Product classification
HS code for Powdered cheese: 0406.20
Dairy produce, cheese of all kinds, grated or powdered.
Classification of powdered cheese under HS 0406.20
Powdered cheese is classified under HS code 040620 because it falls within the category of dairy produce, specifically cheese that has been processed into a grated or powdered form. Heading 0406 covers all types of cheese and curd, and sub-heading 0406.20 is specifically reserved for cheese of any variety that has been mechanically grated or dehydrated into a powder. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) which prioritize the physical state of the product. For a product to remain under this code, it must consist essentially of cheese. While small amounts of anti-caking agents or emulsifying salts are permitted to maintain the powder's consistency, the addition of significant non-dairy ingredients like vegetable fats or high percentages of cereal flours would disqualify it from Chapter 4. The manufacturing process typically involves spray-drying or freeze-drying natural cheese, which preserves the dairy proteins and fats while removing moisture, resulting in the powdered format used extensively in the food industry.
- Covers
- Powdered Parmesan cheese
- Dehydrated Cheddar powder
- Grated Pecorino Romano
- Powdered Blue cheese for seasonings
- Grated Mozzarella for industrial use
- Dried cheese blends for snack coatings
- 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. Powdered cheese is frequently misclassified under HS code 1901.90, which covers food preparations of dairy products. This occurs when the powder contains significant additives, such as whey or maltodextrin, exceeding the limits for pure cheese. Another common error is using HS code 2103.90 for cheese-flavored seasonings; however, if the product is primarily dehydrated cheese, 0406.20 remains the correct heading. Confusion also arises with HS code 0404.90 for whey products, which lack the fat and protein profile of true cheese.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040620 (the code used for powdered cheese), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040620 (the code used for powdered 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 powdered 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 powdered cheese
Brazil classifies powdered 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 powdered cheese
What is the HS code for Powdered cheese?
The HS code for Powdered cheese is 040620 (Dairy produce; cheese of all kinds, grated or powdered). The primary HS code for powdered cheese is 0406.20, which covers grated or powdered cheese of all kinds.
How do I classify Powdered cheese for customs?
Powdered cheese is classified under HS code 040620 — Dairy produce; cheese of all kinds, grated or powdered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cheese sauce mixes?
No, cheese sauce mixes that contain flour, starch, or thickeners are generally classified under HS code 2103.90 as sauces and prepared seasonings.
Which countries are the top exporters of powdered cheese (HS 040620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040620 (the code used for powdered 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 powdered cheese (HS 040620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040620 (the code used for powdered 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 Powdered cheese the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040620 for Powdered 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 powdered cheese in Brazil?
In Brazil, powdered cheese (HS 040620) is classified under NCM 0406.20.00.