Trade Updates
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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.
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.
U.S. Launches Section 301 Investigations into Global Manufacturing Overcapacity
The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess manufacturing capacity in 16 economies, including China, the European Union, and Mexico. The review will assess whether foreign acts or policies unfairly burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Public comments open March 17, 2026.
Have Your Say: Canada Seeks Feedback on Sanctions Guidance
Canadais requesting feedback from customs brokers, importers, exporters, and trade professionals on its sanctions guidance and compliance tools. The consultation aims to identify gaps, improve regulatory resources, and strengthen support for businesses navigating Canada’s sanctions framework. The survey remains open until March 26, 2026.
Canada Grants Steel Derivative Surtax Remission (Updated)
Canada issued the Steel Derivative Goods Surtax Remission Order, providing relief on surtaxes for public health, safety, national security, health care, scheduled goods, and wind towers. The CBSA clarified eligibility, application procedures, and documentation requirements on March 11, 2026. Importers must file claims within two years to recover surtaxes.
Canada Releases New Compliance Guide on Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations
Canada issued guidance for the Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations. The rules prohibit certain coal tar sealants, restrict PAH levels in sealant products, and maintain concentration limits for products containing 2-butoxyethanol. Businesses manufacturing, importing, or selling affected products must verify compliance.
Canada Revises Steel Import TRQs and Permits; Q4 TRQs Open March 26
Canada’s quarterly steel import TRQs limit shipments from most countries, excluding the U.S. and Mexico, with a 50% surtax on imports exceeding quotas. Shipment-specific permits are required for 30 days. The fourth-quarter TRQs open March 26, 2026, with applications accepted starting March 11, 2026 at 00:01 a.m. (EDT).
CBP Preparing for IEEPA Refunds
On March 6, 2026, CBP advised the U.S. Court of International Trade that it is developing Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) functionality to process IEEPA duty refunds for more than 53 million entries following the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs.
Canada Issues Official Quota Rules for Chinese EVs (Import Permits Open March 1)
Global Affairs Canada’s Notice 1162 outlines rules for importing electric vehicles from China. Permits from Global Affairs Canada are required, the 100% surtax is replaced with a 6.1% tariff, and the quota year runs March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, with first-come, first-served allocation for eligible vehicles. Import permits open March 1, 2026.
Canada Repeals Surtax on Chinese Electric Vehicle Imports
The Canada Border Services Agency repeals the 100% surtax on Chinese electric vehicles, effective March 1, 2026. Section 3 and Schedule 1 of the China Surtax Order 2024 are removed. Importers can update declarations and request refunds for previously paid surtax on passenger cars, trucks, buses, and delivery vans.
U.S. Imposes 10% Temporary Import Surcharge Under Section 122 (Updated)
Following the Supreme Court decision on Feb. 20, 2026, the administration implemented a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122, effective Feb. 24. The measure targets persistent U.S. balance-of-payments deficits and dollar pressures. CBP issued guidance detailing affected imports, exemptions, and reporting requirements.
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