Cheese from 🇮🇹 Italy: US Import Tariffs 2026
Complete guide to US duty rates, HTS codes, and tariff overlays for cheese imported from Italy. Total 2025 imports: $380M.
Quick answer for US importers
What is the US import duty on cheese from Italy?
Cheese imported into the United States from Italy must be classified under the correct HTS code before the US duty rate can be confirmed. The rate depends on the 10-digit HTS classification, base MFN duty, country-of-origin rules, and any special tariff program or trade remedy that applies to the shipment.
Section 232 — Steel
25% tariff on steel imports under Section 232 national security authority.
Section 232 — Aluminum
10% tariff on aluminum imports under Section 232 national security authority.
HTS Codes for Cheese — Duty Rates
Search for cheese HTS codes in the live database.
Search Cheese HTS codesTop Cheese Imports from Italy (2025)
| HS6 Code | Description | Import Value | Duties Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 040690 | CHEESE, NESOI, INCLUDING CHEDDAR AND COLBY | $344M | $34M |
| 040610 | CHEESE, (UNRIPENED OR UNCURED) FRESH (INCLUDING WHEY CHEESE), AND CURD | $31M | $4M |
| 040640 | CHEESE, BLUE-VEINED, NESOI | $2M | $457K |
| 040620 | CHEESE OF ALL KINDS, GRATED OR POWDERED | $2M | $88K |
| 040630 | CHEESE, PROCESSED, NOT GRATED OR POWDERED | $505K | $76K |
Last verified and sources
Last verified: June 2, 2026
Rates and trade context on this page are checked against official tariff, customs, trade-policy, and import-data sources. Use the calculator for an item-specific duty stack before making entry, quote, or purchase decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the US tariff on cheese?
Cheese tariffs are complex, with tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). In-quota rates range from 0-17%, while over-quota rates can reach $1.50-$2.50 per kg. Many specialty cheeses have ad valorem rates of 8-25%.
What are tariff-rate quotas for cheese?
The US allocates specific import quotas for cheese by type and country. Within-quota imports pay lower duties (0-17%), while imports above the quota face much higher rates. Quotas are allocated annually by USDA.
What HTS codes cover cheese imports?
Cheese falls under HTS 0406 with extensive subheadings by type. Key codes include 0406.10 (fresh cheese), 0406.20 (grated/powdered), 0406.30 (processed), and 0406.90 (other cheese, the largest category).
What tariffs apply to cheese from Italy?
Cheese imported from Italy are subject to the standard MFN base duty rate, plus Section 232 — Steel, Section 232 — Aluminum tariff overlays. Use the duty calculator to get the exact rate for your HTS code.
How do I calculate the landed cost for cheese from Italy?
The landed cost includes the product value (FOB), ocean or air freight, insurance, US Customs duties (base rate plus any applicable overlays), Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464% of value, min $29.66), and Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125% of dutiable value). Use our landed cost calculator to get the full breakdown.
What HTS codes apply to cheese from Italy?
Cheese classifications depend on product details such as material, construction, use, and value. Start with the HTS codes listed on this page, then confirm the exact 10-digit HTS code before filing an entry.
Is this page about US import duty or Italy import duty?
This page covers US customs duty when cheese are imported into the United States from Italy. It is not Italy's own import tariff schedule for goods entering Italy.
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Enter any HTS code to get the full duty breakdown for cheese from Italy including all tariff overlays.