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.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If unpressed fresh cheese
True fresh cheeses without significant curing classified in 0406.10 fresh cheese heading
If soft-ripened cow's milk cheese
Soft-ripened varieties like certain fresh cheeses have separate subheading
If low-fat (≤0.5% butterfat)
Low-fat cheese substitutes subject to different quota treatment
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Require Certificate of Origin proving Mexican production (excluded from dairy quotas unlike other countries)
• Test for moisture content; very high moisture may reclassify as fresh cheese under 0406.10
• Avoid common error of classifying as cottage cheese; distinct pressing/texture differentiates it
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.
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.
Teleme Cheese
Teleme is a Greek-American semi-soft cow's milk cheese, brined and cloth-bound for aging. It has tangy flavor, good melting properties. Classified HTS 0406.90.97.00 as other non-quota cow's milk cheese.