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Norwegian Geitost Brown Goat Cheese

Geitost is a traditional Norwegian brown cheese made by boiling goat's milk whey until caramelized, resulting in its characteristic sweet, fudgy texture and brown color. It falls under HTS 0406.90.20.00 because it is produced exclusively from goat's milk whey, matching the subheading's specific composition requirement of goat's milk whey or mixtures with no more than 20% cow's milk. This distinguishes it from other Gjetost variants with higher cow's milk content.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China4.2%+17.5%21.7%
🇲🇽Mexico4.2%+10.0%14.2%
🇨🇦Canada4.2%+10.0%14.2%
🇩🇪Germany4.2%+10.0%14.2%
🇯🇵Japan4.2%+10.0%14.2%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

0406.90.48Lower: 17.5% vs 21.7%

If made from whey mixture exceeding 20% cow's milk

Higher cow's milk content shifts classification to other Gjetost cheeses in 0406.90.48

0404.10Lower: 18.5% vs 21.7%

If unmodified whey concentrate without cheese characteristics

Pure whey products without molding or cheese processing remain in Chapter 04 whey headings

2106.90.64.00Higher: 27.5% vs 21.7%

If flavored or mixed with non-dairy additives beyond permitted cultures

Added emulsifiers or non-milk fats exclude it from Chapter 04 cheese definitions

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Import Tips & Compliance

Obtain USDA import license as this falls under cheese quota limitations; verify country-specific allocations for your supplier

Provide lab analysis certifying goat's milk whey composition with ≤20% cow's milk to avoid reclassification

Label clearly as 'Gjetost from goat's whey' to meet FDA country-of-origin and composition requirements

Related Products under HTS 0406.90.20.00

Brown Goat Whey Cheese (Geitost) Wheel

Traditional Scandinavian brown cheese wheel produced by slowly cooking pure goat's milk whey to evaporate water and caramelize lactose, creating a dense, spreadable texture. Classified under HTS 0406.90.20.00 due to its exclusive use of goat's milk whey as required by the tariff subheading for Gjetost cheeses. The cooking process transforms whey into a cheese-like product with characteristic brown color and sweet flavor.

Pure Goat Milk Whey Gjetost Loaf

Dense loaf-shaped Gjetost made solely from fresh goat's milk whey, boiled down to concentrate proteins and caramelize natural sugars. Meets HTS 0406.90.20.00 criteria as it's derived from 100% goat's milk whey without cow's milk admixture. The caramelization process gives it the signature brown color and fudgy consistency distinguishing it as authentic Gjetost cheese.

Artisanal Norwegian Gudbrandsdalsost Wedge

Gudbrandsdalsost in wedge form, crafted from goat's milk whey per traditional Norwegian methods, resulting in caramel-brown, sliceable cheese. Falls under HTS 0406.90.20.00 for Gjetost cheeses made from goat's whey or permitted goat/cow mixtures. Artisanal production maintains strict whey composition meeting the subheading's technical specifications.

Traditional Ekte Geitost from Pure Goat Whey

"Ekte Geitost" (true goat cheese) made exclusively from Norwegian goat whey using centuries-old boiling techniques. Precisely matches HTS 0406.90.20.00 definition for Gjetost from goat's milk whey without cow's milk addition. Protected name indicates authentic 100% goat whey composition and traditional production.

Fløtemjølkost Cream-Enriched Goat Whey Cheese

Norwegian Fløtemjølkost made from goat's whey with minimal cow's cream addition (under 20% total cow's milk equivalent), maintaining primary goat whey character. Qualifies for HTS 0406.90.20.00 as the tariff explicitly permits whey from goat's milk mixtures with ≤20% cow's milk by weight. The small cream addition creates subtle richness while preserving traditional Gjetost profile.