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Processed Cheese Food Loaf

A loaf of processed cheese food made from blends of non-quota cow's milk cheeses with emulsifiers within natural cheese limits. Used for slicing in sandwiches. HTS 0406.90.97.00 as other cheese mixtures.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณChinaFree+20.0%20%
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝMexicoFree+10.0%10%
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆCanadaFree+60.0%60%
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ชGermanyFree+10.0%10%
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ตJapanFree+12.5%12.5%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

1901.90.64Higher: 36% vs 20%

If high emulsifier/stabilizer content

Processed cheese products exceeding natural composition limits become food preparations

0406.20.89Higher: 30% vs 20%

If contains quota cheese mixtures

Processed forms containing prohibited quota cheeses classified accordingly

0405.90.10Higher: 30% vs 20%

If anhydrous butteroil added

Significant butterfat addition changes dairy product classification

Not sure which classification is right?

The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code โ€” and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.

Import Tips & Compliance

โ€ข Emulsifier percentage critical; exceeding natural cheese limits reclassifies to 1901/2106

โ€ข Prove base cheeses not from quota subheadings 0406.90.61/63

โ€ข Shelf-life testing documentation for processed vs. natural cheese distinction

Related Products under HTS 0406.90.97.00

Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk with cow's milk, originating from Cyprus. It has a high melting point making it ideal for grilling. Classified under HTS 0406.90.97.00 as other cheese containing cow's milk (not soft-ripened), excluding quota-specific varieties.

Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a fresh, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk, lightly salted and pressed. Though technically fresh, its commercial importation falls under ripened/other due to curing characteristics. Classified in HTS 0406.90.97.00 as cow's milk cheese excluding quota categories.

Mizithra Cheese

Mizithra is a Greek whey cheese made from sheep/goat whey with added cow's milk, resulting in a hard, grating cheese. It's aged and used grated over pasta. HTS 0406.90.97.00 covers it as other cow's milk containing cheese not meeting quota specifications.

Cheese Spread Mixture

A spreadable cheese product blending multiple cow's milk cheeses (not quota types) with minimal stabilizers. Used as deli spread or appetizer base. Classified under HTS 0406.90.97.00 as mixtures of other cheeses excluding prohibited quota mixtures.

Ricotta Salata

Ricotta Salata is salted, pressed, and aged ricotta made from cow's milk whey with milk solids. It's firm, sliceable, used in salads. Falls under HTS 0406.90.97.00 as other aged cow's milk cheese not quota-specified.

Farmhouse Cheddar Blend

A mild farmhouse-style cheddar made from cow's milk blended with non-quota cheeses for unique flavor profile. Aged 3-6 months for sliceable texture. HTS 0406.90.97.00 as other cow's milk cheese excluding quota Cheddar.