Roquefort Sheep's Milk Cheese
Roquefort is a classic French blue-veined cheese made exclusively from sheep's milk, characterized by its tangy flavor and creamy texture from Penicillium roqueforti mold. It falls under HTS 0406.90.59.00 as 'other' sheep's milk cheese that doesn't qualify for specific blue-mold quotas in other subheadings. This classification applies to imported wheels or wedges not meeting exact quota descriptions.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐จ๐ณChina | 9.6% | +17.5% | 27.1% |
| ๐ฒ๐ฝMexico | 9.6% | +10.0% | 19.6% |
| ๐จ๐ฆCanada | 9.6% | +10.0% | 19.6% |
| ๐ฉ๐ชGermany | 9.6% | +10.0% | 19.6% |
| ๐ฏ๐ตJapan | 9.6% | +10.0% | 19.6% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If classified as blue-mold cheese under quota
Blue-mold sheep's cheeses like Roquefort may shift to specific blue-mold subheadings if they meet Penicillium criteria and quota allocations.
If containing cow's milk or subject to general quota
Mixtures with cow's milk or non-sheep cheeses fall under general 'other' quota cheese provisions excluding pure sheep's milk varieties.
If processed as cheese substitute or mixture
Products prepared from sheep's cheese but with additives exceeding natural composition move to food preparations outside Chapter 4.
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Import Tips & Compliance
โข Obtain USDA import license due to cheese quotas; verify 100% sheep's milk content via lab analysis; ensure proper cooling chain documentation to prevent spoilage claims
Related Products under HTS 0406.90.59.00
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Feta-Style Sheep Cheese
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Queijo de Ovelha Sheep Cheese
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