Trade Updates
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CBP Launches New Process for IEEPA Duty Refunds (CAPE Now Live)
As scheduled, CBP activated the first phase of the CAPE tool in the ACE Portal on April 20, 2026, allowing importers and authorized customs brokers to file IEEPA duty refund claims electronically and consolidating processing for eligible entries, including unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation.
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.
New China Registration Procedure for Canadian Pet Food Establishments
China revised pet food export registration for Canadian establishments. CFIA now requires a new checklist and registration table for GACC submission. Chinese audits are removed, but CFIA inspections remain mandatory. Exporters must resubmit pending applications using updated documents before approval through the DAPQ system.
Canada Imposes Additional Sanctions on Russia
Canada expanded Russia sanctions under SOR/2026-61 by adding 100 vessels linked to the shadow fleet. The measure restricts services to oil and cargo ships involved in transporting sanctioned goods. It strengthens enforcement against sanctions evasion and aligns with G7 efforts to curb Russia’s energy-driven revenues.
Canada Expands Iran Sanctions List Under SEMA
Canada has expanded its Iran sanctions list, adding five individuals and four entities linked to military procurement networks. The measures target drone and missile supply chains and align with allied sanctions efforts. They aim to limit destabilizing activities while maintaining minimal impact on Canadian trade and business operations.
Canada Extends U.S. Motor Vehicle Surtax Remission Order (2026)
Canada extends the United States Surtax Remission Order (Motor Vehicles 2026), allowing limited relief from the 25% surtax for eligible importers. The order defines import periods, eligibility rules, and documentation requirements. CBSA oversees claims, enforcement, corrections, and compliance checks.
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.
CBP Releases New ACE Portal Application
U.S. Customs and Border Protection introduced a web-based ACE Portal application for companies without existing access. The new form speeds up account setup, updates, and communication with CBP. Legacy PDF submissions remain available during the transition, supporting businesses needing multiple Importer of Record numbers or other special cases.
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. The updated structure sets rates of 50% for metal articles, 25% for metal-heavy derivatives, and a transitional 15% through 2027 for industrial and electrical grid equipment. Products made entirely with US-origin metal qualify for 10%, while goods with 15% or less metal content are removed from scope. CBP guidance now available.
U.S. Imposes 100% Section 232 Tariffs on Patented Pharmaceuticals and Ingredients
New U.S. Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs introduce a 100% duty on patented drugs and APIs beginning in 2026, with tiered rates tied to onshoring and pricing agreements. While generics and specialty medicines remain exempt, companies can reduce tariffs to 0% through MFN pricing and domestic manufacturing commitments, signaling a major shift in global pharmaceutical supply chains and U.S. trade policy.
Canada’s January 2026 Export Control List Guide Enters Into Force May 1, 2026
Canada’s January 2026 Export Control List Guide takes effect May 1, 2026, following a 30-day transition for NEXCOL users. The update aligns Canada’s export controls with international commitments and lets exporters review classifications, permit requirements, and internal compliance before the new guide takes effect.
Canada Imposes Import Restrictions on Chile Poultry After New HPAI Outbreak
Canada has updated poultry import rules after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Chile. Poultry, birds, and certain products from restricted zones are banned, while items from unaffected regions remain eligible. Importers should consult Canada’s official HPAI status list to ensure compliance.
Canada’s Bill C-12 Is Now Law
Bill C-12 is now law in Canada, introducing updates to immigration processing, border enforcement, and agency coordination. The law expands export inspection powers, strengthens action against organized crime and illegal drugs, and improves data sharing. It also supports more efficient asylum processing.
Canada Concludes Administrative Review of Carbon Steel Welded Pipe Imports
The CBSA completed its administrative review of carbon steel welded pipe imports from Pakistan, the Philippines, Türkiye, and Vietnam. Normal values and export prices were assessed under SIMA, with Turkish exporters found not affected by market distortions. Importers and exporters must comply to avoid retroactive duties.
Canada Passes Bill C‑15 to Strengthen Trade and Economic Growth
Bill C‑15, the Budget Implementation Act 2025, strengthens Canada’s economy and trade. The law includes infrastructure funding, investment incentives, workforce support, and benefits programs, enhancing business resilience, regional development, and long-term growth for Canadians while improving trade.
Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective Feb. 6 (Reminder: ACH Enrollment Required)
Effective February 6, 2026, CBP issues all refunds electronically via ACH through the ACE Portal. CBP has issued a reminder that Trade Account Owners must enter bank details for each 5106 EIN. Importers and brokers should review new FAQs, attend support calls, and update ACE accounts to ensure proper refund processing.
CBSA Seeks Input on Proposed Updates to Customs Sufferance Warehouse Policy
CBSA is seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed updates to Memorandum D4‑1‑4, including clarified policy language and the new BSF897 warehouse enrolment form. Trade and logistics stakeholders can submit comments by April 23, 2026, to help refine the sufferance warehouse program under CARM.
Canada Requires Import Permits for All Bat (Chiroptera) Specimens
Canada’s Customs Notice 26‑08 requires CFIA import permits for all bat (Chiroptera) specimens, parts, and derivatives. Permits must be issued before the shipment arrives in Canada, and accurate scientific declarations are mandatory. Non‑compliant shipments will be destroyed or removed from the country.
Reminder: Forced Labour Supply Chain Reports Due May 31
Canadian entities and government institutions must submit their annual forced labour supply chain reports by May 31, 2026. Reports should cover the previous fiscal year, outline steps taken to address forced or child labour risks, and be published on the organization’s website and in Public Safety Canada’s catalogue.
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