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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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