U.S. imports of cheese not elsewhere specified, including cheddar and colby (HS 040690) totaled $135.5M in April 2026, traded with 56 countries.
Last updated: April 2026 dataThe broadest cheese heading in Chapter 4, this catch-all covers natural cheeses not classified elsewhere โ from Cheddar, Colby, Edam, Gouda, and Emmenthaler to Italian varieties such as Romano, Parmesan, Provolone, and Pecorino, as well as Bryndza and Gjetost. Italy and France are the top suppliers, reflecting the US market's appetite for Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and specialty French natural cheeses. The heading's 30-plus 10-digit lines are organized by cheese type, milk source, and TRQ basket under multiple Additional US Notes, making precise classification โ particularly for Italian-type cow's milk cheeses (0406904100, 0406904200) and Swiss/Emmenthaler (0406904600, 0406904800) โ essential to landing the correct duty rate. USDA FSIS reinspection is required for all natural cheese imports.
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Parmesan (Reggiano) and Romano are specifically named together in line 0406904300, which covers Romano, Reggiano, Parmesan, and Provolone cheeses not elsewhere specified. If the shipment qualifies under Additional US Note 21 for Italian-type cow's milk cheese, line 0406904100 may apply instead. The correct line depends on the cheese type, milk source, and whether the volume falls within the applicable TRQ. A licensed customs broker should review the entry given the number of overlapping Italian-type lines.
Bryndza is a soft, brined sheep's or mixed-milk cheese originating in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Slovakia and Poland. It has its own dedicated 10-digit line, 0406900500, within heading 0406.90. Unlike most other cheeses in this heading, Bryndza is not subject to a TRQ basket tied to an Additional US Note, though standard dairy import requirements โ including FSIS reinspection โ still apply.
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Imports
$135.5M
from 56 countries ยท YTD: $491.0M
Exports
$114.0M
Deficit of $21.5M (net importer)
Trade balance: deficit of $21.5M (net importer)
YTD: $491.0M imported (April 2026)
3.9K shipments/month
Monthly import values over time
Top U.S. entry points for this product, ranked by latest-month import value.