HS Code 0404Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included
2 six-digit codes · Heading 4 of 10 in Chapter 04 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 0404 covers whey and other natural milk constituents that have no heading of their own in Chapter 04. Use this page to pick the right code for your product and to find whey trade records.
The WCO writes heading 0404 as a residual bucket: goods of Chapter 04that answer to “Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included” and that no more specific heading in the chapter already claims. It still carries 2 six-digit codes, 040410 through 040490, so “other” is not the end of the classification here. The heading is number 4 of 10 in Chapter 04, Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included, which runs to 33 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 0404
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 040410 | Dairy produce; whey, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter |
| 040490 | Dairy produce; natural milk constituents (excluding whey), whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, n.e.c. in chapter 04 |
What HS code 0404 covers
It groups whey with other natural parts of milk. Sugar or another sweetener may be added or left out. The heading applies either way.
The words "not elsewhere specified" tell you this is a catch-all. A product belongs here only when no more exact heading in the chapter fits it. So check the neighbouring headings before you settle on 0404.
In plain terms, think of two product groups: whey, and milk parts that are not whey. Those two groups match the two codes below.
Six-digit codes under 0404: 040410 and 040490
Every shipment filed under this heading carries one of two six-digit codes. Six digits is the level that customs systems share, so these codes make trade records easy to compare.
Here is what each code means in simple words:
- 040410: whey. It can be concentrated or not, and sweetened or not.
- It can be sweetened or not, and it is for goods not named anywhere else in Chapter 04.
Which code to use: whey or other milk constituents?
Ask one question first: is the product whey? If yes, use 040410. This includes whey powder, because that is whey in a concentrated form. It also includes whey with sugar added.
If the product is a natural part of milk but is not whey, use 040490. This is the residual code. It exists for milk constituents that no other code in the chapter names.
Next, rule out the other dairy headings. If the product is milk or cream, a fermented milk product, butter or cheese, it does not belong in 0404. The section below shows how to tell them apart. If you are still unsure, try the HS code classifier.
How 0404 differs from other dairy headings
Many buyers mix up 0404 with the headings next to it. The product itself decides which one applies:
- 0401 is milk and cream that are not concentrated and have no added sugar or sweetener.
- This is where milk powder sits. Whey is not milk, so whey stays in 0404.
- 0406 is cheese and curd.
HS 0404 import and export data: buyers and suppliers
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Start with 040410 if you trade whey, or 040490 for other milk constituents. Then move to whey import data, whey export data, buyer data or supplier data to build a contact list. This page does not list duty rates, so check them with the customs classification for your market.
Related
- Chapter 04 dairy, eggs and honey HS codes
- HS 0401 milk and cream
- HS 0402 concentrated or sweetened milk and cream
- HS 0403 yogurt and buttermilk
- HS 0405 butter and milk fats
- HS 0406 cheese and curd
- All HS code chapters
- HS code classifier
- Whey import data
- Whey export data
- Whey buyers
- Whey suppliers
- Book a free demo
Nearby headings in Chapter 04
- 0401Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other…4 codes
- 0402Milk and cream; concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening…5 codes
- 0403Yogurt; buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, kephir and other fermented or…2 codes
- 0405Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads3 codes
- 0406Cheese and curd5 codes
- 0407Birds' eggs, in shell; fresh, preserved or cooked5 codes
- 0408Birds' eggs, not in shell; egg yolks, fresh, dried, cooked by steaming or…4 codes
- 0409Honey; natural1 code
- 0410Animal products; insects and other edible products of animal origin, not…2 codes
Who ships under 0404?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 2 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section I: Live Animals; Animal Products, chapters 01–05.
HS Code 0404: common questions
What is HS code 0404?
It sits in Chapter 04, Dairy produce, within Section I.
What is the HS code for whey?
Whey is classified under 040410. The code covers whey whether or not it is concentrated, and whether or not sugar or another sweetener is added.
What goes under HS code 040490?
It is a residual code for goods that Chapter 04 does not name elsewhere.
Is sweetened whey still classified under 0404?
Yes. Heading 0404 and code 040410 both say that added sugar or other sweetening matter does not change the classification.
What is the difference between HS 0404 and 0402?
Heading 0402 is for milk and cream that are concentrated or sweetened. Heading 0404 is for whey and for other natural milk constituents that are not milk or cream themselves.
How can I find importers and exporters of whey under HS 0404?
Search for 040410 to follow whey, or 040490 for other milk constituents. Then use the buyer data and supplier data pages, or book a demo to see how it works for your product.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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