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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Established in 1901, GHY International is a leading trade and brokerage services provider that offers acclaimed support and guidance to North American companies that trade internationally.
Proud to partner with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
Copyright © GHY International | Geo. H. Young & Co. Ltd.