Queso Fresco from China
Queso fresco is a fresh, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk, lightly salted and pressed, used in tacos and salads. It qualifies under HTS 0406.90.63.00 as 'other cheese' entered pursuant to general note 15 quota provisions, distinct from quota-specific types like Edam or Parmesan. Licensing is mandatory for imports.
Duty Rate — China → United States
30%
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
• Apply for USDA import license early as Mexican products are excluded from some quotas but may route through this licensed code; label moisture and salt content precisely; avoid common pitfall of classifying as curd under 0406.30 if not properly pressed