Product classification
HS code for Processed cheese: 0406.30
Dairy produce, cheese, processed (not grated or powdered).
Classification of processed cheese under HS 0406.30
Processed cheese is classified under HS code 0406.30, which specifically covers cheese that has been manufactured by grinding, mixing, melting, and emulsifying one or more varieties of natural cheese with the aid of heat and emulsifying agents (usually phosphates or citrates). This process results in a homogeneous product with a longer shelf life and different melting characteristics than natural cheese. To be classified here, the cheese must not be grated or powdered. The classification is based on the manufacturing method rather than the specific variety of cheese used as an input. This code includes products often sold as "cheese food" or "cheese spread," provided they meet the dairy content requirements of Chapter 4. The addition of small amounts of herbs, spices, or vegetables does not change the classification, provided the product retains the essential character of cheese. This code is vital for distinguishing industrial processed cheese from fresh, blue-veined, or standard hard cheeses.
- Covers
- Processed cheese slices (individually wrapped or bulk)
- Processed cheese spreads in jars or tubs
- Blocks of processed cheddar or swiss
- Cheese fondues (if primarily processed cheese)
- Smoked processed cheese logs
- Also under 0406.30
- Kraft Singles
- Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges
- Cheez Whiz
- Président Processed Cheese
Codes often confused with 0406.30
Common mistake. Processed cheese is often misclassified under HS code 0406.20 if it is grated or powdered, as that subheading takes precedence for those forms. It is also confused with 0406.10 (fresh cheese) or 0406.90 (other natural cheeses). Another common error is classifying cheese-based dips under HS code 2106.90 (food preparations); however, if the product consists essentially of cheese, it remains in 0406.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040630 (the code used for processed cheese), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040630 (the code used for processed cheese) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 10% of world imports. Bahrain did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 27% of its exports here ($118M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 040630, not only processed cheese.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $636M 16% of world exports
- 2 France $386M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Bahrain* ~$309M 7.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
Bahrain did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 27% of its exports here ($118M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $415M 10% of world imports
- 2 France $232M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $220M 5.4% 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 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 code for processed cheese
Brazil classifies processed cheese under NCM 0406.30.00: HS 0406.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about processed cheese
What is the HS code for Processed cheese?
The HS code for Processed cheese is 040630 (Dairy produce; cheese, processed (not grated or powdered)). The HS code for processed cheese (not grated or powdered) is 0406.30.
How do I classify Processed cheese for customs?
Processed cheese is classified under HS code 040630 — Dairy produce; cheese, processed (not grated or powdered). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is grated processed cheese classified under 0406.30?
No, if the processed cheese is grated or powdered, it must be classified under HS code 0406.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of processed cheese (HS 040630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040630 (the code used for processed cheese) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($636M, 16% of world exports), France ($386M) and Bahrain (about $309M). World exports came to about $3.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Bahrain did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 27% of its exports here ($118M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of processed cheese (HS 040630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040630 (the code used for processed cheese) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($415M, 10% of world imports), France ($232M) and the United Kingdom ($220M). 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 Processed cheese the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040630 for Processed 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 processed cheese in Brazil?
In Brazil, processed cheese (HS 040630) is classified under NCM 0406.30.00.