Product classification
HS code for Heavy cream: 0401.50
Dairy produce, milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%.
Classification of heavy cream under HS 0401.50
Heavy cream is classified under HS code 0401.50 within the Harmonized System. This classification is part of Chapter 4, which encompasses dairy produce, birds' eggs, and natural honey. Heading 0401 is designated for milk and cream that are not concentrated and do not contain added sugar or other sweetening matter. The subheading 0401.50 is specifically applied to cream with a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%. Heavy cream typically contains between 36% and 40% milk fat, placing it firmly within this category. The classification relies on the absence of concentration (which would move it to 0402) and the absence of additives like sugar, which would change its classification to a processed food preparation.
- Covers
- Fresh heavy whipping cream
- Double cream (high fat content)
- Clotted cream (if not concentrated)
- Manufacturing cream for industrial food use
- Pasteurized heavy cream without additives
- Also under 0401.50
- Anchor Whipping Cream
- Président Professional Whipping Cream
- Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream
- Nestlé Media Crema (full fat)
Codes often confused with 0401.50
Common mistake. Heavy cream is often misclassified under HS code 0402.21. However, 0402 is reserved for milk and cream that have been concentrated or contain added sugar. If the cream has been evaporated or condensed, it belongs there. Another common mistake is using 2106.90 for non-dairy or vegetable-based creams, which are food preparations rather than dairy products. Additionally, if sugar is added to the heavy cream, it may fall under 0402.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040150 (the code used for heavy cream), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040150 (the code used for heavy cream) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 040150, not only heavy cream.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $1.1B 19% of world exports
- 2 New Zealand $832M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $641M 12% of world exports
World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.1B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $738M 13% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $620M 11% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 codes for heavy cream
Brazil splits HS 0401.50 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0401.50.10Milk, fat content over 10%
- 0401.50.21UHT cream, fat content over 10%
- 0401.50.29Other cream, fat content over 10%
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 heavy cream
What is the HS code for Heavy cream?
The HS code for Heavy cream is 040150 (Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%). The HS code for heavy cream that is not concentrated and contains no added sugar is 0401.50.
How do I classify Heavy cream for customs?
Heavy cream is classified under HS code 040150 — Dairy produce; milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 10%. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include aerosol whipped cream?
No, aerosol whipped cream usually contains added sugar, stabilizers, and nitrous oxide, which typically moves the classification to HS code 1901.90 as a food preparation.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy cream (HS 040150)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040150 (the code used for heavy cream) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.1B, 19% of world exports), New Zealand ($832M) and Germany ($641M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of heavy cream (HS 040150)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040150 (the code used for heavy cream) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($738M) and Belgium ($620M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 Heavy cream the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040150 for Heavy 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 heavy cream in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 040150 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for heavy cream depends on the product's details: 0401.50.10 (Milk, fat content over 10%), 0401.50.21 (UHT cream, fat content over 10%), 0401.50.29 (Other cream, fat content over 10%).