Trade Updates
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CBP Reports Progress on ACE System for IEEPA Refund Processing
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports progress on the CAPE system within ACE, designed to handle IEEPA duty refunds. The platform includes Claim Portal, Mass Processing, Review and Liquidation, and Refund modules, with phased implementation planned to manage most entries while excluding select complex cases initially.
Have Your Say: Canada Seeks Feedback on Sanctions Guidance
Canadais requesting feedback from customs brokers, importers, exporters, and trade professionals on its sanctions guidance and compliance tools. The consultation aims to identify gaps, improve regulatory resources, and strengthen support for businesses navigating Canada’s sanctions framework. The survey remains open until March 26, 2026.
Canada Grants Steel Derivative Surtax Remission (Updated)
Canada issued the Steel Derivative Goods Surtax Remission Order, providing relief on surtaxes for public health, safety, national security, health care, scheduled goods, and wind towers. The CBSA clarified eligibility, application procedures, and documentation requirements on March 11, 2026. Importers must file claims within two years to recover surtaxes.
Canada Releases New Compliance Guide on Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations
Canada issued guidance for the Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations. The rules prohibit certain coal tar sealants, restrict PAH levels in sealant products, and maintain concentration limits for products containing 2-butoxyethanol. Businesses manufacturing, importing, or selling affected products must verify compliance.
Canada Revises Steel Import TRQs and Permits; Q4 TRQs Open March 26
Canada’s quarterly steel import TRQs limit shipments from most countries, excluding the U.S. and Mexico, with a 50% surtax on imports exceeding quotas. Shipment-specific permits are required for 30 days. The fourth-quarter TRQs open March 26, 2026, with applications accepted starting March 11, 2026 at 00:01 a.m. (EDT).
CIT Orders CBP to Process IEEPA Refunds; CBP Not Yet Ready
On March 4, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued an order directing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to liquidate and reliquidate entries affected by IEEPA tariffs. The directive covers unliquidated entries and entries liquidated but not yet final, applying to all importers. In a March 6 filing, CBP stated it is not yet ready to process refunds.
CBP Preparing for IEEPA Refunds
On March 6, 2026, CBP advised the U.S. Court of International Trade that it is developing Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) functionality to process IEEPA duty refunds for more than 53 million entries following the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs.
Canada Issues Official Quota Rules for Chinese EVs (Import Permits Open March 1)
Global Affairs Canada’s Notice 1162 outlines rules for importing electric vehicles from China. Permits from Global Affairs Canada are required, the 100% surtax is replaced with a 6.1% tariff, and the quota year runs March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, with first-come, first-served allocation for eligible vehicles. Import permits open March 1, 2026.
Canada Repeals Surtax on Chinese Electric Vehicle Imports
The Canada Border Services Agency repeals the 100% surtax on Chinese electric vehicles, effective March 1, 2026. Section 3 and Schedule 1 of the China Surtax Order 2024 are removed. Importers can update declarations and request refunds for previously paid surtax on passenger cars, trucks, buses, and delivery vans.
Canada Updates China Surtax Remission Order
Canada updated Customs Notice 25-05 to implement changes under the China Surtax Remission Order (2024). The update covers eligible steel and aluminum goods, import conditions for Schedule 1 and 2, required special authorization codes, and procedures for claiming remission or filing corrections through CARM. Compliance with CBSA rules is mandatory.
U.S. Imposes 10% Temporary Import Surcharge Under Section 122 (Updated)
Following the Supreme Court decision on Feb. 20, 2026, the administration implemented a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122, effective Feb. 24. The measure targets persistent U.S. balance-of-payments deficits and dollar pressures. CBP issued guidance detailing affected imports, exemptions, and reporting requirements.
Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs (Updated)
The Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, ending reciprocal, fentanyl, and Brazil-related measures effective February 23, 2026. CBP guidance issued on February 22, 2026 confirms termination of IEEPA duty collection and deactivation of related HTSUS numbers in ACE beginning February 24, 2026.
U.S. 10% Section 122 Tariff In Effect Feb. 24; IEEPA Tariffs IEEPA Tariffs Cease; De Minimis Suspension Continues (Updated)
On February 20, President Trump imposed a 10% ad valorem duty under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective February 24 for 150 days. Related executive orders direct agencies to wind down IEEPA tariffs and maintain the suspension of de minimis treatment. CBP's latest guidance confirms de minimis suspension and updated filing requirements.
Canada Revises Hardwood Export Directive D-14-02 to Include Chestnut and Oak for EU
The CFIA issued the eighth revision of Directive D-14-02 on February 19, 2026, adding chestnut and oak under new EU export requirements. The two-lined chestnut borer is now a regulated pest. Exporters must register, follow treatment and certification rules, and comply with systems-based phytosanitary standards for EU shipments.
U.S. and Indonesia Finalize Trade Deal
The U.S. finalized a trade agreement with Indonesia, removing tariffs on over 99% of U.S. exports while maintaining a 19% reciprocal tariff. The deal addresses non-tariff barriers, strengthens digital trade and intellectual property protections, and includes $33 billion in commercial agreements across energy, aerospace, agriculture, and critical minerals.
CITT Releases Final Injury Ruling on Cast Iron Soil Pipe from China
The CITT confirmed that dumped and subsidized cast iron soil pipe imports from China injured Canadian producers. Anti-dumping duties of 444.2% and countervailing duties of 1,550.44 CNY per metric tonne are now in force under SIMA, with compliance handled through the CBSA’s CARM system.
Canada Requests Feedback on Dairy Import Updates
The Canada Border Services Agency requests stakeholder feedback on updates to Memorandum D10‑18‑7, covering dairy imports and the Import Control List. Comments must be submitted in track changes to Stephanie Nakamura by March 5, 2026, ensuring regulations remain accurate, compliant, and aligned with current trade agreements and industry standards.
CBP Base Metals Center – Updated Guidance on Section 232 Content Reporting
CBP has issued updated guidance on Section 232 duties for steel, aluminum, and related products. Duties are generally based on the total value of the imported article, not separately on fabrication, labor, or surface treatments. Importers should monitor CSMS notices, CBP rulings, and Section 232 FAQs for updates.
Canada Wheat Products TRQ Closes February 19, 2026
Canada’s 2025–2026 wheat products tariff rate quota (TRQ) will fill at 20:59 p.m. EST on February 19, 2026. “Within access commitment” tariff items will close, and any imports accounted for after the cut-off will be classified under over access rates. General Import Permit No. 20 will be suspended for the affected goods until July 31, 2026.
CFIA Updates Common Names for Ingredients and Components
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) amended the Common Names for Ingredients and Components, updating terminology for milk and modified milk ingredients and their French equivalents. The Industry Labelling Tool reflects these changes. Businesses have until Jan. 1, 2030 to update food labels to comply with the new requirements.
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