Product classification
HS code for Curd: 0406.10
Dairy produce, fresh cheese (including whey cheese), not fermented, and curd.
Classification of curd under HS 0406.10
Curd is classified under HS code 0406.10, which encompasses fresh (unripened or uncured) cheese, including whey cheese and curd. This classification is part of Chapter 4, which covers dairy produce and other edible products of animal origin. The technical definition of curd in this context refers to the coagulated part of milk that is separated from the whey, typically through the addition of rennet or an edible acid. Because curd is essentially the primary stage of cheese making before ripening occurs, it is grouped with fresh cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the curd is intended for direct consumption or as an intermediate product for further food processing, provided it has not undergone a fermentation or ripening process that would move it to other subheadings of 0406.
- Covers
- Fresh dairy curd
- Cottage cheese
- Unripened whey cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella (fresh, non-aged)
- Also under 0406.10
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese
- Galbani Ricotta
- Arla Cottage Cheese
- Amul Paneer
Codes often confused with 0406.10
Common mistake. Curd is frequently misclassified under HS code 0403.90, which covers buttermilk, curdled milk, and cream, yogurt, and kefir. However, 0403 is intended for fermented or acidified milk products that retain a more liquid or semi-solid consistency, whereas 0406.10 is for the solid or semi-solid protein mass. Another major misclassification occurs with "bean curd" (tofu), which is a vegetable product. Tofu must be classified under HS code 2106.90 as a food preparation not elsewhere specified, rather than a dairy product. Additionally, if the curd has been ripened, it must be classified under 0406.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040610 (the code used for curd), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040610 (the code used for curd) 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 curd.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.8B 21% of world exports
- 2 Italy $2.4B 18% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $1.3B 9.5% of world exports
World total: $13.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $1.3B 11% of world imports
- 2 France $1.1B 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $1.0B 8.3% of world imports
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 curd
Brazil splits HS 0406.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0406.10.10Fresh mozzarella cheese
- 0406.10.90Other fresh cheese and curd
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about curd
What is the HS code for Curd?
The HS code for Curd is 040610 (Dairy produce; fresh cheese (including whey cheese), not fermented, and curd). The HS code for fresh dairy curd is 0406.10.
How do I classify Curd for customs?
Curd 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 lemon curd classified under this code?
No, lemon curd is a fruit-based spread containing sugar and eggs, typically classified under HS code 2106.90 or Chapter 20, depending on its specific ingredients and preparation.
Which countries are the top exporters of curd (HS 040610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040610 (the code used for curd) 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 curd (HS 040610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040610 (the code used for curd) 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 Curd the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040610 for Curd 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 curd in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 040610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for curd depends on the product's details: 0406.10.10 (Fresh mozzarella cheese), 0406.10.90 (Other fresh cheese and curd).