Kefir Fermented Milk Drink
Kefir is a fermented milk beverage made with kefir grains containing symbiotic bacteria and yeast cultures, explicitly named in heading 0403. Israeli-produced kefir enters under HTS 0403.90.87.00 pursuant to General Note 15 provisions for other fermented milks. It qualifies due to its specific microbial fermentation profile.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If product of Switzerland
Swiss-origin fermented dairy uses country-specific General Note 15 subheading.
If alcohol content exceeds 0.5% by volume
Fermented products with appreciable alcohol classify as non-alcoholic beverages.
If contains probiotic additives beyond natural fermentation
Products with added non-milk microorganisms move to food preparation headings.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Include microbiological analysis confirming live kefir cultures for classification verification
• Ensure packaging clearly identifies as 'kefir' rather than generic yogurt to avoid reclassification
• Track calendar-year quota usage as licenses are not transferable across years
Related Products under HTS 0403.90.87.00
Greek Strained Yogurt
Greek strained yogurt is a thick, creamy fermented milk product made by straining regular yogurt to remove whey, resulting in higher protein content. It falls under HTS 0403.90.87.00 as a fermented or acidified milk product entered under General Note 15 provisions for Israeli-origin dairy goods. This classification applies to yogurt not fitting other subheadings and subject to specific quota and licensing requirements.
Israeli Labneh Spread
Labneh is a strained yogurt cheese popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, made by fermenting and heavily straining milk to achieve a spreadable consistency. Classified under HTS 0403.90.87.00 as an Israeli-origin fermented milk product entered pursuant to General Note 15 quota provisions. It qualifies as 'other' fermented or acidified milk due to its unique straining process.
Flavored Bulgarian Yogurt
Bulgarian yogurt with fruit flavoring uses specific live cultures and fermentation process characteristic of the style, containing added sweetening matter. This Israeli-produced product enters under HTS 0403.90.87.00 pursuant to General Note 15 as 'other' fermented milk. The flavoring and concentration exclude it from plain yogurt subheadings.
Concentrated Fruit Yogurt
Concentrated yogurt blended with fruit puree and sweetened, produced through fermentation followed by partial whey removal. This Israeli product falls under HTS 0403.90.87.00 as fermented milk entered under General Note 15. The concentration process and fruit addition place it in 'other' fermented milk category.
Acidified Cream Ferment
Acidified milk cream produced by bacterial fermentation to achieve sour cream characteristics, containing added cultures. Israeli-origin product enters HTS 0403.90.87.00 under General Note 15 as other fermented or acidified milk and cream. Distinction from butter/dairy spreads based on fat content under 39%.
Probiotic Drinkable Yogurt
Low-viscosity drinkable yogurt fortified with specific probiotic strains beyond standard yogurt cultures, fermented milk base. Classifies under HTS 0403.90.87.00 for Israeli products under General Note 15 as other fermented milk. Probiotic addition doesn't change primary milk fermentation classification.