Trade Updates
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CBP Releases New ACE Portal Application
U.S. Customs and Border Protection introduced a web-based ACE Portal application for companies without existing access. The new form speeds up account setup, updates, and communication with CBP. Legacy PDF submissions remain available during the transition, supporting businesses needing multiple Importer of Record numbers or other special cases.
U.S. Imposes 100% Section 232 Tariffs on Patented Pharmaceuticals and Ingredients
New U.S. Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs introduce a 100% duty on patented drugs and APIs beginning in 2026, with tiered rates tied to onshoring and pricing agreements. While generics and specialty medicines remain exempt, companies can reduce tariffs to 0% through MFN pricing and domestic manufacturing commitments, signaling a major shift in global pharmaceutical supply chains and U.S. trade policy.
Canada’s January 2026 Export Control List Guide Enters Into Force May 1, 2026
Canada’s January 2026 Export Control List Guide takes effect May 1, 2026, following a 30-day transition for NEXCOL users. The update aligns Canada’s export controls with international commitments and lets exporters review classifications, permit requirements, and internal compliance before the new guide takes effect.
Canada Imposes Import Restrictions on Chile Poultry After New HPAI Outbreak
Canada has updated poultry import rules after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Chile. Poultry, birds, and certain products from restricted zones are banned, while items from unaffected regions remain eligible. Importers should consult Canada’s official HPAI status list to ensure compliance.
Canada’s Bill C-12 Is Now Law
Bill C-12 is now law in Canada, introducing updates to immigration processing, border enforcement, and agency coordination. The law expands export inspection powers, strengthens action against organized crime and illegal drugs, and improves data sharing. It also supports more efficient asylum processing.
Canada Concludes Administrative Review of Carbon Steel Welded Pipe Imports
The CBSA completed its administrative review of carbon steel welded pipe imports from Pakistan, the Philippines, Türkiye, and Vietnam. Normal values and export prices were assessed under SIMA, with Turkish exporters found not affected by market distortions. Importers and exporters must comply to avoid retroactive duties.
Canada Passes Bill C‑15 to Strengthen Trade and Economic Growth
Bill C‑15, the Budget Implementation Act 2025, strengthens Canada’s economy and trade. The law includes infrastructure funding, investment incentives, workforce support, and benefits programs, enhancing business resilience, regional development, and long-term growth for Canadians while improving trade.
Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule Effective Feb. 6 (Reminder: ACH Enrollment Required)
Effective February 6, 2026, CBP issues all refunds electronically via ACH through the ACE Portal. CBP has issued a reminder that Trade Account Owners must enter bank details for each 5106 EIN. Importers and brokers should review new FAQs, attend support calls, and update ACE accounts to ensure proper refund processing.
CBSA Seeks Input on Proposed Updates to Customs Sufferance Warehouse Policy
CBSA is seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed updates to Memorandum D4‑1‑4, including clarified policy language and the new BSF897 warehouse enrolment form. Trade and logistics stakeholders can submit comments by April 23, 2026, to help refine the sufferance warehouse program under CARM.
Canada Requires Import Permits for All Bat (Chiroptera) Specimens
Canada’s Customs Notice 26‑08 requires CFIA import permits for all bat (Chiroptera) specimens, parts, and derivatives. Permits must be issued before the shipment arrives in Canada, and accurate scientific declarations are mandatory. Non‑compliant shipments will be destroyed or removed from the country.
Reminder: Forced Labour Supply Chain Reports Due May 31
Canadian entities and government institutions must submit their annual forced labour supply chain reports by May 31, 2026. Reports should cover the previous fiscal year, outline steps taken to address forced or child labour risks, and be published on the organization’s website and in Public Safety Canada’s catalogue.
CBP Base Metals Center – Guidance on Section 232 Content Reporting (Updated)
CBP’s Base Metals Center of Excellence and Expertise issued updated informal guidance on Section 232 duties. It clarifies valuation methods, mixed-origin metal treatment, and documentation requirements for steel, aluminum, copper, and iron, including derivative products and containers subject to Section 232 assessments.
CITT Initiates Inquiries, Reviews Orders, and Determines Injury in Key Imports
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal continued orders on carbon steel screws, opened inquiries on truck bodies and government-procured software, amended its order on photovoltaic modules, and confirmed a preliminary injury finding on forged grinding media from China. Stakeholders should monitor these actions closely.
NAFTA Binational Panel Affirms and Remands Softwood Lumber Decision
A NAFTA Article 1904 binational panel has issued a decision on Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. It affirmed parts of the U.S. Commerce Department’s countervailing duty determination while remanding others. The U.S. must complete its redetermination by June 4, 2026, under NAFTA trade rules replacing domestic court review.
CIT Orders CBP to Process IEEPA Refunds; Order Expanded But Pause Continued
On March 20, 2026, the U.S. Court of International Trade expanded its IEEPA refund order to include tariffs on Brazil and India but continued the pause on immediate enforcement. CBP is developing the ACE CAPE system to handle electronic submission, validation, and processing of IEEPA tariff refund claims for importers nationwide.
Register for CBP TRLED Webinars on Trade Violation Reporting (Mar 31 and April 2 Sessions Cancelled)
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will host FY 2026 TRLED webinars on trade violation reporting. Sessions cover the Trade Violations Reporting tool and EAPA allegation filings. Due to a partial DHS shutdown, the March 31 and April 2 webinars are canceled. Registration is required for remaining sessions later this year.
CFIA Extends Bulk Fertilizer Compliance Promotion Period to July 31, 2027
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) extended the compliance promotion period for bulk fertilizers to July 31, 2027. This extension allows the industry more time to work with CFIA on practical labeling solutions while inspectors monitor compliance and address non-safety issues. Serious safety concerns are still acted on immediately.
CBSA Opens Consultation on Updated Tariff Classification for Sauces and Seasonings
The Canada Border Services Agency is consulting on updates to Memorandum D10-14-35, which governs classification of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings under tariff heading 21.03. Stakeholders must review draft guidance and submit feedback by March 27, 2026 to ensure accurate and consistent tariff classifications.
Canada Updates China Surtax Remission Order (Updated)
Canada updated Customs Notice 25-05 under the China Surtax Remission Order (2024), covering eligible steel and aluminum goods, Schedule 1 and 2 import rules, special authorization codes, and procedures for claiming remission or filing corrections via CARM. Compliance with CBSA documentation and reporting requirements is required.
Canada Launches Anti-Dumping Probe on Building Cables from China
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal begins a preliminary injury inquiry into unarmoured building cables from China. The investigation examines alleged dumping, subsidization, and their effects on Canadian producers, with written submissions and a preliminary determination scheduled for mid-May 2026.
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