Processed Cheddar Cheese Spread from China

Creamy spread made from cheddar cheese blended with cream and stabilizers, packaged in tubs for retail. HTS 0406.90.78.00 covers this as 'other' cheese processed from cheddar, not meeting butter or dairy spread fat specs. Adheres to Chapter 4 natural butter definitions exclusion.

Duty Rate — China → United States

17.5%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
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)

Import Tips

Label fat content accurately; spreads <39% milkfat avoid dairy spread note but trigger cheddar quotas

Require health certificates for lactic cultures; common pitfall is undeclared emulsifiers leading to butter exclusion

Use airtight containers for quota eligibility; track reallocation of unfilled quotas via USTR regulations