Fresh Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a crumbly fresh cheese from cow's or mixed milk, unripened and lightly salted, common in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Under HTS 0406.10.95.00 as 'other' fresh cheese, since Mexican products are excluded from quotas but fit unripened curd description. It remains fresh without curing process.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If partially ripened
Any ripening process moves it from fresh to processed cheese subheadings.
If from quota-eligible countries
Fresh cheeses from quota nations like EU use specific aggregate quota subheadings.
If containing non-milk fats
Replacements of natural milk constituents classify as food preparations.
Not sure which classification is right?
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Confirm non-Mexican origin to avoid quota exclusion; test for salt content not exceeding fresh cheese norms
• Provide pasteurization certificates for FDA entry
Related Products under HTS 0406.10.95.00
Fresh Cottage Cheese
Fresh cottage cheese is an unripened soft cheese made from cow's milk curds with a mild flavor and creamy texture, typically containing 4% milkfat. It falls under HTS 0406.10.95.00 as 'other' fresh (unripened) cheese, distinct from whey cheese or specific fresh varieties like ricotta. This classification applies to plain varieties not meeting criteria for subheadings like low-fat or quota-specific types.
Plain Farmer's Cheese
Farmer's cheese is a fresh, unripened curd cheese pressed from whole or skim cow's milk, similar to paneer but milder, used in salads and baking. Classified under HTS 0406.10.95.00 as 'other' fresh cheese, excluding whey-based or ripened varieties. It meets criteria for unripened fresh cheese without specific subheading provisions.
Fromage Blanc
Fromage blanc is a creamy French fresh cheese made from cow's milk, unripened with a tangy flavor and spreadable consistency, often used like cream cheese. It qualifies for HTS 0406.10.95.00 as 'other' fresh unripened cheese, not whey cheese or cured. This subheading captures European-style fresh cheeses without specific listings.
Fresh Cream Cheese Alternative
This plain fresh cream-style cheese is unripened, made from curd without stabilizers, milder than standard cream cheese. HTS 0406.10.95.00 covers it as 'other' fresh cheese not fitting cream cheese or whey provisions. Used in baking and spreads, it maintains fresh characteristics.
Unripened Quark Cheese
Quark is a thick, fresh unripened cheese from cow's milk, similar to yogurt cheese but classified as fresh curd, with high moisture content. It fits HTS 0406.10.95.00 as 'other' fresh cheese, excluding ripened or whey-concentrated types. Popular in German baking and dips.
Fresh Basket Cheese
Basket cheese, or basket mold cheese, is fresh unripened cow's milk cheese drained in baskets, yielding a soft textured product. Classified in HTS 0406.10.95.00 as 'other' fresh cheese, not whey or cured. Traditional in Mediterranean cuisines.