Recordkeeping under the steel and aluminum Import Monitoring Programs

Importers must retain certain records and provide these to Global Affairs Canada upon request.

Global Affairs Canada recently emailed a notice to customs brokers and importers to remind parties in the industry of their obligations under the Steel and Aluminum Import Monitoring Programs:

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The Trade and Export Controls Bureau of Global Affairs Canada is responsible for administering the Steel and Aluminum Import Monitoring Programs. These programs monitor data related to steel and aluminum goods imported under the authority of General Import Permit No. 80 – Carbon Steel, General Import Permit No. 81 – Specialty Steel, and General Import Permit No. 83 – Aluminum Products.

Under the Export and Import Permits Act, importers may use General Import Permits No. 80, No. 81 and No. 83 to import steel or aluminum goods into Canada, subject to the terms and conditions described in the permits. These permits include, as a term and condition, that any importer who imports goods under these permits must retain certain documents and records, and provide these to Global Affairs Canada within 10 days after receipt of a request. The purpose of these obligations is to facilitate the collection of accurate import data by identifying any errors and determining the source of any inconsistencies.

Customs brokers and importers utilizing these permits are legally required to provide true, complete and accurate information in their customs declaration forms, and to provide the requested information to Global Affairs Canada. Failure to do so could lead to prosecution under Canadian laws. These requirements aim to enhance the reliability of the data and reduce the burden of post-clearance auditing.

For further information on the Steel and Aluminum Import Monitoring Programs, please refer to Notice to Importers No. 970 or Notice to Importers No. 969.

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