Product classification

HS code for Cottage cheese: 0406.10

Dairy produce, fresh cheese (including whey cheese), not fermented, and curd.

Classification of cottage cheese under HS 0406.10

Cottage cheese is classified under HS code 0406.10, which covers fresh (unripened or uncured) cheese, including whey cheese and curd. This classification is part of Chapter 4, which deals with dairy produce. The defining characteristic for this code is that the cheese has not undergone a ripening process and is ready for consumption shortly after manufacture. Cottage cheese consists of curds that are drained but not pressed, often retaining some whey. Because it is not fermented or aged like cheddar or gouda, it falls squarely into the fresh category. The moisture content of fresh cheese is typically much higher than that of aged cheeses, which is a key factor in its classification. Under the Harmonized System, fresh cheese refers to cheese that is fit for consumption immediately after manufacture and does not have a rind. This includes products like ricotta, mozzarella (if fresh), and cream cheese. The classification also includes curd, which is the intermediate product in cheesemaking. It is important to note that if the cheese has been processed or flavored in certain ways, it might still fall under 0406.10 as long as it remains unripened. However, if it is grated or powdered, it would move to 0406.20. Furthermore, if the product is mixed with significant amounts of other ingredients like fruit or sugar, it might be classified as a food preparation under Chapter 21, though standard cottage cheese remains in 0406.10. The fat content can vary, but this does not change the heading, only potentially the specific national tariff line.

Covers
  • Fresh cottage cheese curds
  • Creamed cottage cheese
  • Unripened curd cheese
  • Ricotta and similar fresh cheeses
  • Fresh mozzarella in brine
Also under 0406.10
  • Philadelphia Cream Cheese
  • Galbani Ricotta
  • Arla Cottage Cheese
  • Amul Paneer

Codes often confused with 0406.10

Common mistake. Cottage cheese is sometimes misclassified under 0403.10 (yogurt) or 0403.90 (buttermilk/kefir) due to its similar texture and probiotic nature. However, the production process involving rennet or acid coagulation of milk proteins specifically defines it as cheese under 0406. It is also confused with 0406.90, which is for other (ripened) cheeses.

0403.90Dairy produce; buttermilk, curdled milk or cream, kephir, fermented or acidified milk or cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sweetening, flavouring, fruit, nuts or cocoa (excluding yoghurt)04.06Cheese and curd0406.90Dairy produce; cheese (not grated, powdered or processed), n.e.c. in heading no. 0406

Top exporters and importers of HS 040610 (the code used for cottage cheese), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040610 (the code used for cottage cheese) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 040610, not only cottage cheese.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $2.8B
  2. 2 Italy $2.4B
  3. 3 Denmark $1.3B

World total: $13.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $1.3B
  2. 2 France $1.1B
  3. 3 Germany $1.0B

World total: $12.7B 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 codes for cottage cheese

Brazil splits HS 0406.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about cottage cheese

What is the HS code for Cottage cheese?

The HS code for Cottage cheese is 040610 (Dairy produce; fresh cheese (including whey cheese), not fermented, and curd). The HS code for cottage cheese is 0406.10.

How do I classify Cottage cheese for customs?

Cottage cheese is classified under HS code 040610 — Dairy produce; fresh cheese (including whey cheese), not fermented, and curd. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is flavored cottage cheese classified differently?

Generally, no. If the primary character remains fresh cheese, it stays in 0406.10. However, if the additives (like fruit) exceed certain limits, it may be classified under 2106.

Which countries are the top exporters of cottage cheese (HS 040610)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040610 (the code used for cottage cheese) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.8B, 21% of world exports), Italy ($2.4B) and Denmark ($1.3B). World exports came to about $13.6B, 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 cottage cheese (HS 040610)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 040610 (the code used for cottage cheese) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.3B, 11% of world imports), France ($1.1B) and Germany ($1.0B). World imports came to about $12.7B, 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 Cottage cheese the same in all countries?

The base HS code 040610 for Cottage 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 cottage cheese in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 040610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cottage cheese depends on the product's details: 0406.10.10 (Fresh mozzarella cheese), 0406.10.90 (Other fresh cheese and curd).