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.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If containing over 1% butterfat and exceeding 0.5% acid
Higher butterfat or acidity levels shift classification within 0406.90 subheading
If flavored or mixed with herbs/spices exceeding certain thresholds
Significant flavor additions make it a food preparation rather than pure cheese
If US-origin milk processed in Mexico and returned
USMCA goods of US origin processed abroad may qualify under Chapter 98 return provisions
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain USMCA certificate of origin from Mexican producer to claim duty-free entry under 9823.04.01,Ensure cheese temperature logs comply with FDA dairy import requirements during transit,Verify product meets HTS 0406 fresh cheese definition - not ripened or processed beyond fresh stage
Related Products under HTS 9823.04.01
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.
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.