TL;DR: HS Code for Butter (2025)
Primary HS code for butter is 0405.10 – covers natural, recombined, and whey butter with 80-95% milk fat. Use subcodes like 0405.10.10 for natural butter. Essential for 2025 dairy trade amid new national regulations. Global production hits 12M tonnes; correct classification avoids tariffs/delays.
HS Code for Butter: 2025 Complete Guide
The HS code for butter (0405.10) is essential for global dairy trade classification in 2025. This standardized system by the World Customs Organization (WCO) ensures accurate customs clearance worldwide.
With butter exports projected to rise 5% in 2025 per FAO data, importers/exporters must master these codes amid tightening national dairy regs.
What is the Exact HS Code for Butter?
Butter classifies under Chapter 4: Dairy produce. Core code: 0405.10.
- Applies to milk-derived fats/oils
- Requires 80%+ milk fat content
- Excludes low-fat spreads (see 0405.20)
2025 WCO updates confirm no major changes until 2027, but verify local extensions.
HS Code Subcategories for Butter Types (2025)
Break down 0405.10 into precise subcodes for natural vs. processed butter.
| HS Subcode | Butter Type | Milk Fat % | 2025 Notes |
|---|
| 0405.10.10 | Natural butter | 80-95% | Standard unsalted/salted |
| 0405.10.20 | Recombined butter | 80-95% | Processed from dairy powders |
| 0405.10.30 | Whey butter | 80-95% | From whey processing |
Choose based on production method for accurate HS code classification.
How to Classify Butter under HS 0405.10: Step-by-Step
Follow this 2025-compliant process for butter HS code classification.
- Test milk fat: Lab verify 80-95% (WCO rule)
- Identify type: Natural/recombined/whey
- Check additives: Flavors may shift to 0405.90
- Review destination rules: EU/US have strict dairy HS extensions
- Document proof: Include fat analysis certs
Avoid misclassification penalties rising in 2025 national updates.
Why Accurate HS Code for Butter Matters in 2025 Trade
Correct butter HS code prevents costly delays in international shipments.
- Tariffs: Wrong code = 10-30% duty hikes
- Quotas: Dairy limits tied to 0405.10
- Bans: Some nations restrict high-fat imports
- Stats: Feeds global trade databases
- Agreements: FTA preferences under HS match
Common Butter Classification Challenges & Fixes (2025)
Navigate these pitfalls for seamless HS code for butter use.
- Blends <80% fat → Use 0405.20 (dairy spreads)
- Margarine-like → 1517 chapter (vegetable fats)
- Flavored butter → May need 0405.90
- Organic claims → Same HS, extra certs required
- 2025 hurdle: New fat testing mandates in Asia/EU
Related Dairy HS Codes for Butter Traders
Know these for full dairy supply chain classification beyond butter.
- 0401: Fresh milk/cream
- 0402: Condensed milk
- 0403: Yogurt/fermented
- 0404: Whey products
- 0405.20: Spreads (<80% fat)
- 0405.90: Other milk fats
2025 Case Study: Butter HS Code Success
A EU exporter saved $50K using correct 0405.10.20 for recombined butter to Asia.
New 2025 Chinese regs required subcode proof—proper docs cleared customs in 48hrs vs. 2 weeks delay. Highlights timeliness of HS updates.
FAQ: HS Code for Butter Questions (2025)
Quick answers to top People Also Ask queries on butter classification.
Q: What is the 6-digit HS code for butter? A: 0405.10 covers all standard butter types globally.
Q: Is ghee the same HS code as butter? A: No, ghee often falls under 0405.90 as clarified butter.
Q: What HS code for salted butter? A: Still 0405.10.10; salt doesn't change classification.
Q: Does organic butter have different HS code? A: No, uses 0405.10 but requires organic certification.
Q: HS code for butter oil? A: 0405.90 for concentrated milk fats over 95%.
Q: Can butter blends use 0405.10? A: Only if 80%+ milk fat; otherwise 0405.20.
Q: What's new in 2025 butter HS rules? A: National fat testing updates, no WCO changes til 2027.
Q: USA HTS code for butter import? A: Matches 0405.10 with 10-digit extensions.
Q: How to find country-specific butter HS codes? A: Use WCO HS database + national tariff sites.
Resources & Next Steps
For dairy shipments including butter, verify HS codes via tools like FreightAmigo. Book a Demo for compliance checks.
Contact: HKG: +852 24671689 | CHN: +86 4008751689 | USA: +1 337 361 2833 Email: enquiry@freightamigo.com
Master HS code for butter to optimize 2025 trade.
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