Canada’s Modern Slavery Act: What businesses need to know now!
Overview The Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff (Canada’s Modern Slavery Act or the “CMSA”) is set to come into force on January 1, 2024. […]
Canadian export controls: A primer for exporters
Overview Canadian export controls are set out in several Acts, regulations, and policies. A central piece of Canadian legislation is the Export and Permits Act (the “EIPA”).[1] The EIPA controls the export or transfer of certain goods, software, and technology […]
Canadian sanctions update: Prohibitions on Russian aluminum, steel, and arms
Canada has recently imposed further sanctions against Russia under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations[1] (the “Regulations”) in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions are imposed in harmony with Canada’s partners and allies.[2] Most recently, Canada announced that […]
Certain Goods Remission Order (COVID-19): Duty recovery opportunities
On May 5, 2020 the Governor General in Council registered and put into force the Certain Goods Remission Order (COVID-19) (the “Order”) which grants remission of customs duties for goods classified under tariff items listed in the schedule to the […]
Canada’s seizure and forfeiture provisions: A new government power
Canada has taken a number of measures in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine under the Special Economic Measures Act (“SEMA”) and the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (“Russia Regulations”). These measures are designed to place economic pressure on the […]
Proposed transportation of dangerous goods Canadian registration list
Transport Canada (“TC”) recently proposed amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canada) (“TDGR”), which would require any person who imports, offers for transport, handles or transports dangerous goods to register in a new online database and to provide […]
Canadian sanctions against Russia: Practical considerations for Canadian businesses
In coordination with numerous international allies, Canada has imposed several rounds of sanctions in response to Russia’s recent and ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Those that have business relationships with sanctioned Russian entities or individuals, even indirectly, must evaluate such relationships […]
Canada’s trade remedy system – Consultation
In the 2021 Budget, the Federal Government announced its intention to use public consultations on potential legislative and regulatory amendments to reinforce Canada’s trade remedy system, as well as to improve access for workers and small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”). […]
Canadian sanctions update: New tough laws and policy relating to Russia
Canada has imposed sanctions related to Russia under the Special Economic Measures Act,[1] the Export and Import Permits Act[2] and the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the “Regulations”).[3] The Regulations respond to actions by Russia that have impacted human rights […]
Cabotage – Domestic point to point movements for international commercial transportation of goods
When importing goods into Canada via trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, and containers, businesses may be presented with opportunities to pick up and deliver domestic goods within Canada during their trip. While these additional domestic deliveries may make sense logistically, they are […]
Canada’s response to the Taliban in Afghanistan
On April 14, 2021, the United States announced a complete withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan by August 31, 2021, ending a twenty-year presence in the country. Prior to their departure, the Afghan government had collapsed and the Taliban had […]
Carbon border tax & the risk of trade disputes
The European Union announced a series of ambitious plans that has been dubbed as the “European Green Deal.” The goal will be to move Europe and its economy away from fossil fuels over the next nine years and to reduce […]
Changes to customs valuation laws
On June 4, 2021, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issued a consultation notice in which certain regulatory amendments to customs valuation laws that were being considered. The consultation period opened on June 4, 2021 and closed on July 4, […]
Upholstered domestic seating from Vietnam & China: Antidumping and countervailing duties
Canada on May 5, 2021 imposed provisional duties on upholstered domestic seating (“UDS”) originating or exported from China and Vietnam (“named countries”). UDS originating from China or Vietnam are under investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) and the […]
Canada sanctions China
Canada imposed sanctions against Chinese officials and a Chinese entity in response to human rights violations in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The sanctions were administered under the Special Economic Measures Act and are effective March 22, 2021. The Special Economic […]
R. v. Canfield: Customs Act provision struck down on Charter grounds
In R. v. Canfield, 2020 ABCA 383, the Alberta Court of Appeal considered the constitutionality of paragraph 99(1)(a) of the Customs Act (Canada) (the “Act”). Mr. Canfield and Mr. Townsend, who are both Canadian citizens, arrived at the Edmonton International […]
Notice to blueberry product exporters – U.S.
Recently, the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) began a global safeguard investigation under section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 into whether the large amounts of blueberries being imported into the U.S. have harmed domestic blueberry farmers. The announcement of […]
Notice of intent to impose surtaxes on certain aluminum products
On August 6, 2020, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would impose tariffs of 10% on imports of certain aluminum products from Canada (the “Tariffs”). The Tariffs will come into effect on August 16, 2020. In response, Canada intends […]
Notice to exporters – Hong Kong
Canada has taken steps in response to the passage of national security legislation for Hong Kong. Exports and transfers of sensitive goods and technology to Hong Kong will now be treated in the same manner as those destined for mainland […]
Importation of medical supplies
Introduction A surge in global demand for emergency health and safety related goods is one of the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada and its G20 partners are working to ensure the continued free flow of essential […]
Non-resident importers: Tips and traps – Part II
Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax Many imported goods are subject to import taxes such as GST which is levied on many imported goods pursuant to the Excise Tax Act at the rate of 5%. Many non-resident importers […]
