Product classification
HS code for Grated cheese: 0406.20
Dairy produce, cheese of all kinds, grated or powdered.
Classification of grated cheese under HS 0406.20
Grated cheese is classified under HS code 0406.20. This code is situated within Chapter 4 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses dairy produce, birds' eggs, and other edible products of animal origin. Heading 0406 is dedicated to cheese and curd, and the specific subheading 0406.20 is reserved for cheese of all kinds that has been mechanically processed into a grated or powdered form. The classification is based on the physical state of the product at the time of import. Whether the cheese is a hard variety like Parmesan or a softer variety that has been dehydrated and powdered, it falls under this code. This distinction is vital for trade statistics and tariff application, as grated cheese often undergoes more processing and has different packaging requirements than bulk blocks or wheels of cheese.
- Covers
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Powdered cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella for industrial food use
- Dehydrated cheese powders for seasonings
- Grated Pecorino Romano
- Blended grated cheeses
- Also under 0406.20
- Kraft Grated Parmesan
- Sargento Shredded Cheese
- various snack food cheese powders
- Stella Grated Parmesan
Codes often confused with 0406.20
Common mistake. Grated cheese is often confused with HS code 1901.90, which covers food preparations containing dairy. If the product contains significant non-dairy additives like flour or starch beyond what is necessary for anti-caking, it may move to Chapter 19. Additionally, cheese-based sauces or dips are often incorrectly placed here but should be classified under 2103.90 as sauces and prepared condiments. It is also important not to confuse it with 0406.90, which is for other cheeses in blocks or slices.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040620 (the code used for grated cheese), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040620 (the code used for grated cheese) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, 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 040620, not only grated cheese.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $1.1B 23% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $877M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $792M 17% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $501M 12% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $421M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $404M 10.0% of world imports
World total: $4.1B 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 grated cheese
Brazil classifies grated cheese under NCM 0406.20.00: HS 0406.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about grated cheese
What is the HS code for Grated cheese?
The HS code for Grated cheese is 040620 (Dairy produce; cheese of all kinds, grated or powdered). The specific HS code for grated or powdered cheese of all varieties is 0406.20.
How do I classify Grated cheese for customs?
Grated cheese is classified under HS code 040620 — Dairy produce; cheese of all kinds, grated or powdered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are cheese substitutes classified under 0406.20?
No, vegan or imitation cheeses made from vegetable fats are typically classified under HS code 2106.90 as food preparations not elsewhere specified.
Which countries are the top exporters of grated cheese (HS 040620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040620 (the code used for grated cheese) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.1B, 23% of world exports), the Netherlands ($877M) and the United States ($792M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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 grated cheese (HS 040620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040620 (the code used for grated cheese) in UN Comtrade data were France ($501M, 12% of world imports), the Netherlands ($421M) and Germany ($404M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Grated cheese the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040620 for Grated cheese 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 grated cheese in Brazil?
In Brazil, grated cheese (HS 040620) is classified under NCM 0406.20.00.