Product classification

HS code for Whey: 0404.10

Dairy produce, whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.

Classification of whey under HS 0404.10

Whey is classified under HS code 040410 because it is a natural constituent of milk obtained during the cheese-making process or similar dairy operations. The Harmonized System places this product in Chapter 4, which covers dairy produce and other edible products of animal origin. Specifically, heading 0404 is reserved for whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, as well as products consisting of natural milk constituents. The classification 040410 specifically targets whey and modified whey, provided they have not been processed to the point of becoming a different chemical isolate. The determination for this code relies on the product being a byproduct of dairy processing where the protein content remains within the natural thresholds of the raw material. If the product is further refined to isolate specific proteins, the classification may shift to other chapters depending on the concentration and intended use.

Covers
  • Liquid whey resulting from cheese or casein manufacture
  • Powdered whey (dried whey)
  • Demineralized whey powder
  • Acid whey and sweet whey
  • Whey from which part of the lactose has been removed
  • Whey with added sugar or sweetening agents
Also under 0404.10
  • Arla Foods Ingredients Whey Protein
  • Fonterra Whey Protein Concentrate
  • Glanbia Nutritionals Whey Protein Isolate
  • Hilmar Ingredients Whey Protein
  • Milk Specialties Global Whey Powder

Codes often confused with 0404.10

Common mistake. Whey is frequently misclassified under HS code 350220 or 350290. This occurs when the product is a whey protein concentrate (WPC) with a protein content exceeding 80% calculated on the dry matter. According to the General Interpretative Rules and Chapter 35 notes, such high-protein isolates are considered albumins rather than dairy produce. Additionally, food preparations containing whey but mixed with other ingredients like cocoa or cereal may fall under 190190 or 1806, depending on the cocoa content. It is also sometimes confused with 040490, which is for other products consisting of natural milk constituents not elsewhere specified.

3502.20Albumins; milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins3502.90Albumins, albuminates and other albumin derivatives; other than egg or milk albumin, including concentrates of two or more whey proteins1901.90Food preparations; of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.c. in heading no. 190118.06Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa0404.90Dairy produce; natural milk constituents (excluding whey), whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, n.e.c. in chapter 04

Top exporters and importers of HS 040410 (the code used for whey), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 040410 (the code used for whey) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% 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 040410, not only whey.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $662M
  2. 2 Germany $581M
  3. 3 France $413M

World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $894M
  2. 2 Netherlands $523M
  3. 3 Germany $219M

World total: $4.3B 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 whey

Brazil classifies whey under NCM 0404.10.00: HS 0404.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about whey

What is the HS code for Whey?

The HS code for Whey is 040410 (Dairy produce; whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter). The primary HS code for whey, including concentrated or powdered forms, is 040410.

How do I classify Whey for customs?

Whey is classified under HS code 040410 — Dairy produce; whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does protein content affect the classification of whey?

If the whey product is a concentrate containing more than 80% whey protein by weight on a dry basis, it must be classified under heading 3502 as an albumin, rather than under 040410.

Which countries are the top exporters of whey (HS 040410)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 040410 (the code used for whey) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($662M, 16% of world exports), Germany ($581M) and France ($413M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 whey (HS 040410)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 040410 (the code used for whey) in UN Comtrade data were China ($894M, 21% of world imports), the Netherlands ($523M) and Germany ($219M). World imports came to about $4.3B, 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 Whey the same in all countries?

The base HS code 040410 for Whey 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 whey in Brazil?

In Brazil, whey (HS 040410) is classified under NCM 0404.10.00.