Product classification

HS code for Kefir: 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 kefir under HS 0403.90

Kefir is classified under HS code 0403.90, which falls under Chapter 4 of the Harmonized System, covering dairy produce, birds' eggs, and natural honey. Heading 0403 is specifically designated for buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, yogurt, kephir, and other fermented or acidified milk and cream. While yogurt is specifically partitioned into subheadings 0403.10 and 0403.20, kefir is categorized under the residual subheading 0403.90 for "other" fermented dairy products. This classification is determined by the biological nature of the product, which is produced through the action of kefir grains (a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) on milk. The classification remains valid even if the kefir has been concentrated or contains added sugar, sweetening matter, flavoring, fruit, nuts, or cocoa, provided that the dairy base retains the essential character of the product. This follows General Interpretative Rule 1 and the specific notes for Chapter 4, which allow for these additions in fermented dairy products without moving them to Chapter 21 or 22.

Covers
  • Liquid dairy kefir
  • Flavored kefir drinks
  • Kefir with added fruit or nuts
  • Concentrated kefir paste
  • Fermented milk products other than 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. Kefir is frequently misclassified under HS code 0403.10, which is strictly reserved for yogurt. While similar, the fermentation agents differ. Another common error is using HS code 2202.99 for non-alcoholic beverages. If the product is a water-based kefir (made with sugar water instead of milk), it must be classified in Chapter 22. Dairy-based kefir remains in 0403.90 unless it is diluted to the point where it loses the character of a dairy product.

2202.99Non-alcoholic beverages; other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or vegetable juices of heading no. 2009

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040390 (the code used for kefir) 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 kefir.

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 kefir

Brazil classifies kefir 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 kefir

What is the HS code for Kefir?

The HS code for Kefir 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 dairy-based kefir is 0403.90, covering fermented or acidified milk products other than yogurt.

How do I classify Kefir for customs?

Kefir 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.

One more relevant question

Is flavored kefir classified differently? No, kefir containing fruit, nuts, cocoa, or flavorings remains under HS code 0403.90 as long as it maintains its character as a fermented dairy product.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040390 (the code used for kefir) 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 kefir (HS 040390)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 040390 (the code used for kefir) 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 Kefir the same in all countries?

The base HS code 040390 for Kefir 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 kefir in Brazil?

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