Product classification
HS code for Skim milk powder: 0402.10
Dairy produce, milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, in powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content not exceeding 1.5% (by weight).
Classification of skim milk powder under HS 0402.10
Skim milk powder is classified under HS code 0402.10 because it falls within the category of dairy produce that has been concentrated and processed into a solid form, such as powder or granules. The primary determining factor for this specific subheading is the milk fat content, which must not exceed 1.5% by weight. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific notes of Chapter 4, which exclude products that have been significantly modified with additives beyond sugar or sweetening matter. If the product contains added vegetable fats or is prepared as a complete infant food, it would be excluded from this heading. The process of dehydration used to create the powder does not change its classification as a dairy product under 0402, provided the fat threshold is maintained and the product remains essentially milk.
- Covers
- Non-fat dry milk
- Skimmed milk granules
- Spray-dried skim milk powder
- Dehydrated milk with fat content ≤ 1.5%
- Concentrated skim milk in solid form
- Also under 0402.10
- Fonterra Skim Milk Powder
- Lactalis Skim Milk Powder
- Nestlé Skimmed Milk Powder
- Dairy Farmers of America NFDM
- Arla Skim Milk Powder
Codes often confused with 0402.10
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 0402.21, which covers milk powder with a fat content exceeding 1.5%. Another common error is classifying it under 1901.10 if the powder is specifically formulated for infant use with added vitamins and minerals. Additionally, whey powder is sometimes misclassified here but belongs under 0404.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 040210 (the code used for skim milk powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040210 (the code used for skim milk powder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 8.7% 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 040210, not only skim milk powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.9B 22% of world exports
- 2 New Zealand $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $882M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $8.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $743M 8.7% of world imports
- 2 China $682M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $582M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $8.6B 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 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 skim milk powder
Brazil splits HS 0402.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 0402.10.10Skim milk powder, arsenic/lead/copper under 5 ppm
- 0402.10.90Other milk powder up to 1.5% fat
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about skim milk powder
What is the HS code for Skim milk powder?
The HS code for Skim milk powder is 040210 (Dairy produce; milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, in powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content not exceeding 1.5% (by weight)). The standard international HS code for skim milk powder with a fat content not exceeding 1.5% is 0402.10.
How do I classify Skim milk powder for customs?
Skim milk powder is classified under HS code 040210 — Dairy produce; milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, in powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content not exceeding 1.5% (by weight). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does adding sugar change the HS code?
No, HS code 0402.10 includes skim milk powder whether or not it contains added sugar or other sweetening matter, provided the fat content remains below the 1.5% threshold.
Which countries are the top exporters of skim milk powder (HS 040210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040210 (the code used for skim milk powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 22% of world exports), New Zealand ($1.2B) and Germany ($882M). World exports came to about $8.9B, 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 skim milk powder (HS 040210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 040210 (the code used for skim milk powder) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($743M, 8.7% of world imports), China ($682M) and Indonesia ($582M). World imports came to about $8.6B, 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 Skim milk powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 040210 for Skim 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 skim milk powder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 040210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for skim milk powder depends on the product's details: 0402.10.10 (Skim milk powder, arsenic/lead/copper under 5 ppm), 0402.10.90 (Other milk powder up to 1.5% fat).