Trade Updates
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New EU Phytosanitary Requirements for Oak and Chestnut Wood Exports
The EU will implement new phytosanitary rules for oak and chestnut wood from regions affected by the two-lined chestnut borer, including Canada and the U.S., starting March–April 2026. The measures specify clear and processing and origin requirements for solid wood and wood chips to meet EU market entry standards.
U.S. Ends De Minimis Exemption (Additional Approved Qualified Parties as of Jan. 2026)
The U.S. has ended de minimis duty-free treatment for most low-value imports, effective Aug. 29, 2025, requiring formal entry and proper customs clearance and duty payment on shipments previously exempt. CBP has also expanded its list of qualified parties authorized to collect and remit international mail duties, with latest additions confirmed on Jan. 29, 2026.
Reminder: Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective Feb. 6 (Support Call – Jan. 28, 2026)
On September 30, 2025, CBP updated the ACE Secure Data Portal to allow trade users to submit bank information and receive refunds electronically via ACH. Beginning February 6, 2026, all refunds will be issued electronically. New FAQs and resources help importers, brokers, and 4811 Notify Parties prepare for the transition.
CBP Adjusts Customs User Fees for FY 2026 (Reminder on Broker Permit Deadline)
Effective October 1, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) increases FY 2026 customs user fees due to inflation. The annual Customs Broker permit fee of $185.38 must be paid by January 30, 2026 through the eCBP portal. Missing the deadline will result in automatic permit revocation. Guides and FAQs are available online.
CBP Revamps Forced Labor Website and Updates UFLPA Dashboard
CBP updated its Forced Labor website and UFLPA Enforcement Statistics Dashboard for 2026. The dashboard offers granular shipment data, interactive filters, and visualizations to help trade stakeholders track enforcement actions and maintain compliance. Previous dashboard data is archived, and additional insights are available via the CBP Data Portal.
Forced Labor Portal Now Live (Recorded Webinar Available Soon)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the Forced Labor Portal on January 21, 2026. Importers must use it for Withhold Release Orders, Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act reviews, and CAATSA exception requests. CBP provides webinars, a quick guide, and an instructional video to help users submit review requests efficiently.
Reminder on Mercury Reporting Requirements for 2025 Activities
Manufacturers, importers, and certain exporters of mercury-containing products must report 2025 activities by March 31, 2026, under Canada’s Products Containing Mercury Regulations. The 2025 amendments introduce revised exemptions, lower mercury limits, export reporting, and alignment with US EPA cycles. Reports must be submitted through ECCC’s SWIM system.
Canada Announces New Trade Deal with China
Following Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Beijing, Canada agreed to expanded trade and investment measures with China. Key highlights include lower tariffs on canola and seafood, Chinese EV imports at 6.1% tariff, and joint investment in clean energy, technology, manufacturing, and agri-food, supporting exports, jobs, and stronger economic ties.
U.S. and Taiwan Reach Trade Deal
The U.S. and Taiwan reached a semiconductor trade deal capping reciprocal tariffs at 15% for most goods and zero percent for pharmaceuticals, aircraft components, and select natural resources. Section 232 incentives favor Taiwanese firms building U.S. semiconductor facilities, supporting domestic manufacturing and supply chain resilience.
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Semiconductors Under Section 232
Under Section 232, the U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on advanced semiconductors, including NVIDIA H200 and AMD MI325X, to protect national security and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Exemptions apply for U.S. data centers, R&D, startups, and domestic industrial and public sector applications supporting the technology supply chain.
U.S. Targets Critical Mineral Imports Under Section 232
Under Section 232, the U.S. targets imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products that threaten national security. The administration will negotiate trade agreements, promote price floors, and may impose tariffs or import restrictions while federal agencies monitor supply chains and implement regulations to secure domestic production.
Reminder: CBSA RPP Financial Security Requirements Due January 15
Importers in Canada’s Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program must meet updated financial security requirements by January 15. Ensure posted security matches recalculated amounts, review updates in the Client Compliance Portal, and address system notifications promptly. Pending adjustment requests will be considered before enforcement actions.
CBP Publishes 2026 Periodic Monthly Statement Due Dates for 2026
CBP has released the 2026 Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) dates for ACE-approved filers. PMS allows importers to pay prior-month duties, taxes, and fees in a single statement. Both 11th and 15th workday payment options are provided each month, helping importers plan cash flow and ensure timely compliance with CBP requirements.
Register for CBP TRLED Webinar Series on Trade Violation Reporting
CBP announced the FY 2026 TRLED webinars focused on reporting suspected trade violations. Q1 sessions in January will cover the Trade Violations Reporting tool and filing EAPA allegations. Registration is free and open to all interested parties, with advance sign-up required to attend each session.
CBSA Publishes January 2026 Trade Compliance Verification Priorities
CBSA released its 2026 trade compliance priorities, focusing on supply-managed goods, surtaxes, taxes, and trade agreement compliance. Using CARM and other tools, the agency targets suspected or known non-compliance while adjusting priorities based on risk, revenue exposure, and verification outcomes throughout the year.
CBP Announces 2026 Quotas for Agricultural, Food, Preferential Goods & Other Products (Updated)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced 2026 tariff rate quotas for various products, including food, agricultural, brooms, apparel, and preferential goods. The quota period runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and quotas include specific limits and minimum access quantities for certain countries.
eFiling Final Rule for Certificates of Compliance (CPSC Webinar & Registration Info)
The CPSC finalized a rule requiring electronic filing of Certificates for most imported consumer products, effective July 2026. Importers can register early to test systems and prepare for compliance. A virtual webinar will provide guidance on submission options, deadlines, and best practices for smooth transition.
CBSA Announces Changes to U.S. Surtax Remission Order (Updated)
Canada has updated the U.S. Surtax Remission Order, expanding relief for steel, aluminum, motor vehicle, and aerospace goods. As of Dec. 24, 2025, remission applies only to goods for eligible entities, covering manufacturing, processing, packaging, agriculture, health care, public safety, and national security, with updated authorization codes. The Department of Finance issued guidance on steel derivative surtax remission requests.
Canada Releases List of Steel Derivative Products Subject to 25% Tariff (Updated)
Canada will impose a 25% surtax on steel derivative products starting December 26, 2025. The list includes structural components, wires, fencing, chains, fasteners, springs, furniture, lighting, and prefabricated buildings. The CBSA confirmed the surtax applies to all goods under these tariff codes, even without steel, with exemptions and remission considered case by case.
U.S. Extends Duty-Free Access for Israeli Agricultural Products Through 2026
The U.S. extends duty-free access for Israeli agricultural products through December 31, 2026. Updated HTSUS Chapter 99 quotas and technical corrections ensure continued compliance under the U.S.–Israel Free Trade Area while permanent revisions to the 2004 agricultural agreement are implemented.
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