Canadian Cheddar Cheese Curds
Fresh cheese curds made from cow's milk, classified under HTS 0406.10.38 as fresh (unripened) cheese with a fat content over 40% but not over 45% by weight in dry matter. These qualify for USMCA preferential treatment under 9823.04.06 as originating goods of Canada per note 4(b)(2). Produced in Quebec using pasteurized milk and bacterial cultures.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If ripened beyond fresh stage or different fat content
Ripened cheeses or those outside 40-45% fat range fall under other 0406 subheadings
If US goods exported for processing in Canada and returned
US-origin goods temporarily exported for Canadian processing use Chapter 98 return provisions
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Obtain Canadian Certificate of Origin confirming USMCA qualification under note 4(b)(2)
• Ensure compliance with FDA dairy import requirements including pasteurization certification
• Monitor annual Canadian cheese quota limits under USMCA to avoid over-quota duties
Related Products under HTS 9823.04.06
Canadian Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh mozzarella cheese from Canadian dairy farms, meeting HTS 0406.10.38 criteria for unripened cheese with 40-45% fat content. Qualifies for duty-free entry under USMCA 9823.04.06 as Canadian-origin goods per subchapter note 4(b)(2). Hand-stretched using traditional methods.
Canadian Farmer's Cheese 42% Fat
Traditional Canadian farmer's cheese with exactly 42% fat content, classified as fresh cheese under 0406.10.38. Meets USMCA originating goods criteria for duty-free entry under 9823.04.06 per note 4(b)(2). Made from local Ontario milk using rennet and cultures.
Canadian Queso Fresco 43% MFDM
Canadian-produced queso fresco with 43% milk fat in dry matter, qualifying under HTS 0406.10.38 for fresh cheese. Enters duty-free under USMCA 9823.04.06 as originating Canadian goods per note 4(b)(2). Crafted by Mennonite cheesemakers in Manitoba.
Canadian Paneer Cheese 41% Fat
Fresh paneer cheese produced in British Columbia dairies with 41% fat content, classified under 0406.10.38. Qualifies for USMCA preferential tariff 9823.04.06 as Canadian-origin fresh cheese per note 4(b)(2). Acid-set using lemon juice coagulation.