Gruyere Eye Cheese Loaf from EU from Japan
A semi-hard Gruyere-style cheese loaf with prominent round eyes, produced in EU countries like France or Germany under General Note 15 quota provisions. Classified under HTS 0406.90.44.00 for Swiss or Emmentaler types featuring eye formation from specific bacterial cultures. Offers rich, caramel-like notes from 10-12 month aging.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Apply for import license through USDA for EU-27 quota share; track annual allocations to avoid over-quota higher tariffs
• Document eye formation via lab analysis or producer certification, as misclassification to non-eye Swiss risks penalties
• Label accurately with fat content and origin; common pitfall is failing to exclude packaging weight from quota calculations