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ARTICLE · 18 MARCH 2026

CBSA Targetting Cheese Dog Treats

Millar Kreklewetz
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The Canada Border Services Agency ("CBSA") has listed verifying tariff classifications of cheese treats for dogs ("Cheese Treats") as one of its compliance priorities for 2026.

CanadaInternational Law
John Bassindale
John Bassindale
Isaac Thompson
Isaac Thompson

The Canada Border Services Agency ("CBSA") has listed verifying tariff classifications of cheese treats for dogs ("Cheese Treats") as one of its compliance priorities for 2026. While it may sound niche, CBSA has identified Cheese Treats as a potential threat to Canada's supply-managed dairy system, which is one of Canada's most consequential – and sometimes controversial – trade barriers.

In this Customs & Trade Report, we explain what is behind this strange new CBSA effort, and why impacted importers could face significant financial risk.

The Core Issue: HUGE Duty Differential

At the heart of this verification priority is the massive duty differential between animal feed, like dog treats, and dairy products.

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