Product classification

HS code for Fresh cream: 0401.40

Dairy produce, milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 6% but not exceeding 10%.

Classification of fresh cream under HS 0401.40

Fresh cream with a fat content by weight exceeding 6% but not exceeding 10% is classified under HS code 0401.40. This classification is part of Chapter 4, which encompasses dairy produce, birds' eggs, and other edible products of animal origin. Heading 0401 is specifically designated for milk and cream that have not been concentrated and do not contain added sugar or other sweetening matter. The subheadings within 0401 are organized based on the fat content of the product. HS code 0401.40 is applied when the cream is in its liquid state, has not been dehydrated, and maintains a fat percentage within the specific 6% to 10% range. This classification is essential for customs authorities to apply correct duties and for regulatory agencies to monitor dairy standards. The classification process requires precise laboratory analysis or manufacturer certification to confirm that the fat content does not fall below 6% or exceed 10%, as either deviation would result in a different HS code assignment.

Covers
  • Fresh light cream (6-10% fat)
  • Chilled single cream (6-10% fat)
  • Liquid dairy cream without additives
  • Unsweetened half-and-half (if fat content is >6%)
Also under 0401.40
  • Land O'Lakes Half & Half
  • Horizon Organic Half & Half
  • various regional light coffee creams
  • Nestlé Media Crema Ligera

Codes often confused with 0401.40

Common mistake. Fresh cream is often misclassified under HS code 0401.50 if the fat content exceeds 10%. Conversely, if the fat content is 6% or less, it falls under 0401.10 or 0401.20. Another common error is using HS code 0402.10 or 0402.21, which are reserved for milk and cream that have been concentrated (such as evaporated milk) or contain added sugar. If the cream has been UHT treated but not concentrated, it remains in 0401, but any concentration moves it to 0402.

0401.50Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%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%0401.20Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6%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)0402.21Dairy produce; milk and cream, concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, in powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content exceeding 1.5% (by weight)04.01Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter04.02Milk and cream; concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter

Top exporters and importers of HS 040140 (the code used for fresh cream), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040140 (the code used for fresh cream) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, 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 040140, not only fresh cream.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Spain $37M
  2. 2 Denmark $30M
  3. 3 France $23M

World total: $233M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $27M
  2. 2 Italy $26M
  3. 3 Malaysia $24M

World total: $247M 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 fresh cream

Brazil splits HS 0401.40 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 0401.40.10Milk, fat content over 6% but not over 10%
  • 0401.40.21UHT cream, fat over 6% but not over 10%
  • 0401.40.29Other cream, fat over 6% but not over 10%

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

Questions about fresh cream

What is the HS code for Fresh cream?

The HS code for Fresh cream is 040140 (Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 6% but not exceeding 10%). The HS code for fresh cream with a fat content between 6% and 10% is 0401.40.

How do I classify Fresh cream for customs?

Fresh cream is classified under HS code 040140 — Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 6% but not exceeding 10%. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does 0401.40 include cream with 12% fat?

No, cream with a fat content exceeding 10% is classified under HS code 0401.50.

Which countries are the top exporters of fresh cream (HS 040140)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040140 (the code used for fresh cream) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($37M, 16% of world exports), Denmark ($30M) and France ($23M). World exports came to about $233M, 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 fresh cream (HS 040140)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 040140 (the code used for fresh cream) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($27M, 11% of world imports), Italy ($26M) and Malaysia ($24M). World imports came to about $247M, 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 Fresh cream the same in all countries?

The base HS code 040140 for Fresh 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 fresh cream in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 040140 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for fresh cream depends on the product's details: 0401.40.10 (Milk, fat content over 6% but not over 10%), 0401.40.21 (UHT cream, fat over 6% but not over 10%), 0401.40.29 (Other cream, fat over 6% but not over 10%).