Cheese in-quota subsidies: Q2 2026 update
Section 702(h) informational update for Apr–Jun 2026 imports. Gross/net figures in the appendix. Docket ITA-2020-0005.
Commerce published its quarterly update to the annual listing of foreign government subsidies on articles of cheese subject to an in-quota rate of duty, covering cheese imported April 1 through June 30, 2026. The notice was placed on public inspection October 28, 2026 at 8:45 a.m. and is scheduled for publication October 29, 2026 (FR Doc. 2026-22103). Dated October 26, 2026, Scot Fullerton. Contact: Walter Ankner, (202) 482-8374.
Q2 2026 in-quota cheese subsidy listing: Canada Export Assistance $0.47/$0.47 per lb gross/net. EU Restitution, Norway, and Switzerland programs listed at $0.00/$0.00. Comments due December 31, 2026.
What this listing is
Under section 702(h) of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, Commerce updates information on foreign government subsidies that benefit articles of cheese subject to an in-quota rate of duty. The prior update (Q1 2026, covering January 1 through March 31, 2026) published August 13, 2026 (91 FR 52289); Commerce received no comments, information, or consultation requests. This notice provides the Q2 2026 update. It is an informational listing under section 702; it does not by itself set tariff-rate quota quantities or change ordinary duty rates.
Import window: Apr 1–Jun 30, 2026 · prior Q1 update 91 FR 52289 (Aug 13, 2026); no comments
Canada Export Assistance: $0.47 / $0.47 per lb · EU Restitution, Norway, Switzerland: $0.00 / $0.00
Gross 19 U.S.C. 1677(5) · net 19 U.S.C. 1677(6) · Docket ITA-2020-0005 · comments due Dec 31, 2026
Appendix figures ($/lb gross / net)
- 27 EU member states: European Union Restitution Payments, $0.00 / $0.00.
- Canada: Export Assistance on Certain Types of Cheese, $0.47 / $0.47.
- Norway: Indirect (Milk) Subsidy $0.00 / $0.00; Consumer Subsidy $0.00 / $0.00; total $0.00 / $0.00.
- Switzerland: Deficiency Payments, $0.00 / $0.00.
Gross and net are defined in 19 U.S.C. 1677(5) and 19 U.S.C. 1677(6). Commerce states it will incorporate additional programs found to constitute subsidies, and additional information on listed programs, as the information is developed. The 27 EU member states are named in footnote 5 of the notice (Austria through Sweden).
Comment window
Commerce encourages any person with information on foreign government subsidy programs that benefit in-quota cheese to submit it in writing by December 31, 2026 via regulations.gov Docket ITA-2020-0005, addressed to Scot Fullerton. Attachments: Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF only. Materials in the docket are not edited to remove identifying information.
This quarterly subsidy listing is informational under section 702 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979. It does not itself create AD or CVD deposits. Ordinary customs duties paid on cheese that is later exported or destroyed (or used to manufacture exported goods) may still be drawback-eligible when the claim otherwise qualifies. See how to file a duty drawback claim.
Action items
- Note the Canada figure: Export Assistance on Certain Types of Cheese remains $0.47 per lb gross and net for the Q2 2026 window.
- Treat EU, Norway, and Switzerland lines as $0.00 / $0.00 for this update unless Commerce later incorporates new program information.
- Submit subsidy information by December 31, 2026 on Docket ITA-2020-0005 if you have program facts Commerce should consider.
- FR Doc. 2026-22103: Commerce Q2 2026 update to in-quota cheese foreign subsidy listing (Apr 1–Jun 30, 2026 imports). Public inspection Oct 28; scheduled publication Oct 29, 2026.
- Appendix: Canada Export Assistance $0.47/$0.47 per lb; 27 EU member states Restitution Payments, Norway Indirect/Consumer, and Switzerland Deficiency Payments all $0.00/$0.00.
- Prior Q1 update (91 FR 52289, Aug 13, 2026) drew no comments. New comments due Dec 31, 2026 via Docket ITA-2020-0005.
- Informational section 702 listing; does not by itself set TRQ quantities or ordinary duty rates. Ordinary duties may still support qualifying drawback claims.
- Quarterly Update to Annual Listing of Foreign Government Subsidies on Articles of Cheese Subject to an In-Quota Rate of Duty (FR Doc. 2026-22103) · U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
- Cheese in-quota subsidies quarterly update (public inspection PDF) · Federal Register Public Inspection
- Docket ITA-2020-0005 · regulations.gov
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Drawback eligibility depends on your specific facts, and final refunds are determined by CBP at liquidation. Consult a licensed customs broker or attorney for your situation.