Canada Updates Steel Tariff-Rate Quotas Effective June 28, 2026

Published June 13, 2026

Key Points

• Canada has issued a new Notice to Importers (Serial No. 1163) for certain steel goods covered under Item 82 of the Import Control List.

• Updated tariff-rate quota (TRQ) volumes for selected non-CUSMA FTA partner products will take effect on June 28, 2026.

• Changes apply to certain steel imports, including key categories like hot-rolled sheet, steel plate, and structural steel.

• Imports exceeding quota limits or country allocation thresholds remain subject to a 50% surtax.

• TRQs continue to operate under a first-come, first-served system using Shipment-Specific Import Permits (SSIPs).

C​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​anada moves into Year 2 of the steel tariff-rate quota (TRQ) regime starting June 28, 2026, under revised quota allocations and administration rules. Notice to Importers: Item 82 – Steel Goods – Serial No. 1163, replacing the previous notice issued in December 2025, outlines the administration of TRQs for certain steel goods listed under Item 82 of the Import Control List. In line with this, the Third Amending Surtax Order will adjust quota volumes for selected steel products imported from non-FTA and non-CUSMA FTA partners. The amendments will also reassign certain tariff classification numbers from the Hot-Rolled Sheet product class to the Cold-Rolled Sheet product class.

TRQ Adjustments for Non-FTA Partners

Canada revised quarterly TRQ volumes for selected steel product classes under non-FTA partners effective June 28, 2026, including:

• Carbon steel ingots: from 5.6 MT to 5.6 MT (no change)
• Steel billets and blooms: from 30,472.5 MT to 30,472.5 MT (no change)
• Hot-rolled sheet: from 2,370.5 MT to 2,366.7 MT
• Floor plate: from 2.4 MT to 2.4 MT (no change)
• Steel plate: from 5,201.2 MT to 5,201.2 MT (no change)
• Cold-rolled sheet: from 6,164.4 MT to 6,168.4 MT

TRQ Adjustments for Non-CUSMA FTA Partners

Global Affairs Canada continues administering TRQs through SSIPs under strict permit conditions:

• SSIPs operate on a first-come, first-served basis
• Quota applies upon permit issuance
• Each SSIP covers a single shipment, including split shipments
• Applications may be submitted up to 15 days before expected entry
• SSIPs remain valid for 30 days
• Quota does not carry forward to the next quarter
• Imports beyond quota or without SSIP access face a 50% surtax

General Import Permits (GIP No. 80 and No. 81) still apply for eligible shipments but do not exempt surtax obligations unless supported by valid SSIPs.

Import Compliance Requirements

Importers must comply with both permit and documentation requirements:

• GIP must be cited at time of release for covered goods
• SSIP required at final accounting to avoid surtax
• Net kilogram reporting applies for all SSIP applications
• Country of melt and pour (COM) declaration required
• Shipments exceeding SSIP quantity incur 50% surtax
• Expired or invalid SSIPs cannot support surtax exemption

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.