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

30%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 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