Australian Colby Cheese Blocks from China
Colby cheese produced in Australia, featuring a semi-hard texture with mild flavor and small irregular holes, packaged in 40-pound blocks for commercial use. This falls under HTS 0406.90.52.00 as American-type cheese (Colby) entered pursuant to the quota provisions of additional U.S. note 19 to chapter 4, which allocates 1,000,000 kg annually for Australia. It meets the characteristics of washed curd cheese processed from cow's milk.
Duty Rate — China → United States
40%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Obtain import license from USDA before entry as required for note 19 quota; verify cheese origin certification from Australian authorities
• Ensure product meets Colby definition (washed curd, cow's milk) to avoid reclassification
• Monitor annual quota status to prevent over-quota high duties