Fresh Mexican Chongos Cheese
Chongos is a traditional fresh Mexican cheese made by curdling milk with rennet and sugar, resulting in sweet, unripened curd balls typically served in syrup. It falls under HTS 0406.10.04.00 as fresh (unripened) cheese described in additional U.S. note 16, requiring import licenses and quota compliance for dairy products. This classification applies to chongos entered pursuant to the chapter's quantitative restrictions.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If ripened or processed beyond fresh state
Ripened fresh cheeses fall outside the unripened category and into general fresh cheese subheadings without note 16 restrictions.
If sweetened with non-dairy additives exceeding dairy character
Products where natural milk constituents are replaced by other substances (e.g., excessive sugar or flavors) shift to food preparations in Chapter 21.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain USDA import license before entry as required by additional U.S. note 16; verify origin eligibility (e.g
• Costa Rica quota); ensure product meets fresh/unripened cheese definition to avoid reclassification
Related Products under HTS 0406.10.04.00
Sweetened Chongos Curd Balls
Traditional chongos curd balls are fresh, unripened cheese formed from sweetened milk curds, often packed in light syrup for retail sale. Classified under HTS 0406.10.04.00 due to its fresh cheese nature and inclusion in U.S. note 16 quota provisions for controlled dairy imports. The unripened status and curd form distinguish it from ripened cheeses.
Artisanal Chongos Fresco
Artisanal chongos fresco is handmade fresh cheese curd from whole cow's milk, coagulated with rennet and cane sugar, remaining unripened. It qualifies for HTS 0406.10.04.00 as 'chongos' under the fresh cheese hierarchy, entered pursuant to U.S. note 16's quantitative limits and licensing. This ensures control on high-volume dairy imports.
Syrup-Packed Chongos Cheese
Syrup-packed chongos are unripened fresh cheese curds immersed in cane sugar syrup, a staple in Latin American cuisine. HTS 0406.10.04.00 covers this as chongos under note 16 provisions, emphasizing its fresh, uncured status despite syrup. Quota compliance is key for import eligibility.
Traditional Curd Chongos
Traditional curd chongos consist of fresh, rennet-coagulated milk curds tied into balls with string, lightly sweetened. This product is specifically 'chongos' under HTS 0406.10.04.00, part of fresh cheese subject to note 16's import controls and licenses. Its unripened nature keeps it distinct from aged varieties.
Homestyle Chongos in Tin
Homestyle chongos in tin are fresh unripened cheese curds packed in airtight tins with syrup, preserving their soft texture. Classified in HTS 0406.10.04.00 as chongos pursuant to U.S. note 16, which governs quota entries for such fresh cheeses. The canning does not alter its fresh classification.
Fresh Whey Chongos
Fresh whey chongos incorporate whey cheese elements from milk coagulation, remaining unripened and sweet. HTS 0406.10.04.00 includes whey cheese as fresh under note 16 provisions, with strict quota and license requirements. This aligns with chapter definitions excluding modified whey.