Product classification
HS code for Cream: 0401.50
Dairy produce, milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%.
Classification of cream under HS 0401.50
Cream with a fat content exceeding 10% by weight, which has not been concentrated and does not contain added sugar or other sweetening matter, is classified under HS code 0401.50. This classification falls under Chapter 4, which covers dairy produce, birds' eggs, natural honey, and edible products of animal origin. The 0401 heading specifically addresses milk and cream that are "fresh"—meaning they have not undergone concentration (like evaporated milk) or sweetening. The subheadings within 0401 are organized strictly by fat content. Subheading 0401.10 is for fat not exceeding 1%, 0401.20 for 1% to 6%, 0401.40 for 6% to 10%, and finally, 0401.50 for anything above 10%. This includes heavy cream and whipping cream used in culinary applications. The classification is determined by laboratory analysis of the fat content and the absence of additives like sucrose or condensed milk components.
- Covers
- Heavy whipping cream (unsweetened)
- Double cream (fat content > 10%)
- Fresh liquid cream for industrial food processing
- Clotted cream (if not concentrated or sweetened)
- Sterilized or pasteurized cream (not concentrated)
- Also under 0401.50
- Anchor Whipping Cream
- Président Professional Whipping Cream
- Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
- Nestlé Media Crema (full fat)
Codes often confused with 0401.50
Common mistake. Cream is often misclassified under HS code 0402 if it has been concentrated or contains added sugar. For example, sweetened condensed milk or cream falls under 0402. Another common error is using 0403.90 for sour cream or fermented cream products. Additionally, non-dairy creamers (vegetable-based) are classified under 2106.90 and should never be placed in Chapter 4. Finally, cream with a fat content between 6% and 10% must be placed in 0401.40 rather than 0401.50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040150 (the code used for cream), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040150 (the code used for cream) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 040150, not only cream.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $1.1B 19% of world exports
- 2 New Zealand $832M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $641M 12% of world exports
World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.1B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $738M 13% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $620M 11% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 cream
Brazil splits HS 0401.50 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0401.50.10Milk, fat content over 10%
- 0401.50.21UHT cream, fat content over 10%
- 0401.50.29Other cream, fat content over 10%
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about cream
What is the HS code for Cream?
The HS code for Cream is 040150 (Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%). The HS code for fresh cream with more than 10% fat content is 0401.50. If the fat content is lower, it falls under 0401.40 (6-10%) or 0401.20 (1-6%).
How do I classify Cream for customs?
Cream is classified under HS code 040150 — Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sour cream classified under 0401.50?
No, sour cream is a fermented dairy product and is classified under HS code 0403.90, regardless of its fat content.
Which countries are the top exporters of cream (HS 040150)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040150 (the code used for cream) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.1B, 19% of world exports), New Zealand ($832M) and Germany ($641M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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 cream (HS 040150)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040150 (the code used for cream) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($738M) and Belgium ($620M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 Cream the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040150 for Cream 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 cream in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 040150 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cream depends on the product's details: 0401.50.10 (Milk, fat content over 10%), 0401.50.21 (UHT cream, fat content over 10%), 0401.50.29 (Other cream, fat content over 10%).