HS Code for Mild Butterfat-Free Cheese
TL;DR: Discover the exact HS code for mild butterfat-free cheese (0406.10), 2025 updates, classification factors, regional changes, and step-by-step lookup guide for seamless dairy imports and tariff compliance.
What Is the HS Code for Mild Butterfat-Free Cheese?
The primary HS code for mild butterfat-free cheese is 0406.10 under Chapter 04 of the Harmonized System.
This covers fresh (unripened) cheese with ≤0.5% butterfat, ideal for low-fat dairy products in international trade.
In the US, it extends to HTS 0406.10.4400. Always check country-specific extensions beyond the universal 6 digits.
- Chapter 04: Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey
- Heading 0406: Cheese and curd
- Subheading 0406.10: Fresh (unripened) cheese
- Key for low-fat, mild varieties
- Essential for 2025 customs declarations
HS Code 0406.10 Explained for Low-Fat Cheese 2025
HS 0406.10 specifically classifies mild butterfat-free cheese based on fat content and freshness.
Mild butterfat-free cheese falls here due to its low fat (≤0.5%) and unripened nature, distinguishing it from ripened types.
| Cheese Type | HS Code | Key Criteria (2025) |
|---|
| Mild butterfat-free | 0406.10 / 0406.10.4400 (US) | ≤0.5% fat, fresh |
| Soft whey cheese | 0406.10.4000 | High moisture, unripened |
| Ripened cheddar | 0406.90 | Aged >2 hours |
| Grated cheese | 0406.90.40 | Processed/ground |
2025 HS Code Changes for Cheese Classification
2025 brings targeted HS code updates for cheese, focusing on regional precision without WCO overhaul until 2027.
National changes enhance dairy tariff accuracy amid rising e-commerce imports.
- US: De minimis ends Aug 29, HTS required Sep 1 for all parcels
- GCC: 12-digit HS rollout Jan 1 (Saudi, UAE, etc.)
- EU: Updated Combined Nomenclature refines 0406 subheadings
- Global: Minor WCO tweaks affect supply chains
- Impact: Stricter enforcement on low-value cheese shipments
Factors Determining HS Code for Mild Butterfat-Free Cheese
Fat content, moisture, and processing define the HS code for mild butterfat-free cheese in 2025.
- Fat percentage: ≤0.5% triggers 0406.10.4400
- Ripening: Unripened = 0406.10; ripened = 0406.90
- Moisture level: High moisture for fresh cheese
- Milk type: Primarily cow milk, but variants noted
- Form: Whole vs. grated shifts subheadings
How to Find HS Code for Mild Butterfat-Free Cheese (Step-by-Step)
Follow this proven step-by-step guide to locate the correct HS code for mild butterfat-free cheese.
- Gather specs: Fat %, moisture, ripening status, processing
- Visit WCO HS Nomenclature online browser
- Go to Chapter 04 > 0406 > 0406.10
- Match national tariff schedule (e.g., US HTS, EU CN)
- Request binding ruling from import customs if unsure
Pro tip: Use official tools for 2025 accuracy to avoid delays.
GCC 12-Digit HS Codes for Cheese Imports 2025
GCC countries adopt 12-digit HS codes from Jan 1, 2025, refining cheese classification like 0406.10.
This boosts trade data and tariff precision for dairy from Middle East hubs.
- Applies to Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
- Chapter 04 extensions for precise dairy duties
- Affects e-commerce and bulk cheese shipments
- Portals launch early 2025 for lookups
- 2025 case study: Importer saved 15% duties via exact 12-digit match
US HTS Codes for Low-Fat Cheese 2025 Updates
US HTS mandates full classification for mild butterfat-free cheese post-de minimis change in 2025.
Small parcels now require 0406.10.4400 labeling via USPS from Sep 1.
| Change | Date | Cheese HS Impact |
|---|
| De minimis exemption ends | Aug 29, 2025 | All dairy parcels need HS |
| USPS HTS enforcement | Sep 1, 2025 | 0406.10 mandatory on labels |
| HTS updates | Throughout 2025 | Refined low-fat subheadings |
FAQ: HS Code for Mild Butterfat-Free Cheese 2025
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| What is the HS code for mild butterfat-free cheese? | HS 0406.10; US HTS 0406.10.4400 for ≤0.5% butterfat fresh cheese. |
| Does 2025 change the HS code for low-fat cheese? | No WCO change, but regional extensions like GCC 12-digit apply from Jan 1. |
| How does fat content affect cheese HS codes? | ≤0.5% fat uses 0406.10.4400; higher fat shifts to other 0406 subheadings. |
| What is the HS chapter for all cheese products? | Chapter 04 covers cheese and dairy produce globally. |
| How to classify fresh vs ripened cheese in HS 2025? | Fresh unripened: 0406.10; ripened: 0406.90 based on processing time. |
| What are GCC 12-digit HS codes for cheese? | Extensions under Chapter 04 starting Jan 1, 2025 for precise tariffs. |
| Does US de minimis affect cheese imports 2025? | Yes, ends Aug 29; full HS required on small parcels from Sep 1. |
| Where to verify official HS codes for cheese? | WCO website or national tariff schedules like hts.usitc.gov. |
| Can moisture content change cheese HS code? | Yes, high-moisture fresh cheese stays in 0406.10. |
| How to get a binding HS ruling for cheese? | Submit product specs and samples to the importing country's customs |
Resources for HS Code Compliance
2025 case study: A dairy e-commerce firm used precise 0406.10 classification to clear GCC shipments without delays, per WCO guidelines.
For expert tariff support, Book a Demo with FreightAmigo. Contact: enquiry@freightamigo.com | HK +852 24671689 | CHN +86 4008751689 | US +1 337 361 2833 | GBR +44 808 189 0136 | AUS +61 180002752 (WhatsApp available).
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