Bulk Mexican Panela Cheese
Panela is a firm, mild Mexican cheese often sold in bulk wheels for slicing, made from whole milk. It falls under HTS 0405.90.20 for cheeses not in consumer packages, eligible for duty-free USMCA entry via 9823.03.10 when meeting Mexican origin rules in general note 11. Ideal for food service and further processing.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported in retail consumer packages
Chapter 40 retail cheese provisions apply to packaged goods, typically higher duty rates.
If classified as processed American-type cheese
Specific subheadings for processed cheese types may apply based on composition.
If qualifying under different USMCA dairy note
Other USMCA dairy provisions cover alternative milk product categories.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Declare exact cheese type and weight; bulk forms only qualify under 0405.90.20 for USMCA benefits
• Maintain cold chain documentation to meet FDA import requirements for perishable dairy
• Verify no retail packaging to prevent reclassification and duty assessment
Related Products under HTS 9823.03.10
Mexican Queso Fresco
Fresh Mexican queso fresco is a soft, unripened cheese made from cow's milk, typically crumbled or sliced for use in tacos and salads. Classified under HTS 0405.90.20 as cheese not in original packages for retail sale, it qualifies for USMCA preferential treatment under 9823.03.10 when originating from Mexico per general note 11. This subheading applies specifically to bulk or processed cheese forms intended for further commercial use.
Mexican Cotija Cheese Blocks
Aged Mexican Cotija cheese imported in large blocks for grating over dishes like elote. Under 0405.90.20 as non-retail cheese, it receives USMCA preference through 9823.03.10 for Mexican-origin goods per general note 11 requirements. Common in food manufacturing.
Bulk Requeijon Cheese Curds
Requeijon, a creamy Mexican fresh cheese similar to ricotta, imported in bulk for spreads. Classified in 0405.90.20 for non-retail fresh cheeses, eligible under USMCA 9823.03.10 when Mexican-origin per general note 11. Used in baking and dairy processing.
Mexican Farmers Cheese Wheels
Large wheels of Mexican farmers cheese (queso de granja), a semi-soft variety for slicing. Enters under 0405.90.20 as bulk cheese not for retail, qualifying for duty-free USMCA via 9823.03.10. Popular in Mexican cuisine manufacturing.
Bulk Oaxaca Melting Cheese
Oaxaca cheese, known for its stringy melting properties, imported in bulk braids or blocks. Falls under HTS 0405.90.20 for non-retail fresh cheeses, with USMCA 9823.03.10 preference for Mexican goods meeting general note 11. Used in quesadillas production.
Mexican Queso Blanco Blocks
Queso blanco, a moist, crumbly fresh cheese for frying, imported in large unwrapped blocks. Classified 0405.90.20 for bulk cheese, eligible under USMCA 9823.03.10 when Mexican-origin. Essential for Mexican restaurant supply.