Open
Source verified July 10, 2026
Special Milk Class Permit Program
Access special pricing for Canadian dairy ingredients
Latest source updateLast Update: May 18, 2026Latest change: Special Milk Class pricing was updated for June 2026, with new class 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) rates replacing the prior table.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 18, 2026
Latest change: Special Milk Class pricing was updated for June 2026, with new class 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) rates replacing the prior table.
Special Milk Class pricing updated
Special Milk Class pricing was updated for June 2026, replacing the prior May 2026 rate table. Several rates for classes 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) changed, while the program description, eligibility rules, and application materials remain the same. The history and related pages also show only minor site-link and date-modified updates, with no visible change to applicant instructions or contact details.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened November 1, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
The Special Milk Class Permit Program supports Canadian further processors and eligible bakeries by giving access to special class pricing for dairy ingredients in Canada. Eligible uses include manufacturing approved further processed products, confectionery products, and fresh bakery goods using butter or butter oil.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Manufacturing of eligible finished food products using Canadian dairy ingredients
- Manufacturing of qualifying confectionery products
- Manufacturing of eligible bakery products using butter or butter oil
Documents Needed
- Copy of the letter of incorporation or registration
- Company Information Form for Further Processors (Section A) for new applicants
- Further Processor Application Form (Section B)
- Relevant questionnaire: Questionnaire for Bakers Applying to the SMCPP or Questionnaire for Further Processors Applying to the SMCPP
- Product labels and ingredient lists for each further processed product
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian Further Processors
- Bakeries making fresh bakery products only
Who is not eligible
- Companies that operate from a shared kitchen/facility and/or community food processing centre
- Cafés, restaurants, caterers, hotel or grocery store operations
- Businesses that provide food directly to the consumer
- Companies that have a cash and carry component to their business
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of Canadian dairy ingredients under Special Milk Class pricing
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Use or resale of purchased dairy ingredients for any other purpose
- Fresh products with a shelf life under 30 days, except eligible bakery uses
- Products that may displace existing dairy products in the marketplace
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Program review of whether the product meets eligibility requirements
- Assessment of whether the product is not subject to tariff rate quota controls
How to apply
- Read the Information Guide for Further Processors before completing the application form.
- Complete Section A: Company Information and Section B: Application Form for Further Processors for each individual further processed product.
- New applicants must include a copy of their letter of incorporation or registration.
- Include the relevant questionnaire with the completed application package.
- Submit the completed questionnaires and application forms by e-mail, fax, or mail to the Canadian Dairy Commission.
Processing and Agreement
- The CDC reviews the application and decides whether the product meets program requirements.
- If approved, the CDC sends a Special Milk Class Permit Agreement.
- The agreement must be signed by an authorized company officer and returned to the CDC.
- After receipt, the CDC issues the permit.
- Permits are not retroactive and become effective on the issue date.
Additional information
- Applicants may need to register for MIRS, the online reporting system.
- The permit is non-transferable and has no commercial value.
- Special Milk Class prices are announced monthly on the CDC website.
- Permits are issued only after the Agreement is signed and returned.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Special Milk Class Permit Program Program
What is the Special Milk Class Permit Program?
The Special Milk Class Permit Program supports Canadian further processors and eligible bakeries by giving access to special class pricing for dairy ingredients in Canada. Eligible uses include manufacturing approved further processed products, confectionery products, and fresh bakery goods using butter or butter oil.
Who is eligible for the Special Milk Class Permit Program program?
To be eligible for the Special Milk Class Permit Program program, you must:
Canadian further processor
Bakeries making fresh bakery products only
Finished products sold to retailers, food service, or restaurants
What expenses are eligible under Special Milk Class Permit Program?
Manufacturing of eligible finished food products using Canadian dairy ingredients
Manufacturing of qualifying confectionery products
Manufacturing of eligible bakery products using butter or butter oil
Who can I contact for more information about the Special Milk Class Permit Program?
You can contact Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) by email at applications.demandes@cdc-ccl.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-366-0676.
Where is the Special Milk Class Permit Program available?
The Special Milk Class Permit Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Special Milk Class Permit Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Special Milk Class Permit Program is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Special Milk Class Permit Program?
Special Milk Class Permit Program is funded by Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC)