Product classification
HS code for Blue cheese: 0406.40
Dairy produce, cheese, blue-veined and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti (not grated, powdered or processed).
Classification of blue cheese under HS 0406.40
Blue cheese is classified under HS code 040640, which specifically designates "blue-veined cheese and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti." This detailed description precisely captures the unique characteristics of blue cheese, distinguishing it by its distinctive mold growth and veining. The Harmonized System provides this specific subheading to account for the specialized production methods and sensory attributes of these cheeses. It is important to note that this classification explicitly excludes blue cheese that has been grated, powdered, or processed, ensuring that only the whole or cut forms of this particular cheese type are covered.
- Covers
- Roquefort cheese
- Gorgonzola cheese
- Stilton cheese
- Danish Blue cheese
- Maytag Blue cheese
- Cabrales cheese
- Fourme d'Ambert cheese
- Bleu d'Auvergne cheese
- Also under 0406.40
- Roquefort Société
- Gorgonzola Dolce
- Colston Bassett Stilton
- Castello Danish Blue
Codes often confused with 0406.40
Common mistake. A common misclassification for blue cheese might involve HS code 040610, which covers "Fresh (unripened or uncured) cheese, including whey cheese, and curd." Blue cheese, being a ripened and cured product characterized by specific mold cultures, does not fit the description of fresh cheese. The distinct aging process and microbial development are key differentiators. Another potential area of confusion is HS code 040690, which is a residual category for "Other cheese." While blue cheese is indeed "other" than some specific types, 040690 is intended for cheeses that do not have a more specific, dedicated subheading. Since blue cheese has its own precise classification under 040640 due to its unique blue-veined characteristic and production method, using the general 040690 would be an inaccurate and less specific classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040640 (the code used for blue cheese), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040640 (the code used for blue cheese) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 040640, not only blue cheese.
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 blue cheese
Brazil classifies blue cheese under NCM 0406.40.00: HS 0406.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blue cheese
What is the HS code for Blue cheese?
The HS code for Blue cheese is 040640 (Dairy produce; cheese, blue-veined and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti (not grated, powdered or processed)). The HS code for blue cheese is 040640.
How do I classify Blue cheese for customs?
Blue cheese is classified under HS code 040640 — Dairy produce; cheese, blue-veined and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti (not grated, powdered or processed). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this HS code include blue cheese that has been grated or powdered?
No, HS code 040640 explicitly excludes blue cheese that is "grated, powdered or processed." The description specifically targets blue-veined cheese in its whole or cut, unprocessed form. If blue cheese has undergone further processing such as grating or powdering, it would typically be classified under other subheadings within Chapter 0406, such as 040620 for "Grated or powdered cheese, of all kinds," or potentially other codes depending on the specific processing and form. The distinction is crucial for accurate customs declarations.
Which countries are the top exporters of blue cheese (HS 040640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040640 (the code used for blue cheese) 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 blue cheese (HS 040640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040640 (the code used for blue cheese) 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.
Is the HS code for Blue cheese the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040640 for Blue cheese is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for blue cheese in Brazil?
In Brazil, blue cheese (HS 040640) is classified under NCM 0406.40.00.