Whole Soybeans: export from Canada to Southeast Asia
Canadian soybeans divide sharply into two trades, and confusing them is the most common error. Food-grade soybeans (clear hilum, specific size, low defect) go to tofu, soy milk and natto manufacture and command a premium. Crush-grade soybeans go to oil and meal and are bought on oil and protein content at commodity pricing.
Canada, and Ontario in particular, has built a substantial identity-preserved food-grade programme, meaning specific varieties are grown, segregated and documented through the chain instead of commingled. For a tofu or soy milk manufacturer that documentation is the product: variety and provenance determine yield and texture.
If you are buying food grade, specify variety, hilum colour, size and defect tolerance, and ask how segregation is maintained. If you are buying for crush, none of that matters and you should be quoting on oil and protein instead.
Ontario origin generally routes through eastern ports, which changes the freight assumption for buyers who default to Vancouver for Canadian agricultural goods.
Canadian export requirements
- HS classification
- 1201.90: Soya beans, other than seed
- CFIA certificates
- Available on request: send your specification and destination and we'll confirm within five working days.
Six-market position
| Market | MFN duty | Preferential | Registration category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Free | Free (CPTPP) | On request |
| Thailand | the greater of 5 % or 0.25 Baht/kg | None: no agreement in force | On request |
| Philippines | 1% | None: no agreement in force | On request |
| Indonesia | Free | None: CEPA signed, not in force | On request |
| Malaysia | Free | Free (CPTPP) | On request |
| Singapore | Free | Free (CPTPP) | On request |
MFN duty is the destination's applied general rate for this tariff line. Preferential is the rate under an agreement in force between Canada and that market.
Both are customs duty only: destination excise, value-added tax and local levies are additional and are not shown here.
Available on request: send your specification and destination and we'll confirm within five working days.
Commercial terms
- Producing provinces
- Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba
- Seasonality
- Single annual harvest, typically September to October
- Pack formats
- 25 kg bags, 1 MT totes, Bulk in container
- Container configuration
- On request
- Indicative MOQ
- On request
Common questions
- What is the HS code for whole soybeans?
- 1201.90: Soya beans, other than seed. This was read from Canada Border Services Agency on 2026-09-01. The first six digits are the same in every country that uses the Harmonised System; digits beyond that are set by the destination.
- What is the import duty on Canadian whole soybeans in Vietnam?
- The most-favoured-nation rate Vietnam applies is Free. Preferential treatment: Free (CPTPP). This was read from Government of Canada, BDC and EDC on 2026-09-01. Duty is one line of a landed cost, and registration and certification usually cost more than it does.
- What is the import duty on Canadian whole soybeans in Thailand?
- The most-favoured-nation rate Thailand applies is the greater of 5 % or 0.25 Baht/kg. Preferential treatment: None: no agreement in force. Duty is one line of a landed cost, and registration and certification usually cost more than it does.
- What is the import duty on Canadian whole soybeans in the Philippines?
- The most-favoured-nation rate the Philippines applies is 1%. Preferential treatment: None: no agreement in force. Duty is one line of a landed cost, and registration and certification usually cost more than it does.
- What is the import duty on Canadian whole soybeans in Indonesia?
- The most-favoured-nation rate Indonesia applies is Free. Preferential treatment: None: CEPA signed, not in force. Duty is one line of a landed cost, and registration and certification usually cost more than it does.
- What is the import duty on Canadian whole soybeans in Malaysia?
- The most-favoured-nation rate Malaysia applies is Free. Preferential treatment: Free (CPTPP). Duty is one line of a landed cost, and registration and certification usually cost more than it does.
- What is the import duty on Canadian whole soybeans in Singapore?
- The most-favoured-nation rate Singapore applies is Free. Preferential treatment: Free (CPTPP). Duty is one line of a landed cost, and registration and certification usually cost more than it does.
Sources
- Customs Tariff (T2026), Chapter 12 · Canada Border Services Agency, retrieved September 1, 2026
- Canada Tariff Finder: destination duties for 1201.90 · Government of Canada, BDC and EDC, retrieved September 1, 2026
- Duties and Dutiable Goods Overview · Singapore Customs, retrieved September 1, 2026
Last reviewed: September 1, 2026