Mexican Queso Fresco Cheese
Queso fresco is a fresh, soft, unripened cheese made from cow's milk with a mild flavor and crumbly texture, commonly produced in Mexico. It falls under HTS 0403.90.65 as yogurt cheese, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, and qualifies for USMCA preferential treatment under 9823.03.05 when originating from Mexico. This classification covers fresh cheeses processed similarly to yogurt cheese.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If ripened or processed beyond yogurt cheese stage
Ripened fresh cheeses like queso blanco fall under heading 0406 for other cheeses not elsewhere specified.
If classified as plain yogurt rather than yogurt cheese
Plain yogurt without cheese processing characteristics moves to 0403.10; key distinction is curd formation method.
If entered under different USMCA dairy provisions
Alternative USMCA subheadings may apply based on specific dairy product rules in general note 11.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify USMCA origin certification to claim duty-free entry under general note 11; Mexican goods must qualify per note 3(a)
• Provide commercial invoice detailing cheese type, milk origin, and processing to confirm 0403.90.65 classification as yogurt cheese
• Monitor FDA dairy import requirements including pasteurization certificates to avoid common holds at entry
Related Products under HTS 9823.03.05
Fromage Blanc Import
Fromage blanc is a creamy fresh cheese made from curdled milk, similar to yogurt cheese in production, imported from Mexican facilities. Classified under 0403.90.65 as it matches the yogurt cheese description in the USMCA context for duty-free entry via 9823.03.05. This soft cheese is unripened and often lightly salted.
Mexican TV Cheese (Tejuino Variant)
TV cheese refers to fresh Mexican cheese varieties processed from yogurt-like curds, classified as yogurt cheese under 0403.90.65. Eligible for USMCA duty-free entry under 9823.03.05 when produced in Mexico meeting general note 11 requirements. Typically soft and used in traditional dishes.
Concentrated Yogurt Cheese Whey Blend
Concentrated yogurt cheese incorporating whey, produced in Mexico for export under USMCA. Falls under 0403.90.65 covering concentrated yogurt cheese forms, qualifying for 9823.03.05 duty treatment. Used in cheese production and culinary applications.
Fresh Labneh Cheese
Labneh, a strained yogurt cheese popular in Mexican production for US markets, classified under 0403.90.65. Qualifies for duty-free USMCA entry via 9823.03.05 as Mexican-origin yogurt cheese per general note 11. Known for its thick, spreadable texture.
Mexican Cream Cheese Spread
Soft cream cheese spread made via yogurt cheese fermentation in Mexico, under 0403.90.65. Enters duty-free under USMCA 9823.03.05 for qualifying Mexican goods. Popular for bagels and baking.
Queso Blanco Yogurt Cheese
Queso blanco produced using yogurt cheese methods in Mexican dairies, classified 0403.90.65. USMCA 9823.03.05 provides duty-free entry for compliant Mexican exports. Firm yet crumbly texture.