Queso Fresco from China
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.
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
• 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