Yogurt Import Permit Amendments

Summary#

This is the Order Amending Certain General Import Permits Issued Under the Export and Import Permits Act (Nos. 100 and 1) (Miscellaneous Program). It updates how certain yogurt products are listed in two general import permits so their descriptions and tariff codes match recent international tariff changes. The order came into force when it was registered on March 3, 2022.

What it does#

• Replaces item 65 in General Import Permit No. 100 — Eligible Agricultural Goods to:
  • keep a plain-yogurt category under tariff item 0403.20.39, and
  • add a new subitem (65.1) for yogurt that contains chocolate, spices, coffee, plant parts, cereals or bakery goods (and is not put up for retail sale) under tariff item 0403.20.31.
• Replaces item 40 in General Import Permit No. 1 — Dairy Products for Personal Use to:
  • keep a plain-yogurt category under tariff item 0403.20.29, and
  • add a new subitem (40.1) for yogurt with the added ingredients above (not put up for retail sale) under tariff item 0403.20.21.
• The changes align these permit entries with the updated tariff codes that took effect under the international Harmonized System.

Who's affected#

• Importers and distributors of yogurt and other dairy products in Canada.
• People bringing dairy items into Canada for personal use who rely on General Import Permit No. 1.
• Customs brokers, border services officers and government staff who classify and process imports.
• If it’s unclear exactly which business types will notice the change, it mainly affects anyone who needs permits or relies on tariff-item-based rules for yogurt.

Why it matters#

• The update keeps Canada's import permit language in step with the international Harmonized System changes that took effect on January 1, 2022.
• That helps ensure consistent product classification at the border.
• For importers and travellers, the change can affect how a yogurt product is recorded and checked under import controls — which can matter for permit eligibility, tracking, or any related trade rules.
• Overall, this is a routine, technical alignment to avoid confusion between tariff codes and permit lists.