Product classification

HS code for Fermented milk: 0403.90

Dairy 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).

Classification of fermented milk under HS 0403.90

Fermented milk products, excluding yogurt, are classified under HS code 0403.90. This classification falls under Chapter 4 of the Harmonized System, which covers dairy produce and edible products of animal origin. The code 0403.90 is a residual category for buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, kephir, and other fermented or acidified milk or cream. These products may be concentrated, sweetened, or contain added flavoring, fruit, nuts, or cocoa. The classification is based on the biological process of fermentation or acidification, which alters the chemical structure of the milk. Unlike standard milk (0401 or 0402), these products have undergone specific bacterial cultures or acid treatments that change their texture and flavor profile, necessitating their placement in heading 0403.

Covers
  • Kefir (liquid or semi-solid)
  • Buttermilk (natural or cultured)
  • Curdled milk and cream
  • Acidified milk (acidophilus milk)
  • Fermented cream products not classified as yogurt
Also under 0403.90
  • Lifeway Kefir
  • Organic Valley Buttermilk
  • Wallaby Organic Kefir
  • Daisy Sour Cream (cultured)
  • Ryazhenka (fermented baked milk)

Codes often confused with 0403.90

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 0403.10, which is reserved exclusively for yogurt. While yogurt is a fermented milk product, the HS nomenclature provides a specific sub-heading for it. Another common error is using 0401.10 or 0402.10, which are for standard milk and cream that have not been fermented or acidified. Additionally, if the product contains a high percentage of non-dairy ingredients (like vegetable fats), it might be moved to Chapter 21 under food preparations (e.g., 2106.90), though this depends on the specific fat content and local customs rulings.

0401.10Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, not exceeding 1%0402.10Dairy produce; milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, in powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content not exceeding 1.5% (by weight)2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10

Top exporters and importers of HS 040390 (the code used for fermented milk), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040390 (the code used for fermented milk) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 12% 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 040390, not only fermented milk.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $375M
  2. 2 France $373M
  3. 3 Belgium $258M

World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $291M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $172M
  3. 3 Netherlands $167M

World total: $2.5B 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 code for fermented milk

Brazil classifies fermented milk under NCM 0403.90.00: HS 0403.90 with 00 added.

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

Questions about fermented milk

What is the HS code for Fermented milk?

The HS code for Fermented milk is 040390 (Dairy 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)). The HS code for fermented milk products such as kefir and buttermilk is 0403.90.

How do I classify Fermented milk for customs?

Fermented milk is classified under HS code 040390 — Dairy 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). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is Greek yogurt classified under 0403.90?

No, Greek yogurt is still considered yogurt and should be classified under HS code 0403.10, provided it meets the standard definition of yogurt.

Which countries are the top exporters of fermented milk (HS 040390)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040390 (the code used for fermented milk) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($375M, 14% of world exports), France ($373M) and Belgium ($258M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of fermented milk (HS 040390)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 040390 (the code used for fermented milk) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($291M, 12% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($172M) and the Netherlands ($167M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 Fermented milk the same in all countries?

The base HS code 040390 for Fermented milk 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 fermented milk in Brazil?

In Brazil, fermented milk (HS 040390) is classified under NCM 0403.90.00.