Grade 40 Cheesecloth Fabric

Grade 40 cheesecloth is a loosely woven, unbleached cotton fabric containing 85% or more cotton, weighing under 100 g/m² with yarn number 43 to 68, specifically classified as cheesecloth (226). It is used for straining liquids in food preparation and cheese making due to its fine mesh structure. The plain weave and low weight match the exact criteria of HTS 5208.11.40.90.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China9%+35.0%44%
🇲🇽Mexico9%+10.0%19%
🇨🇦Canada9%+10.0%19%
🇩🇪Germany9%+10.0%19%
🇯🇵Japan9%+10.0%19%

Alternative Classifications

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

5208.12.40.90Lower: 42% vs 44%

If bleached

Bleached plain weave cheesecloth shifts to 5208.12, maintaining cotton content and weight specs but changing based on processing state.

5208.21.40.90Higher: 45.2% vs 44%

If dyed or printed

Dyed cheesecloth falls under colored woven fabrics in 5208.21, as color application alters the unbleached classification.

5209.11.00Lower: 41.5% vs 44%

If weighing over 100 g/m²

Heavier cheesecloth exceeds the 100 g/m² limit, moving to 5209 for plain weave cotton fabrics over 100 g/m².

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Import Tips & Compliance

Verify fabric weight and yarn number via lab testing to confirm <100 g/m² and #43-68; obtain certificate of origin for potential quota checks

Ensure unbleached state with no finishing treatments to avoid reclassification

Label fiber content accurately per FTC rules to prevent customs holds

Related Products under HTS 5208.11.40.90

Grade 50 Cheesecloth Roll

Unbleached Grade 50 cheesecloth roll features plain weave cotton fabric with 85%+ cotton content, under 100 g/m², and yarn numbers 43-68, fitting the cheesecloth (226) subheading. Ideal for bulk packaging in food processing and crafts. Its specific openness and weight qualify it precisely under this HTS code.

Medical Grade Cheesecloth Gauze

Unbleached medical cheesecloth gauze is a plain weave cotton fabric over 85% cotton, ≤100 g/m² with yarn #43-68, designated as cheesecloth (226). Used in surgical dressings and filtration due to its absorbent, open weave. Meets HTS criteria for unprocessed, low-weight cotton cheesecloth.

Food Straining Cheesecloth Sheet

Unbleached cheesecloth sheets for food straining are plain weave, 85%+ cotton fabrics under 100 g/m² with yarn numbers 43-68, as cheesecloth (226). Perfect for nut milks, yogurt cheese, and herbal infusions. The raw, unfinished state and specs align with HTS 5208.11.40.90.

Artisan Cheese Making Muslin

Unbleached artisan muslin cheesecloth is a Grade 60 plain weave cotton fabric, 85%+ cotton, <100 g/m², yarn #43-68, under cheesecloth (226). Employed by cheesemakers for draining curds gently. Its loose weave and tariff-spec metrics confirm HTS 5208.11.40.90 placement.

Brewing and Winemaking Filter Cloth

Unbleached cheesecloth for brewing filters is plain weave cotton (85%+), ≤100 g/m², yarn 43-68, cheesecloth (226). Filters fruit mashes and hop pellets in craft beverages. Exact match to HTS unbleached low-weight cotton weave parameters.

Organic Cotton Cheesecloth Bulk

Bulk unbleached organic cotton cheesecloth meets 85%+ cotton, plain weave, <100 g/m², yarn #43-68 as cheesecloth (226). Sourced for natural food processing without chemicals. Organic status doesn't alter woven fabric HTS classification.