The Trade Commissioner Service has unveiled new resources to help Canadian exporters maximize the tariff exemption under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
This exemption applies to CUSMA-compliant goods, which are goods eligible for preferential treatment under the agreement. The tariff exemption for such goods took effect on March 7, which means they are not subject to the 25 percent tariff imposed by the US on goods imported from Canada or the 10 percent tariff on energy products imported from Canada.
The TCS’s guide includes detailed information on CUSMA’s rules of origin and customs procedures. Resources include a web page explaining CUSMA compliance, a step-by-step guide to compliance, self-serve solutions to tariff-related problems, and a list of support programs made available to businesses by federal and provincial partners.
Small and medium-sized enterprises were encouraged to call the federal government’s dedicated hotline at 1-833-760-1167 to obtain CUSMA compliance information. The hotline can advise on CUSMA rules of origin, certification of origin, and resources for US border customs procedures. The hotline is active from 7 am to 8 pm ET, Mondays to Fridays.
Earlier this year, SMEs reported that orders were being cancelled or placed on hold as the tariff threat loomed over the country, per the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s “Flash Survey: Impact of U.S.-Canada tariff situation on businesses” report. In late March, a public consultation was opened to address possible measures shielding against potential increases in steel imports into Canada; the consultation window was open until April 21.
The US imposed tariffs on goods imported from Canada on March 4.
The TCS supports Canadian companies and organizations of all sizes. It backs Canadian businesses with economic ties to the country, the potential to contribute to Canada’s economic growth, and can internationalize. It is present in 16 Canadian missions in the US.