CBSA Imposes Provisional Duties Up to 225.9% on Unarmoured Building Cables from China
Published July 30, 2026
Key Points
- Provisional SIMA duties took effect on July 29, 2026 for certain unarmoured building cables from China.
- Imports without an exporter-specific rate are subject to a 225.9% provisional duty.
- Three exporters received provisional duty rates of 40.7%, 64.2%, and 88.6%.
- The measures apply to specified building power cables and conductors and exclude several cable types.
- Final determinations are scheduled for October 27, 2026, with the CITT’s finding expected on November 26, 2026.
The
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has imposed provisional anti-dumping and countervailing duties on certain unarmoured building cables and related conductors originating in or exported from China under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). Effective July 29, 2026, imports from exporters without a CBSA-established duty rate are subject to a 225.9% provisional duty based on the export price, while three exporters received lower company-specific rates.
What Products Are Covered?
Unarmoured building cables, as defined by the CBSA, include:
- Contain two or three insulated copper or aluminum electrical conductors plus a metallic bonding wire
- Have a thermoplastic or thermoset jacket, with or without connectors
- Have insulated conductors rated above 80 volts and up to 300 volts
- Use conductor sizes ranging from AWG 14 to AWG 2
- Are primarily used to distribute electricity to lighting, appliances, electrical outlets, switches, and similar applications
- Are certified to meet applicable Canadian standards by a recognized certifying body
What’s Excluded?
- Wire and cable less than 2 metres long
- Extension cords with permanently attached plugs and receptacles that are not permanently installed in a building
- Wire and cable permanently installed in vehicles or mobile equipment, except NMD90 and NMWU cables
- Wiring harnesses
- Wire and cable used to manufacture mechanical or electrical products, except cable used to distribute power in modular construction assemblies
- Cables used to transmit data, signals, information, or communications
- Vehicle and mobile equipment wiring designed for the vehicle’s functions rather than building power distribution
Provisional Duty Rates
The CBSA assigned exporter-specific provisional duty rates to the following companies:
- Hebei Huatong Wires and Cables Group Co., Ltd.: 40.7%
- Zhejiang Cardiff Cable Co., Ltd.: 64.2%
- Tianjin Feiya Fengda Wire & Cable Technology Co., Ltd.: 88.6%
Imports from exporters without a company-specific rate are subject to a 225.9% provisional duty based on the export price.
Tariff Classification Numbers
Subject goods are normally classified under:
- 8544.49.00.19
- 8544.49.00.90
Conductors imported for further processing into building cable may also fall under:
- 7408.11.10.00
- 7408.19.00.10
- 7605.29.00.00
- 7614.90.00.00
Key Dates
- Initiation of investigation: March 16, 2026
- Preliminary determinations: July 29, 2026
- Final determinations: October 27, 2026
- CITT finding: November 26, 2026
Important Actions for Importers
- Run trade data reports to check exposure to Chinese-origin unarmoured building cable.
- Confirm exporter ID and rate before assuming the 225.9% all-others rate applies.
- Tighten customs documentation. CBSA wants granular product detail, including conductor size, insulation thickness, and bonding wire specs.
- Track the timeline below. Rates could still change.
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
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