## Common ground
Both options refer to products derived from evaporated milk, a concentrated form of milk with about 60% of its water removed.
## Options at a glance
**0402 – Evaporated milk (basic form)**
- **Defining trait:** Contains only natural milk constituents and minimal stabilizers; not mixed with other ingredients.
- **Typical examples:** Plain canned evaporated milk, unsweetened or sweetened but without added flavors or solids.
- **Best fit when:** The product is pure evaporated milk, used as a base for cooking or drinking.
**1901.90 – Food preparations based on evaporated milk**
- **Defining trait:** Evaporated milk combined with additional ingredients (e.g., sugar, flavorings, cocoa, or other food additives).
- **Typical examples:** Sweetened condensed milk, chocolate milk powder, ready-to-use dessert mixes.
- **Best fit when:** The product includes extra ingredients beyond natural milk components, altering its composition and use.
## Key differences
| Feature | 0402 – Evaporated Milk | 1901.90 – Based on Evaporated Milk |
|--------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Additional ingredients | None (only stabilizers) | Yes (e.g., sugar, flavorings) |
| Primary use | Cooking, beverage base | Ready-to-eat desserts, snacks |
| Processing complexity | Minimal | Higher (blending, formulation) |
## How to choose
- Does the product contain only milk and stabilizers? → 0402
- Does it include sugar, cocoa, or other added ingredients? → 1901.90
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A product may appear to fit both if it contains evaporated milk and minor additives (e.g., vanilla). In such cases, the **main function** determines the classification: if it’s primarily a milk product, use 0402; if it's a ready-to-use food preparation, use 1901.90. The presence of added ingredients is the key differentiator—when in doubt, prioritize the product’s primary purpose