Vegan Cheese Alternative Blend
Plant-based cheese substitute mimicking cheddar, made from cashews and coconut oil for melting. Under 0406.90.99.00 as 'substitutes for cheese' if dairy-like but actually non-dairy. Shredded for pizzas, passes as mixture.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐จ๐ณChina | 8.5% | +20.0% | 28.5% |
| ๐ฒ๐ฝMexico | 8.5% | +10.0% | 18.5% |
| ๐จ๐ฆCanada | 8.5% | +60.0% | 68.5% |
| ๐ฉ๐ชGermany | Free | +10.0% | 10% |
| ๐ฏ๐ตJapan | Free | +12.5% | 12.5% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If food preparation with additives
Most vegan cheeses classify as flavored preparations.
If sold as retail snack packs
Packaged cheese-like snacks go to bakery heading.
If dairy spreads with butteroil substitutes
Spreadable substitutes may fall under butter provisions.
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
โข Composition analysis proving <dairy content to avoid Chapter 4 exclusion
โข Labeling must not claim 'cheese' to prevent FDA issues
โข Non-quota eligible as true substitutes
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.