Canada begins aluminum import monitoring and strengthens steel import monitoring

Aluminum importers will be required to cite permit number, steel importers may have to to submit detailed reports. 

The Government of Canada announced a new aluminum import monitoring regime and will strengthen the current steel import monitoring system.

Starting September 1, 2019, certain aluminum products will be added to the Import Control List and General Import Permit (GIP) No. 83 – Aluminum Products will come into force. Aluminum importers will be required to cite the GIP on customs import declarations in order to import the products into Canada. The industry and the Government will have access to more timely aluminum import data-making it easier to quickly identify whether global oversupply of aluminum is making its way to Canada.

In terms of the steel monitoring system, Global Affairs Canada will now be able to ask certain importers to submit detailed reports on their imports of steel, to help identify any possible errors in import data and determine the source of any inconsistencies in a targeted manner. Improvements are also being made to clarify the documentation requirements for importers. This will support the accurate tracking of imports and import patterns, to better identify when the import situation may require trade remedy action and to track the pattern of imports once a trade remedy is in place. The aluminum GIP will also be equipped with such a requirement.

Links:

• Notice to Importers No. 969 – General Import Permit No. 83 – Aluminum Products

• Aluminum Products General Information (Handbook of Export and Import Commodity Codes)

• Aluminum Products Subject to the Aluminum Import Monitoring Program (Handbook of Export and Import Commodity Codes)

• Notice to Importers No 970 – Steel General Import Permits No. 80 and 81 – Carbon and Specialty Steel Products