Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese originating from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk with a distinctive chewy texture. It falls under HTS 0406.90.99.00 as 'other cheese' since it doesn't fit specific quota categories like Cheddar or Swiss and is not a mixture containing certain subheadings. Typically sold in vacuum-sealed blocks for grilling or frying.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If Emmentaler-type with eye formation
Swiss/Emmentaler cheeses with characteristic eyes are classified separately under quota provisions.
If fresh cheese not ripened
Unripened fresh cheeses like queso fresco go to 0406.10 rather than ripened 'other' cheeses.
If processed cheese substitute with non-dairy additives
Mixtures exceeding dairy purity or with vegetable fats classify as food preparations.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify if subject to cheese import quotas under Additional U.S
• Note 16; obtain USDA import license if applicable
• Provide certificate of origin and milk composition analysis to confirm classification outside quota-specific categories
• Avoid misclassification as 'feta' which may fall under different subheadings; check brine content and animal milk source
Related Products under HTS 0406.90.99.00
Queso Fresco Crumbling Cheese
Queso fresco is a fresh, crumbly white cheese made from cow's milk, popular in Mexican cuisine for tacos and salads. Classified under 0406.90.99.00 as it represents 'other cheeses' not matching specific types like Parmesan or Edam. Mild flavor with high moisture content, sold in blocks or wheels.
Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese
Paneer is an fresh acid-set cheese from cow or buffalo milk, staple in Indian cuisine, pressed into firm blocks. It qualifies for HTS 0406.90.99.00 as 'other cheese' excluding quota-specific varieties and certain mixtures. Unaged with mild, milky flavor for curries and grilling.
Manchego Cheese Wheels
Manchego is a firm sheep's milk cheese from Spain aged 2-12 months, with nutty flavor and PDO protection. Falls under 0406.90.99.00 as 'other cheese' not specified in quota categories like Italian-types. Sold in distinctive wax-coated wheels.
Feta Cheese PDO Crumbles
Authentic PDO Feta is brined sheep/goat milk cheese from Greece with tangy, salty flavor in crumbly texture. Classified 0406.90.99.00 as 'other' since US doesn't recognize EU Feta quota protection for non-Greek origins. Typically imported in barrels or plastic tubs.
Mascarpone Italian Cream Cheese
Mascarpone is a triple-cream, soft cheese made from cow's cream, used in tiramisu with rich, velvety texture. Under HTS 0406.90.99.00 as 'other cheese' due to high fat content excluding it from quota-specific categories. Packed in plastic tubs for dessert applications.
Ricotta Salata Aged Cheese
Ricotta salata is salted, aged whey cheese from Italy, firm and grateable unlike fresh ricotta. Fits 0406.90.99.00 as 'other cheese'; whey-derived but molded and meeting cheese criteria per chapter notes. Used in salads and pasta.