Kefir Fermented Milk Drink from Japan
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.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.480%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92, articles the product of Japan, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 equal to or greater than 12.5 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• 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