Mexican Panela Cheese
Soft, mild white cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk, pressed into wheels, classified under HTS 0406.10 as fresh cheese. Qualifies for USMCA duty-free entry under 9823.04.01 when produced in Mexico per general note 11 rules. Popular for grilling and in fresh salsas.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If made from sheep or goat milk instead of cow's milk
Different milk source changes specific statistical suffix within fresh cheese heading
If grated or powdered form
Processing into grated/powdered form moves to different 0406.20 subheading
If qualifying under other USMCA apparel/textile provisions
Different USMCA subchapter for specific product categories
Not sure which classification is right?
Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Provide lab analysis confirming fresh cheese status (not ripened) for proper 0406 classification,Maintain cold chain documentation - Panela requires refrigeration below 40°F during shipping,Include USMCA origin declaration on commercial invoice for preferential tariff treatment
Related Products under HTS 9823.04.01
Mexican Queso Fresco Cheese
Fresh, unripened cheese made from cow's milk, typical in Mexican cuisine, classified under HTS 0406 as a fresh cheese excluding cottage cheese. This product qualifies for USMCA preferential treatment under 9823.04.01 when produced in Mexico meeting general note 11 origin rules. It's commonly used in tacos, salads, and as a table cheese.
Mexican Cotija Cheese
Hard, salty aged cheese classified as fresh cheese under HTS 0406 when imported in wheel form before final grating. Qualifies under USMCA 9823.04.01 for Mexican production meeting origin rules. Essential ingredient in Mexican salads and bean dishes.
Mexican Requesón Cheese
Creamy fresh cheese similar to ricotta, made from whey, classified under HTS 0406 fresh cheese provisions. USMCA 9823.04.01 eligible when produced in Mexico meeting regional value content rules. Used in enchiladas and desserts.
Mexican Teleme Cheese
Semi-soft fresh cheese with mild flavor, classified under HTS 0406, eligible for USMCA preferential treatment via 9823.04.01 when Mexican-made. Produced by acid coagulation of cow's milk. Popular table cheese in Mexico.
Mexican Campesino Fresh Cheese
Rustic fresh cheese made in small Mexican dairies, classified under HTS 0406 fresh (unripened) cheese provisions. Qualifies for duty-free USMCA entry under 9823.04.01 with proper origin certification. Traditional artisanal production method.
Mexican Oaxaca Cheese
Stringy fresh cheese similar to mozzarella, hand-stretched from cow's milk, classified under HTS 0406 as fresh cheese. USMCA 9823.04.01 eligible when produced meeting Mexican origin rules. Iconic for quesadillas.