HS 040640 Blue-veined cheese and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti

Quick Answer: Blue-veined cheese and other cheeses containing veins produced by *Penicillium roqueforti* imported under HS 040640 enters the UK at 117.00 GBP / 100 kg, the EU at 140.90 EUR / 100 kg, and the US at $2.269/kg under the MFN rate. This classification specifically covers cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, characterized by their distinctive blue or green mold veins. Importers should be aware of potential additional duties or quotas that may apply in the US, as indicated by the numerous specific tariff provisions listed. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist trade professionals in navigating these complex import requirements.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0406400000 — — —
0406401000 117.00 GBP / 100 kg — —
0406405000 117.00 GBP / 100 kg — —
0406409000 117.00 GBP / 100 kg — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0406400000 — — —
0406401000 140.90 EUR / 100 kg — —
0406405000 140.90 EUR / 100 kg — —
0406409000 140.90 EUR / 100 kg — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
0406407000 $2.269/kg Free (BH,CL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PE,SG) See 9822.04.40 (AU) See 9823.04.01-9823.04.54 (S+) See 9908.04.05 (IL) See 9918.04.50, 9918.04.52 (CO) See 9919.04.50, 9919.04.51, 9919.04.61 (1 programs) ["kg","kg cmsc"]
040640 — — —
0406404000 4.5% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
0406404800 17% Free (7 programs) ["kg","kg cmsc"]
0406405200 20% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 0406.40?

Imports of Blue-veined cheese and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 040640 cover?

This subheading covers blue-veined cheese and other cheeses containing veins produced by the mold *Penicillium roqueforti*, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, characterized by their distinctive blue or greenish veins and pungent flavor. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the presence of these specific mold veins is the defining characteristic for classification under 0406.40.

What falls outside HS 040640?

The following products are excluded from HS 040640: cheeses that are not blue-veined or do not contain veins produced by *Penicillium roqueforti*. This includes cheeses with other types of mold, such as white mold on the rind (e.g., Brie, Camembert), or cheeses with internal eyes or holes not caused by specific mold veins. For instance, Swiss cheese with its characteristic large holes, or cheddar with a uniform texture, would be classified under different subheadings within HS 0406, typically 0406.90 for "other cheeses."

What are common classification mistakes for HS 040640?

A common error is misinterpreting the "veins" requirement. Importers may mistakenly classify cheeses with general internal mottling or discoloration as blue-veined cheese. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For HS 0406.40, the specific mold *Penicillium roqueforti* must be the causative agent of the veins, not general fermentation or aging processes that create different visual characteristics.

How should importers classify products under HS 040640?

The correct procedure for classifying cheese under HS 040640 involves a thorough examination of the product's characteristics against the official HS nomenclature. Importers and customs brokers must verify the presence of blue or green veins specifically caused by *Penicillium roqueforti*. Consulting product descriptions, supplier declarations, and potentially laboratory analysis can confirm this. Cross-referencing with the relevant tariff schedule, such as the UK Trade Tariff, for specific country notes and duty rates is also crucial for accurate declaration.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 040640?

A 10 kg shipment of Gorgonzola cheese declared at a customs value of $100 USD would attract a US duty of $15.00. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 1.5% ad valorem applied to the declared value ($100 USD × 0.015 = $1.50). However, if the cheese were subject to a specific duty, for example, $0.15 per kilogram, the duty would be $1.50 ($0.15/kg × 10 kg). For this example, let's assume a specific duty of $0.15 per kilogram applies.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 040640?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 040640, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating cheese from Canada or Mexico can enter the US duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate declaration is required. For imports into the EU, the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with certain African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries may offer preferential rates, often requiring an EUR.1 movement certificate.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 040690 HS 040620 HS 040630 HS 040610 HS 040520 HS 040120

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 040640 (Blue-veined cheese)?

Import duty rates for HS code 040640, 'Blue-veined cheese and other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti,' vary significantly by country. For example, under the UK Global Tariff, the standard rate is 117.00 GBP per 100 kg. In the European Union, the TARIC system often applies a rate of 140.90 EUR per 100 kg. In the United States, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) lists rates such as $2.269/kg or $2.67/kg, depending on the specific origin and trade agreements. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact rate applicable to your shipment.

How is the import duty for HS 040640 calculated, and can you provide an example?

The duty for HS 040640 is typically calculated based on a specific rate per unit of weight (e.g., per kilogram or per 100 kilograms), known as a specific duty. For instance, if a shipment of blue-veined cheese is subject to a rate of $2.269 per kilogram in the US, and you import 500 kg, the calculation would be: 500 kg * $2.269/kg = $1,134.50. Some countries may also apply an ad valorem duty (a percentage of the value) or a combination of specific and ad valorem duties. Always verify the calculation basis with the importing country's customs authority.

What are the key classification criteria for cheese to fall under HS 040640?

To be classified under HS code 040640, cheese must meet specific criteria. It must be 'blue-veined cheese' or 'other cheese containing veins produced by Penicillium roqueforti.' This means the cheese must exhibit visible blue or greenish veins or streaks, which are a result of the deliberate introduction and growth of the mold Penicillium roqueforti during the cheesemaking process. Examples include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton. Cheeses with other types of mold or without visible veins would be classified under different subheadings within HS 0406.

Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS 040640, and what documentation is needed?

Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS 040640. For example, the US tariff schedule shows 'Free' rates for certain countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Mexico (MX) under specific provisions (e.g., HTS 9822.04.40 for AU). The EU and UK also have various trade agreements that may reduce or eliminate duties. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by the exporting country's competent authority, or a declaration of origin provided by the exporter, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement. Always check the specific requirements of the trade agreement and the importing country's customs regulations.

Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a Certificate of Origin for importing blue-veined cheese under HS 040640?

Beyond a Certificate of Origin for preferential duty claims, importers of HS 040640 should be prepared for other documentation. This typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the cheese; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transport. Depending on the importing country's regulations and food safety standards, a health certificate or phytosanitary certificate may also be required to ensure the product meets import health and safety requirements. Customs brokers should always advise importers on the complete set of required documents based on the destination country's specific import regulations.