HS Code 0405Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads
3 six-digit codes · Heading 5 of 10 in Chapter 04 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 0405, also called HSN code 0405, is the customs heading for butter and other fats taken from milk. Below you can see what each sub-code covers and how to pick the right one.
“Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads” divides three ways under heading 0405 — 040510, 040520 and 040590. Each carries its own customs description, and the exact wording below is what a classification has to match. The heading is number 5 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.
What product does HS code 0405 refer to?
This heading is for goods made from the fat of milk. Butter is the main one. Dairy spreads and other milk fats and oils also belong here.
Some countries say HSN code instead of HS code. The number is the same. The Harmonized System is a naming scheme for traded goods, run by the World Customs Organization.
Think of the heading as a folder. The sub-codes are the files inside it. A customs form needs the full six-digit sub-code, not the heading alone.
Sub-codes 040510, 040520 and 040590 explained
Each sub-code has its own job. Here is when each one applies.
- 040510 is butter. If the product is sold and labelled as butter, start here. This is the code to search for butter import and export data.
- 040520 is dairy spreads. These are spreadable foods made from milk, such as a butter-style spread. Use it when you look for dairy spreads import records.
- 040590 is every other fat or oil derived from milk. It applies when the product is a milk fat but is neither butter nor a dairy spread.
How to choose the right 0405 code
Ask the questions in order. Is it butter? Use 040510. Is it a dairy spread? Use 040520. Is it a fat or oil taken from milk, and not butter or a spread? Use 040590.
Check what the product is made from. Fats from plants or from other animals do not belong under this heading. They are classed in a different chapter.
Countries often add extra digits to the six-digit code for their own tariffs. The first six digits stay the same worldwide. Duty and tax rates differ by country, so ask your local customs authority for them.
If you are unsure, test your product description in the HS code classifier.
0405 vs nearby dairy headings
Dairy goods sit side by side, so mix-ups happen. These points help you tell them apart.
- Plain, unsweetened milk and cream go to 0401. Butter is made from cream, but finished butter goes to 0405.
- Concentrated or sweetened milk and cream go to 0402.
- Yogurt, buttermilk and other fermented or soured milk go to 0403.
- Cheese and curd go to 0406.
Find importers and exporters of butter and milk fats
Start with the sub-code that matches your product. Butter sellers and buyers show up under 040510. Milk fat suppliers show up under 040590.
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.
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
- 0404Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not…2 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 0405?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 3 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section I: Live Animals; Animal Products, chapters 01–05.
HS Code 0405: common questions
What is the HSN code for butter?
Butter is classed under 040510. HSN is another name for the same HS number, so the answer does not change.
Which HS code covers dairy spreads?
Dairy spreads use 040520. Check that the product is a spread made from milk and not plain butter.
What goes under HS 040590?
It holds fats and oils derived from milk that are neither butter nor dairy spreads. Think of it as the code for other milk fats.
What is the difference between 0405 and 0401?
Heading 0401 is for milk and cream that are not concentrated and have no added sugar.
How to find buyers for HS code 0405?
Search the heading or one sub-code, then read the company names on the records. A demo lets you try it with your own product.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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