Product classification
HS code for Milk powder: 0402.21
Dairy 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).
Classification of milk powder under HS 0402.21
Milk powder with a fat content exceeding 1.5% by weight and containing no added sugar is classified under HS code 0402.21. This classification is part of Chapter 04, which encompasses dairy products. Heading 0402 specifically addresses milk and cream that has been concentrated or contains added sugar. The subheading 0402.21 is determined by two primary factors: the physical state (solid form, such as powder or granules) and the chemical composition (fat content and absence of sweeteners). The 1.5% fat threshold is a critical dividing line in the Harmonized System; products with lower fat content are classified elsewhere. This code covers whole milk powder and partially skimmed milk powder, provided they meet the fat requirement. The classification ensures that basic concentrated dairy solids are distinguished from sweetened condensed products or specialized infant formulas, which may fall under different headings depending on their additives and intended use.
- Covers
- Whole milk powder (WMP)
- Full cream milk powder
- Partially skimmed milk powder with fat content > 1.5%
- Milk granules without added sugar
- Dried cream with fat content exceeding 1.5%
- Also under 0402.21
- Fonterra Full Cream Milk Powder
- Arla Foods Whole Milk Powder
- FrieslandCampina Full Cream Milk Powder
- Nestlé Nido Fortificada (unsweetened variant)
- Saputo Dairy Australia Whole Milk Powder
Codes often confused with 0402.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 0402.10, which is reserved for milk powder with a fat content of 1.5% or less (skimmed milk powder). Importers must ensure that the fat percentage is accurately documented. Another frequent error is using 0402.29, which applies to milk powder that contains added sugar or other sweetening matter. If the product is intended for infant use and contains added vitamins, minerals, or other ingredients beyond simple milk solids, it may be classified under 1901.10 as a food preparation for infants. Furthermore, if the milk powder is mixed with cocoa, it may fall under heading 1806, depending on the cocoa content.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040221 (the code used for milk powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040221 (the code used for milk powder) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 51% 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 040221, not only milk powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $5.3B 51% of world exports
- 2 Uruguay $671M 6.4% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $590M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $10.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.0B 19% of world imports
- 2 Algeria* ~$1.0B 9.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Brazil $524M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $10.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 milk powder
Brazil splits HS 0402.21 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0402.21.10Unsweetened whole milk powder
- 0402.21.20Unsweetened partly skimmed milk powder
- 0402.21.30Unsweetened cream powder
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about milk powder
What is the HS code for Milk powder?
The HS code for Milk powder is 040221 (Dairy 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)). The HS code for milk powder with more than 1.5% fat and no added sugar is 0402.21.
How do I classify Milk powder for customs?
Milk powder is classified under HS code 040221 — Dairy 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). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What happens to the classification if sugar is added to the milk powder?
If sugar or other sweetening matter is added, the milk powder is reclassified from 0402.21 to HS code 0402.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of milk powder (HS 040221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040221 (the code used for milk powder) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($5.3B, 51% of world exports), Uruguay ($671M) and the Netherlands ($590M). World exports came to about $10.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of milk powder (HS 040221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040221 (the code used for milk powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 19% of world imports), Algeria (about $1.0B) and Brazil ($524M). World imports came to about $10.6B, 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 Milk powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040221 for Milk powder 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 milk powder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 040221 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for milk powder depends on the product's details: 0402.21.10 (Unsweetened whole milk powder), 0402.21.20 (Unsweetened partly skimmed milk powder), 0402.21.30 (Unsweetened cream powder).