Product classification

HS code for Fresh milk: 0401.20

Dairy 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%.

Classification of fresh milk under HS 0401.20

Fresh milk is classified under HS code 0401.20 because it falls within Chapter 4 of the Harmonized System, which covers dairy produce and other edible products of animal origin. Specifically, heading 0401 applies to milk and cream that have not been concentrated and do not contain added sugar or other sweetening matter. The subheading 0401.20 is specifically designated for milk with a fat content exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6% by weight. This classification is determined by the physical state of the product (liquid, not concentrated) and its chemical composition regarding fat percentage. The milk must be in its natural state or have undergone basic processing like pasteurization, sterilization, or homogenization, provided these processes do not change the fundamental character of the milk as "not concentrated." According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, the product is classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Since the milk is fresh and falls within the specified fat range, 0401.20 is the most accurate code.

Covers
  • Pasteurized whole milk
  • Homogenized milk with 3.5% fat
  • Semi-skimmed milk (within 1-6% fat range)
  • Standardized fresh cow milk
  • Fresh goat milk (within 1-6% fat range)
  • UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) milk not concentrated
Also under 0401.20
  • Nestlé UHT Semi-Skimmed Milk
  • Danone 2% Milk
  • Organic Valley Reduced Fat Milk
  • Anchor Standard Milk
  • ARLA 3.5% Milk

Codes often confused with 0401.20

Common mistake. Fresh milk is frequently confused with HS code 0401.10, which is reserved for milk with a fat content not exceeding 1%. Conversely, milk with a fat content exceeding 6% must be classified under 0401.40 or 0401.50. Another common error involves classifying sweetened or concentrated milk under this code; however, such products belong to heading 0402. Furthermore, plant-based alternatives like almond or soy milk are often mistakenly associated with dairy codes, but they are actually classified under heading 2202 as non-alcoholic beverages.

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%0401.40Dairy 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%0401.50Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%04.02Milk and cream; concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter22.02Waters, including mineral and aerated waters, containing added sugar or sweetening matter, flavoured; other non-alcoholic beverages, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009

Top exporters and importers of HS 040120 (the code used for fresh milk), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040120 (the code used for fresh milk) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% 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 040120, not only fresh milk.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $915M
  2. 2 Czechia $632M
  3. 3 Belgium $568M

World total: $7.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $1.8B
  2. 2 Belgium $747M
  3. 3 Netherlands $670M

World total: $7.4B 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 milk

Brazil splits HS 0401.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 0401.20.10UHT milk, fat content over 1% but not over 6%
  • 0401.20.90Other milk and cream, fat over 1% to 6%

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 fresh milk

What is the HS code for Fresh milk?

The HS code for Fresh milk is 040120 (Dairy 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%). The HS code for fresh milk with a fat content between 1% and 6% is 0401.20.

How do I classify Fresh milk for customs?

Fresh milk is classified under HS code 040120 — Dairy 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%. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include organic fresh milk?

Yes, as long as the organic milk is not concentrated, contains no added sugar, and maintains a fat content between 1% and 6%, it is classified under 0401.20 regardless of its organic certification.

Which countries are the top exporters of fresh milk (HS 040120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040120 (the code used for fresh milk) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($915M, 13% of world exports), Czechia ($632M) and Belgium ($568M). World exports came to about $7.1B, 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 milk (HS 040120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 040120 (the code used for fresh milk) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.8B, 24% of world imports), Belgium ($747M) and the Netherlands ($670M). World imports came to about $7.4B, 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 milk the same in all countries?

The base HS code 040120 for Fresh 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 fresh milk in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 040120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fresh milk depends on the product's details: 0401.20.10 (UHT milk, fat content over 1% but not over 6%), 0401.20.90 (Other milk and cream, fat over 1% to 6%).