose (pure, not from whey).
What HS 0404.90 covers
This broad HS code captures various natural milk constituents, excluding whey, that are not specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 04. This includes products like casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrates (other than whey-based), and lactose (if not derived from whey or classified separately). These ingredients are highly sought after in international trade for their functional properties in the food industry, pharmaceutical applications, and even industrial uses. Major exporters typically include countries with advanced dairy processing capabilities and specialized ingredient manufacturers, such as the EU, USA, and New Zealand. Importers are diverse, ranging from food and beverage companies seeking specific protein or functional ingredients to pharmaceutical firms and industrial users. Key considerations involve the purity, specific protein content, solubility, and functional characteristics of these constituents, as well as compliance with stringent quality and safety standards. This category serves as a crucial source for specialized dairy-derived ingredients.
- Covers
- Casein
- Caseinates (sodium, calcium)
- Milk protein concentrate (MPC)
- Milk protein isolate (MPI)
- Lactose (pure, not from whey)
- Milk permeate
- Milk mineral concentrate
- Colostrum powder
- Examples
- Arla Foods Ingredients Caseinates
- Fonterra Milk Protein Concentrate
- FrieslandCampina DMV Casein
- Lactalis Ingredients Lactose
- Kerry Group Milk Protein Isolate
Codes often confused with 0404.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 040410 (whey and whey derivatives) due to both being milk constituents, but the distinction is that this code explicitly excludes whey. It can also be confused with other protein sources if not clearly identified as milk-derived.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 040490, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 040490 in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 New Zealand $673M 36% of world exports
- 2 United States $267M 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $187M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $371M 21% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $147M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $84M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 0404.90
Brazil does not split HS 0404.90: its NCM code is 0404.90.00.
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 0404.90
What is HS code 040490?
HS code 040490 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dairy produce; natural milk constituents (excluding whey), whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, n.e.c. in chapter 04. This broad HS code captures various natural milk constituents, excluding whey, that are not specifically classified elsewhere in Chapter 04. This includes products like casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrates (other than whey-based), and lactose (if not derived from whey or classified separately). These ingredients are highly sought after in international trade for their functional properties in the food industry, pharmaceutical applications, and even industrial uses. Major exporters typically include countries with advanced dairy processing capabilities and specialized ingredient manufacturers, such as the EU, USA, and New Zealand. Importers are diverse, ranging from food and beverage companies seeking specific protein or functional ingredients to pharmaceutical firms and industrial users. Key considerations involve the purity, specific protein content, solubility, and functional characteristics of these constituents, as well as compliance with stringent quality and safety standards. This category serves as a crucial source for specialized dairy-derived ingredients.
What products fall under HS code 040490?
Casein, Caseinates (sodium, calcium), Milk protein concentrate (MPC), Milk protein isolate (MPI), Lactose (pure, not from whey), Milk permeate, Milk mineral concentrate, Colostrum powder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 040490?
This code is often confused with 040410 (whey and whey derivatives) due to both being milk constituents, but the distinction is that this code explicitly excludes whey. It can also be confused with other protein sources if not clearly identified as milk-derived.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 040490?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 040490 in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($673M, 36% of world exports), the United States ($267M) and the Netherlands ($187M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 040490?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 040490 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($371M, 21% of world imports), South Korea ($147M) and Germany ($84M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 040490 structured?
HS code 040490 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 040490?
In Brazil, HS code 040490 is NCM 0404.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.