CBSA Announces New Aluminum Import Reporting Requirements
Published June 24, 2026
Key Points
- Importers of aluminum under GIP 83 must report the country of largest smelt (CLS), the country of second-largest smelt (C2S) if any, and the country of most recent cast (CRC).
- Reporting becomes mandatory on October 1, 2026, when the amending Order comes into force. It is optional until then.
- Information is submitted to the CBSA through the Single Window Initiative (SWI) Integrated Import Declaration (IID).
- Requirements do not apply to CSA importers for goods released under paragraph 32(2)(b) of the Customs Act, or where total value for duty is $5,000 or less.
- Requirements apply to all aluminum HS codes included in GAC’s SWI IID Regulated Commodities Data Element Matching Criteria Table.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued Customs Notice 26-15 on amendments to General Import Permit No. 83: Aluminum Products (GIP 83). GIP 83 allows the importation of eligible aluminum goods without a specific import permit, subject to its terms and conditions. The amendments add new requirements to specify smelt and cast country information at the time of importation. These are optional now and will become mandatory on October 1, 2026.
New Requirements
Earlier this year, GAC proposed amendments to GIP 83 through the Canada Gazette, Part 1, Volume 160, Number 14: Order Amending the General Import Permit No. 83 Aluminum Products.
Under the new requirements, importers must provide:
- For goods that contain primary aluminum — the country of largest smelt (CLS) and, if any, the country of second-largest smelt (C2S)
- For all goods covered by GIP 83 — the country of most recent cast (CRC)
Exemptions
The new requirements do not apply:
- To a CSA importer, as defined in section 2 of the Accounting for Imported Goods and Payment of Duties Regulations, in respect of goods released under paragraph 32(2)(b) of the Customs Act
- If the total value for duty of the imported goods is $5,000 or less
Implementation and Timeline
The CBSA has updated the SWI Integrated Import Declaration system in preparation for the regulatory changes.
When the Order comes into force on October 1, 2026, submitting the CLS, C2S, and CRC information via SWI will be mandatory. Until then, submission is optional.
The Single Window Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document (Appendix B5.1.2) v5.0 has been updated to include all new components of this declaration. To obtain a copy, contact TCCU by email at tccu-ustcc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or hotline 1-888-957-7224.
Memorandum D19-10-2: Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act (Importations) will be updated to include additional details on submitting IID and accounting information for aluminum products when the Order comes into effect.
Contacts
For the terms and conditions of GIP 83 and the administration of the aluminum import monitoring program, contact the Trade Remedies Division of Global Affairs Canada at aluminum-aluminium@international.gc.ca. The Aluminum import controls website will be updated to include a new Notice to importers upon entry into force.
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