Canadian Cheddar Cheese Curds

Fresh cheese curds made from cow's milk, containing 35-39% milkfat, produced in Canada under USMCA provisions and classified under 0406.90.54 for specialty cheeses. These squeaky curds are a traditional Canadian dairy product qualifying for preferential tariff treatment as Canadian-origin goods per note 4(b)(2). The HTS 9823.04.45 provides USMCA duty benefits specifically for such Canadian cheeses.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳ChinaFree+10.0%10%
🇲🇽MexicoFree+10.0%10%
🇨🇦CanadaFree+10.0%10%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+10.0%10%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

0406.90.48Higher: 17.5% vs 10%

If processed into grated or powdered form

Grated, powdered, or processed cheese preparations shift to 0406.90.48 regardless of USMCA origin status

0406.20.53Higher: 17.5% vs 10%

If specifically identified as 'Gruyère' variety

Named cheese varieties like Gruyère have specific subheadings (0406.20) taking precedence over residual 0406.90.54

9802.00.80Same rate: 10%

If US-origin milk used in Canadian processing

Articles substantially transformed abroad from US materials may qualify for US goods returned provisions

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Obtain USMCA certification of origin from Canadian exporter proving qualification under general note 11 and subchapter note 4(b)(2),Secure FDA prior notice and dairy import license; ensure compliance with US dairy import quotas if applicable,Verify cheese meets 0406.90.54 specs (35-39% milkfat, not elsewhere specified); maintain composition records

Related Products under HTS 9823.04.45

Canadian Farmers Cheese 37% MF

Soft unripened farmers cheese with 37% milkfat content, made from pasteurized cow's milk in Canadian facilities qualifying under USMCA note 4(b)(2). Classified in 0406.90.54 as other cheese not elsewhere specified, this product receives preferential tariff treatment through HTS 9823.04.45 for Canadian dairy exports.

Canadian Queso Fresco 36% Fat

Fresh Mexican-style queso fresco produced in Canada with 36% milkfat, classified under residual cheese heading 0406.90.54. Qualifies for USMCA preferential treatment via 9823.04.45 as Canadian goods per subchapter note 4(b)(2), enabling duty-advantaged entry for this specialty fresh cheese.

Canadian Paneer Cheese 38% MF

Pressed fresh cheese similar to Indian paneer, containing 38% milkfat, manufactured in Canada from local milk. Falls under 0406.90.54 as cheese not elsewhere specified and qualifies for USMCA tariff preference through 9823.04.45 per Canadian goods note 4(b)(2).

Canadian Halloumi-Style Cheese

Canadian-produced grilling cheese with 37% milkfat content, classified in residual 0406.90.54 since not matching specific variety descriptions. Qualifies under USMCA subchapter note 4(b)(2) for preferential tariff treatment via HTS 9823.04.45 for Canadian dairy products.

Canadian Queso Blanco 35.5% Fat

White fresh cheese with 35.5% milkfat produced commercially in Canada, falling under 0406.90.54 residual classification. Enters under USMCA 9823.04.45 per note 4(b)(2) providing preferential tariff treatment for qualifying Canadian cheese exports to US.

Canadian TV Cheese 37% Milkfat

Traditional Viking-style fresh cheese produced in Canada with 37% milkfat content, classified under 0406.90.54 residual heading. Qualifies for USMCA preferential duty treatment through 9823.04.45 as Canadian goods per subchapter note 4(b)(2).