HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 0406.40 – Dairy produce; cheese, blue-veined and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti (not grated, powdered or processed)
HS code 0406.40 is the 6-digit subheading for dairy produce, cheese, blue-veined and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti (not grated, powdered or processed). It is used for roquefort, gorgonzola, stilton, danish Blue and maytag Blue.
What HS 0406.40 covers
This HS code specifically identifies blue-veined cheeses and other cheeses containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti, provided they are not grated, powdered, or processed. These artisanal cheeses are renowned for their distinctive pungent aroma, sharp flavor, and characteristic blue-green mold veins. They are typically traded by specialty food importers, gourmet retailers, and fine dining establishments, catering to a discerning clientele. International trade emphasizes origin, traditional production methods, and specific regional appellations. Careful handling and temperature control are vital to preserve their unique qualities during transit.
- Covers
- Roquefort
- Gorgonzola
- Stilton
- Danish Blue
- Maytag Blue
- Cabrales
- Fourme d'Ambert
- Examples
- Roquefort Société
- Gorgonzola Dolce
- Colston Bassett Stilton
- Castello Danish Blue
Codes often confused with 0406.40
Common mistake. This code is highly specific and should not be confused with 040690 (other non-processed cheese) as it explicitly defines the presence of blue veins from Penicillium roqueforti.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 040640, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 040640 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% 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 Italy $262M 33% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $155M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $142M 18% of world exports
World total: $800M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $120M 14% of world imports
- 2 Spain $82M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 France $81M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $848M 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 0406.40
Brazil does not split HS 0406.40: its NCM code is 0406.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 04.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 0406.40
What is HS code 040640?
HS code 040640 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dairy produce; cheese, blue-veined and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti (not grated, powdered or processed). This HS code specifically identifies blue-veined cheeses and other cheeses containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti, provided they are not grated, powdered, or processed. These artisanal cheeses are renowned for their distinctive pungent aroma, sharp flavor, and characteristic blue-green mold veins. They are typically traded by specialty food importers, gourmet retailers, and fine dining establishments, catering to a discerning clientele. International trade emphasizes origin, traditional production methods, and specific regional appellations. Careful handling and temperature control are vital to preserve their unique qualities during transit.
What products fall under HS code 040640?
Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Danish Blue, Maytag Blue, Cabrales, Fourme d'Ambert
What are common misclassifications for HS code 040640?
This code is highly specific and should not be confused with 040690 (other non-processed cheese) as it explicitly defines the presence of blue veins from Penicillium roqueforti.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 040640?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 040640 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($262M, 33% of world exports), Denmark ($155M) and France ($142M). World exports came to about $800M, 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 040640?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 040640 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($120M, 14% of world imports), Spain ($82M) and France ($81M). World imports came to about $848M, 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 040640 structured?
HS code 040640 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (04) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 040640?
In Brazil, HS code 040640 is NCM 0406.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.