Tariffs Are Back: What Pets Canada Members Should Know

Canada’s latest counter-tariffs on certain U.S.-origin goods came into effect on September 8, 2026, at rates of 15%, 25% and 50%.

Pets Canada has reviewed the Government of Canada’s current list to identify products and inputs that may be relevant to our industry. The good news is that ornamental fish and certain fish ingredients we had previously flagged are no longer included on the current September 8 list.

The less-good news is that some products and inputs relevant to the pet sector remain, and in several cases tariff rates have increased.

Among the areas members may want to review:

• Peptones and other protein substances: Certain peptones, milk protein substances and other protein derivatives are now subject to tariffs of up to 50%. These may be relevant to businesses using protein-based ingredients in supplements, grooming formulations or other specialty products.
• Dairy-based ingredients: Certain whey products, milk albumin, casein and other dairy-derived inputs are subject to tariffs of up to 50%. Some of these products were already subject to counter-tariffs, with rates now increased.
• Grooming and coat-care products: Certain preparations classified for use on hair are now subject to a 50% tariff. This classification had previously been subject to a 25% counter-tariff.
• Identification bands: Aluminum identification bands for migratory birds and pigeon countermark leg bands were already subject to a 25% counter-tariff beginning in March 2025. That rate has now increased to 50%.
• Iron, steel and aluminum products: A significant portion of the September 8 tariff list applies to iron, steel and aluminum goods, with many existing counter-tariffs increasing from 25% to 50%. Members importing U.S.-origin metal products, equipment, components, fixtures or other manufacturing inputs should review the HS classifications used for those goods.
• Packaging and manufacturing inputs: A range of packaging and manufacturing materials may also be affected, including certain plastic packaging, paper and paper-based products, bags, cartons and other inputs. Members importing packaging materials or components from the United States should review the applicable HS classifications carefully.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Many potentially affected products do not appear under tariff classifications that specifically reference pets or the pet industry.

We strongly encourage members importing goods, ingredients or manufacturing inputs from the United States to review the HS tariff classifications used for their products and speak with their customs broker or trade adviser where necessary.

The Government of Canada’s complete and authoritative list of products subject to counter-tariffs can be reviewed here: 

Government of Canada counter-tariff list:
Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs

Canadian Customs Tariff / HS classification information:
Canadian Customs Tariff

 
Tariff relief may be available

The Government of Canada also maintains a tariff remission process for businesses facing exceptional circumstances.

Remission may be considered in situations where goods used as business inputs cannot be sourced domestically, either nationally or regionally, or cannot reasonably be sourced from a non-U.S. supplier.

Members who believe they may be significantly affected can review the federal remission process here:

Process for requesting remission of tariffs on certain U.S. goods:
Request Remission of tariffs on certain U.S. goods

 The federal government has also made broader financial and business-support programs available for Canadian companies affected by tariffs.

More information on available support can be found here:
Support for businesses and industries impacted by tariffs

 Pets Canada will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the interests of Canada’s pet sector as the trade situation evolves.  Contact Tonya Martin , our Chief Operating Officer, should you have questions or are looking for additional information.