Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural… (chapter 04): which countries import it
Chapter 04 groups dairy products, eggs and honey. Germany leads global imports at 14 billion USD annually, followed by France and China. As a Spanish…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 04 groups dairy products, eggs and honey. Germany leads global imports at 14 billion USD annually, followed by France and China. As a Spanish exporter, you enter these markets under EU tariff agreements and common certification standards. Knowing the destination country's import rules and the product's tariff code is essential to calculate landed costs and identify trade opportunities.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 04
- Sector
- Food and Drink
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 14,055,617,422 |
| France | 8,001,340,182 |
| China | 7,234,062,398 |
| Netherlands | 7,130,488,711 |
| Italy | 6,937,078,567 |
| Belgium | 5,788,848,899 |
| United Kingdom | 5,456,743,952 |
| Spain | 4,068,362,401 |
| United States | 4,055,078,356 |
| Mexico | 3,149,366,605 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2,788,656,570 |
| Poland | 2,258,131,060 |
| Japan | 2,019,656,102 |
| Greece | 1,712,581,229 |
| South Korea | 1,699,886,800 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matterHeading 0401
- Milk and cream; concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matterHeading 0402
- Yogurt; buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, kephir and other fermented or acidified milk and cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured or containing added fruit, nuts or cocoa.Heading 0403
- Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or includedHeading 0404
- Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreadsHeading 0405
- Cheese and curdHeading 0406
- Birds' eggs, in shell; fresh, preserved or cookedHeading 0407
- Birds' eggs, not in shell; egg yolks, fresh, dried, cooked by steaming or boiling in water, moulded, frozen or otherwise preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matterHeading 0408
- Honey; naturalHeading 0409
- Animal products; insects and other edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or includedHeading 0410
Trade fairs in this sector
- Alimentaria Barcelona
- Anuga
- BIOFACH – World’s Leading Trade Fair for Organic Food
- Fruit Attraction
- Gulfood
- ProWein Düsseldorf
- Salón Gourmets
- SIAL – Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL Paris)
- Summer Fancy Food Show
- Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris
What you need to know to export dairy, eggs and honey
Chapter 04 includes ten product groups: milk and cream, yogurt and fermented dairy, whey, butter and dairy spreads, cheese, eggs, egg products, and honey. Each heading has its own tariff treatment and import requirements depending on the destination country.
Germany is the largest importer of Chapter 04 products globally, buying 14 billion USD in 2025. France and China follow, each importing over 7 billion USD. If you export from Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium are also significant buyers, likely as distributors and processors rather than final consumers.
Labeling in the destination language is mandatory. For the EU, nutrition facts, allergen warnings and origin marking follow Regulation 1169/2011. Non-EU importers often require additional information such as production date, shelf life and handling instructions in their official language.
Common questions about exporting Chapter 04
What tariff code do I need for my dairy or egg product?
Chapter 04 contains ten headings, each with different tariff rates. Milk and cream fall under 0401–0402, yogurt and fermented products under 0403, cheese under 0406, and eggs under 0407–0408. The correct code determines your duty rate and compliance obligations. Use the TARIC database to find the exact code for your product and destination, as rates vary by country and product composition.
Are there tariff preferences for exporting dairy to specific markets?
Yes. Spain benefits from EU trade agreements that reduce tariffs with countries such as the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Chile. However, tariff rates vary by product and agreement. The EU–UK agreement, for instance, includes tariff-free quotas for certain cheese types but not others. Access2Markets or your chamber of commerce can provide the exact preference applicable to your product and destination.
What is the typical lead time from production to delivery in major markets?
Lead times depend on product type and destination. Liquid dairy to nearby EU markets (France, Germany, Netherlands) averages 2–5 days by road. Cheese and preserved products to distant markets such as China or the US typically require 3–6 weeks by sea. Perishable products like fresh milk need temperature-controlled logistics; shelf-stable products like honey offer more flexibility. Plan storage and customs clearance accordingly.
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