Canadian Cheddar Cheese Curds
Fresh cheese curds made from cow's milk, classified under HTS 0406.90.12 as fresh cheese (including whey cheese) other than those with >80% water. Produced in Canada qualifying under USMCA general note 11 note 4(b)(2) provisions. These squeaky curds are a staple Canadian dairy product imported fresh for retail sale.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If containing >0.5% butterfat in dry matter
Higher butterfat content shifts classification within Chapter 4 fresh cheese provisions
If processed as fresh unripened cheese of a specific type
Certain fresh cheeses have dedicated subheadings based on production method
If US goods returned after processing in Canada
USMCA dairy provisions don't apply to US-origin goods temporarily exported
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
• Verify USMCA origin certification under general note 11 and note 4(b)(2) specific documentation for Canadian dairy
• Ensure FDA prior notice filing and temperature-controlled shipping for fresh cheese products
• Confirm cheese meets 0406.90.12 moisture content (<80% water) to avoid reclassification
Related Products under HTS 9823.04.39
Canadian Quark Cheese
German-style quark fresh cheese from Canadian producers, HTS 0406.90.12. Qualifies under USMCA note 4(b)(2) dairy provisions. Creamy fresh cheese for baking and spreads.
Canadian Cottage Cheese 4% Milkfat
Fresh cottage cheese with 4% milkfat classified under 0406.90.12 as fresh cheese. Qualifies for USMCA preferential treatment under note 4(b)(2) for specific Canadian dairy products. Produced from pasteurized milk with live cultures, typical Canadian formulation.
Canadian Queso Fresco
Traditional fresh Mexican-style cheese produced in Canada, classified under 0406.90.12. Qualifies under USMCA note 4(b)(2) for Canadian fresh cheese imports. Crumbly texture used in Mexican cuisine, made from cow's milk.
Canadian Farmer's Cheese
Unripened fresh farmer's cheese from Canadian dairies, HTS 0406.90.12. USMCA eligible under note 4(b)(2) provisions for specific Canadian cheese products. Mild flavor, used in cooking and fresh consumption.
Canadian Cream Cheese Spread
Fresh cream cheese spread classified under 0406.90.12 when meeting fresh cheese criteria. Canadian production qualifying under USMCA note 4(b)(2). Spreadable texture for bagels and baking.
Canadian Fromage Frais
French-style fresh cheese (fromage frais) produced in Canada, HTS 0406.90.12. USMCA treatment under note 4(b)(2) for qualifying Canadian dairy. Low-fat fresh cheese popular in Quebec.