Canada Agricultural Products Tariff Rates
Agricultural Products import and customs duty guide - last updated 2026-09-29
Average Tariff
Category average rate
Maximum Tariff
Category maximum rate
Minimum Tariff
Category minimum rate
HS Coverage
Relevant HS chapters
Canada Agricultural Products - Overview
Agricultural products are the most heavily protected sector in global trade. Applied tariffs are often much higher than the industrial average, and many countries use tariff rate quotas, sanitary standards and subsidies alongside customs duty.
For reference only: the average, maximum and minimum rates below are taken from Canada's published tariff schedule. Actual duty depends on the exact HS subheading and on whether preferential (FTA) rates apply.
Representative HS Codes
| HS Code | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 0101-0207 | Live animals & meat of bovine / swine / poultry |
| 1001-1006 | Wheat, rice, maize and other cereals |
| 0401-0406 | Milk, cream and dairy products |
HS chapters: HS Chapters 1-24 (Live Animals, Meat, Dairy, Cereals, Edible Preparations).
How Canada Import Duty on Agricultural Products Is Calculated
Customs duty is normally charged on the customs value of the goods (commonly CIF - cost, insurance and freight). The ad valorem rate for the correct HS subheading is applied to that value. Depending on Canada, the following may also apply on top of or instead of the base tariff:
- Ad valorem duty - a percentage of customs value (the figures shown above).
- Specific / compound duty - a fixed amount per unit, or a mix, on some lines.
- VAT / GST / excise - consumption taxes charged on the duty-inclusive value at the border.
- Trade-agreement (preferential) rates - lower or zero where the goods meet rules of origin.
- Anti-dumping / safeguard duties - extra duties on specific products found to be dumped or surging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canada tariff on agricultural products?
Agriculture is the most protected sector: Canada's average agricultural duty is about 15.9%, with peaks up to 245% and some lines at 0%. Tariff rate quotas are common.
Which HS codes cover agricultural products?
Agriculture spans HS Chapters 1-24: live animals & meat (0101-0207), cereals (1001-1006) and dairy (0401-0406).
Why are agricultural tariffs higher than industrial tariffs?
Many governments protect farmers with higher duties, tariff-rate quotas (lower in-quota rates, higher out-of-quota rates) and sanitary/phytosanitary measures, in addition to ordinary customs duty.
Are there non-tariff measures on agricultural imports to Canada?
Yes - import licensing, quotas, SPS (sanitary & phytosanitary) certificates and labelling rules frequently apply alongside duty for food and agriculture.