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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.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China8.5%+17.5%26%
🇲🇽Mexico8.5%+10.0%18.5%
🇨🇦Canada8.5%+10.0%18.5%
🇩🇪Germany8.5%+10.0%18.5%
🇯🇵Japan8.5%+10.0%18.5%

Alternative Classifications

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

0404.10.90Higher: 35% vs 26%

If unmodified whey powder

Unconcentrated whey products remain in 0404.

0406.10Lower: 18.5% vs 26%

If fresh unmolded whey cheese

Fresh ricotta without aging or molding is fresh cheese.

1702.90.10Lower: 17.5% vs 26%

If >95% lactose content

High-lactose whey products exclude from dairy chapter.

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Import Tips & Compliance

Confirm whey concentration meets cheese criteria (5%+ fat, 70-85% dry matter)

Differentiate from fresh ricotta via salting and aging documentation

Lab tests for lactose <95% to stay in Chapter 4

Related Products under HTS 0406.90.99.00

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.

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.