One of the significant changes introduced by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement ("USMCA"), relative to the former NAFTA regime, was the expansion of who may complete and execute a USMCA Certification of Origin. In particular, importers are now permitted to complete and sign their own Certifications of Origin, rather than relying solely on exporters or producers.
Not since the 1980s and ‘90s has our specialized Customs, Trade & Indirect Tax Firm seen such an uptick in clients with significant under-valuation issues with the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”).
Canada allows newcomers to Canada to import personal belongings duty-free under the "Settler's Effects" tariff classification, HS Code No. 9807.00.00 (the “Settler’s Effects HS Code”). However, the Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) maintains strict policies with respect to using the Settler’s Effects HS Code.
Commercial surety bonds ("Surety Bonds") are a vital but frequently misunderstood staple of international trade. Importers and customs brokers rely on Surety Bonds to secure various financial obligations with the Canada Border Services Agency ("CBSA"), including Release Prior to Payment ("RPP") bonds under CARM, bonded warehouses, carrier agreements, and customs appeal bonds.
We have previously written about Canada's draft forced labour laws in Bill C-35 here. Canada has now launched public consultations with respect to Bill C-35, with the consultation period remaining open from July 27 to August 21, 2026.
In this Customs & Trade Report, we review the key details importers need to know regarding the public consultations on Bill C-35.
