Trade Updates
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Register for CBP Webinars on Trade Violation Reporting (June Registration Now Open)
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will host FY 2026 TRLED webinars on trade violation reporting. Sessions cover the Trade Violations Reporting tool and EAPA allegation filings. Due to a partial DHS shutdown, the March 31 and April 2 webinars are canceled. Meanwhile, registration is now open for June webinars.
U.S. Modifies Section 232 Tariffs on Auto Parts, Aircraft Components, and Wood Products of Taiwan
Section 232 tariff modifications for Taiwan adjust duties on auto parts, civil aircraft components, and wood products effective May 1, 2026. CBP guidance introduces new HTSUS classifications, self-certification options, exemptions, and retroactive relief through PSC filings. Changes impact duty rates, reporting requirements, and eligibility for drawback preferential treatment under agreements.
CBP Launches CAPE for IEEPA Duty Refunds (Updated)
CBP launched phase 1 of CAPE April 20, 2026, allowing importers and authorized brokers to file IEEPA duty refund claims electronically and consolidating processing for eligible entries, including unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation. First payments will begin as early as May 12. In line with this, CBP shared best practices to avoid refund scams.
GHY Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 18th Year
We are proud to announce that once again, GHY has been announced a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies, retaining its Platinum Club status for the 12th consecutive year, maintaining its status as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for the past 18 years. Full details here.
New EU Phytosanitary Requirements for Oak and Chestnut Wood Exports (Updated)
EU phytosanitary requirements for oak and chestnut wood from Canada and the United States require bark-free material and heat treatment at 56°C for 30 minutes. These rules apply starting October 15, 2026 and affect logs, lumber, and related solid wood exports under new EU plant health measures and compliance standards.
Reminder: Canada’s 2025 MERV End-of-Model-Year Reports Due June 1, 2026
Canada reminds importers of MERV reporting requirements for marine engines, vessels, and off-road recreational vehicles. Importation Declarations are required before entry, and End-of-Model-Year reports are due by June 1, with reporting requirements varying based on import volume and compliance obligations under the regulations.
Section 122 Tariffs Struck Down: What Importers Need to Know Now
On May 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of International Trade struck down the 10% Section 122 tariffs in a 2-1 decision, ruling that Presidential Proclamation No. 11012 failed to identify a true balance-of-payments deficit under the Trade Act of 1974. The injunction applies only to named plaintiffs, so most importers must continue paying Section 122 tariffs at the border while the government appeals to the Federal Circuit.
Auto Parts Self-Certification: What Importers Need to Know
Auto parts self-certification allows importers to declare certain goods under Section 232 automotive tariff rules when products may be used in vehicle manufacturing or repair. Learn HTSUS classifications, eligibility conditions, and how USMCA provisions can help offset duties for qualifying imports under current CBP guidance.
Non-Metal HTS Added to Section 232 Metals Trade Remedy Program
The U.S. Department of Commerce introduced HTSUS 9903.82.01 for products that contain no aluminum, steel, or copper under the Section 232 trade remedy program. The update applies retroactively to April 6, 2026, and may require importers to amend entries previously filed under exemption 9903.82.03 for qualifying non-metal goods.
Section 232 Tariff Adjustment for Steel and Aluminum Producers Under Proclamation 10984 (Updated)
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued procedures under Proclamation 10984 allowing eligible steel and aluminum producers in Canada and Mexico to apply for tariff reductions. The program covers imports used in automobiles, trucks, buses, and related parts. CBP guidance clarifies entry reporting procedures for approved USMCA-qualifying MHDVs.
U.S. Adjusts Section 232 Tariffs on Aluminum, Steel and Copper – Full Customs Value Now Applies (Updated)
Effective April 6, 2026, Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper now apply to the full customs value of imported products. Rates include 50% for metal articles, 25% for metal-heavy derivatives, and 15% transitional through 2027. Latest CBP Guidance provides technical corrections under Annex IV of Proclamation 11021, adding HTS 9903.82.01 for non-metal articles.
Canada Restricts Certain U.S. Swine Imports After Pseudorabies Outbreaks
Canada introduced temporary restrictions on certain U.S. swine imports after pseudorabies cases were confirmed in Iowa and Texas. The USDA suspended export certification for raw inedible swine by-products, untreated swine blood products, and raw swine manure. Edible pork products and pork-based pet food remain eligible for import.
Canada Announces $1.5B Support for Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors
Canada introduces a $1.5 billion support package for tariff-affected industries, including a $1 billion BDC financing program and $500 million for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. The funding supports businesses in steel, aluminum, and copper sectors through liquidity support, productivity improvements, and market diversification.
Canada and Mercosur to Sign a Free Trade Deal this Year
Canada and Mercosur are working toward a free trade agreement that could be signed by year-end after eight years of negotiations. The deal aims to expand market access, with potential tariff reductions of up to 35% across key export sectors, including machinery, chemicals, and forestry. The deal seeks to build stronger trade ties with South America.
CBSA to Repeal Memorandum D10-2-3
As relayed by the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers, CBSA identified Memorandum D10-2-3 for repeal as part of its trade memorandum review. The policy covers raw sugar tariff classification, sampling, and testing. CBSA said the information is no longer valid, has low usage rates, and no longer represents a policy issue.
Canada Updates Zoosanitary Certificates for Pet Food Imports from Mexico
CFIA updates zoosanitary certification rules for pet food imports from Mexico, introducing two certificates based on product type. Processed pet food and simple pet chews follow separate requirements. A transition period runs until August 22, 2026, while existing rules remain for select products and trans-shipment imports.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Reporting Begins July 8
CPSC eFiling through CBP's ACE system begins July 8, 2026. Learn required data elements, filing methods, and how importers can avoid shipment delays.
Reminder: Canada Seeks Feedback on Proposed Smelt and Cast Reporting Changes by May 4
Global Affairs Canada is proposing amendments to General Import Permit No. 83 requiring aluminum importers to report country of smelt and cast (CSC) data. The Canada Border Services Agency will collect this information through the Single Window system. The proposal is open for public consultation until May 4, 2026.
CAPE and IEEPA Refunds: What We Know Ahead of April 20
CBP targets April 20, 2026 for CAPE system launch to process IEEPA tariff refunds. Learn about Phase 1 eligibility, the refund process, and AD/CVD entry exclusions.
CBP Hosts IEEPA Duty Refunds Webinar on April 17
CBP will host an April 17 webinar on IEEPA duty refunds under the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) framework. The session explains submission of CAPE Declarations, processing steps, and refund issuance. Customs brokers and stakeholders can register for free, with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis and CE credits offered.
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