Mexican Queso Fresco from Germany
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.
Duty Rate — Germany → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.3910%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92 and 9903.05.97, articles the product of a member state of the European Union, with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1 less than 10 percent, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
Import Tips
• Obtain USMCA certificate of origin proving Mexican production to claim free duty under 9823.03.10
• Ensure FDA prior notice and import alerts compliance for dairy products; provide pasteurization certificates
• Avoid misclassification as retail-packed cheese under 0406; bulk only for 0405.90.20 eligibility