CFIA: Revised Procedures Documents for the Importation of Pet Food from the USA

(CFIA)

• Procedures & Documentary Process for the Import of Pet Food, Pet Treats, Compound Pet Chews Containing Bovinae Ingredients from USA to Canada

• Procedures & Documentary Process to Apply for Import Permit and Renewal/Amendments for the Import of Pet Food, Pet Treats, Compound Pet Chews Containing Non-Bovinae Ingredients from USA to Canada

• Template: Importer Statement of Compliance

Minister Van Loan Signs Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement

(Minister of International Trade)

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, and Panama’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Roberto Henríquez, today [May 14] signed the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement and parallel agreements on labour cooperation and the environment. The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, witnessed the signing ceremony.

“Panama is a dynamic, innovative economy,” said Minister Van Loan. “Our government’s aggressive free trade agenda is opening new markets within the Americas, creating opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers and, as we recover from the global economic downturn, securing future prosperity for Canadians and our trading partners.”

“Today’s historic signing marks a new era in relations with a key partner and much-valued friend in the Americas,” said the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas). “Our government is working with like-minded countries such as Panama to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for our hemisphere.”

The Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement will lower tariffs on goods and remove other trade barriers to benefit a broad range of sectors, creating new opportunities for the Canadian construction, manufacturing and agriculture industries.

The Free Trade Agreement will also expand market access for Canadian service providers in areas such as information and communication technology, and engineering, environmental, energy and financial services. Investment provisions in the Free Trade Agreement provide greater protection for Canadian investments in Panama and will ensure greater transparency and security for Canadian investors. In addition, the Agreement will secure access to the government procurement market, including for the $5.4-billion expansion of the Panama Canal and other infrastructure projects.

Read the complete press release here.

Proposal to Amend Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations: Line-voltage Thermostats

(Natural Resources Canada)

Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency is proposing to make changes (Amendment 12) to Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations (the Regulations) with respect to line-voltage thermostats that are imported or shipped interprovincially for the purpose of sale or lease in Canada. A bulletin describing the proposed changes can be downloaded here.

The proposed changes to the Regulations will be presented during a webinar to be hosted for stakeholders on June 14, 2010. Webinar details will be sent to those stakeholders who will have expressed an interest in participating. Please send your comments and/or interest in attending the webinar to: remortaz@nrcan.gc.ca

USDA Clarification on Quantity and Unit of Measure [Lacey Act Amendments]

(CIFFA eBulletin)

The Lacey Act Amendments of 2008 require APHIS to collect information on the importation of plant material, using a Plant and Plant Product Declaration (known as the PPQ505). The quantity and unit of measure of the imported plant material must be declared. In an effort to create a uniform dataset, APHIS will no longer accept counts of items (PCS - pieces, No - number, Boxes, etc) as valid units of measure. Counts of items do not adequately address the “quantity of the plant material” required by the Act.(3372.f.1.A.ii) Counts do not allow for differences in size or weight between items, nor do they accurately reflect the actual plant content in a shipment.

Beginning May 1, 2010, APHIS is requiring that plant material quantities be reported on the declaration using standardized metric units (kg, m, m2, m3). The values should reflect the actual plant content in the product and not necessarily the product as a whole. For an example click here.

CN 10-009 – Elimination of Itinerant Carrier Codes

(CBSA)

The purpose of this customs notice is to advise that effective April 1, 2011, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will no longer accept generic itinerant carrier codes for any mode of transportation. With the implementation of eManifest (advance commercial information) in the highway mode in September 2010, the CBSA will begin phasing in new policies and procedures. Carrier codes will become a regulatory requirement for all carriers, thereby harmonizing carrier identification with the eManifest initiative.

The generic itinerant highway carrier code “77YY” will no longer be accepted for commercial cross-border activity. A unique carrier code, assigned by the CBSA, will become a part of the setup process for eManifest. To allow carriers and drivers currently using code “77YY” to obtain a carrier code, a transition period will begin on May 1, 2010, until the final elimination of code “77YY” on March 31, 2011. For further information on applying for a carrier code please access this link.

Please direct any questions regarding this notice to: Manager, Registration Unit, CBSA, Email: carrier-cargo@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1(866) 749-6623

CN 10-010 – Elimination of the Maximum Rates of Customs Duty on Certain Woollen Fabrics

(CBSA)

1. This notice announces the elimination of the maximum rates of customs duty on certain woollen fabrics in the Customs Tariff as of March 5, 2010.

2. Article 769 of Bill C-9, amends the Customs Tariff and states:Section XI in the List of Tariff Provisions set out in the schedule to the Act is amended by deleting Supplementary Note 1 and renumbering Supplementary Note 2 as Supplementary Note 1.

3. Supplementary Note 1 dealt with the maximum rate of customs duty under the Most-Favoured Nation Tariff and eligible Commonwealth countries on woollen fabrics of tariff item Nos. 5111.11.90, 5111.20.91, 5111.30.18, 5111.30.91, 5111.90.91, 5112.11.90, 5112.19.94, 5112.20.91. 5112.30.91, 5112.90.91 and 5803.00.29.

4. Bill C-9 is an Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 4, 2010 and other measures.

5. Inquiries and comments about this notice should be directed to:

Primary Products Industries Sector Unit, Tariff Division
Post-Border Programs Directorate, Programs Branch
Canada Border Services Agency

Telephone: 613-948-1282 Fax: 613-952-3971

Sufferance and Customs Bonded Warehouse Programs Evaluation Study

(CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently conducted an evaluation study of both the Sufferance and Customs Bonded Warehouse programs.

The purpose of this message is to inform you of the release of the CBSA-Licensed Warehouse Programs: Sufferance and Customs Bonded Warehouses Evaluation Study and to provide you with the electronic link to the report on the CBSA website here.

Any questions or concerns related to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Sufferance Warehouse Program should be directed to Dan.Vrecic@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Inquiries related to the CBSA Bonded Warehouse Program should be directed to Vincent.LoMonaco@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

New Customs Controlled Area Regulations

(CBSA)

At the recent Border Commercial Consultative Committee (BCCC) meeting the Canada Border Services Agency committed to provide you with the attached documents.

As you may recall, the Agency is developing regulations for Customs Controlled Area (CCAs) with program implementation at Canada’s three largest airports in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal and eventually in other modes.

At present, the regulatory development is near finalisation. Once the CCA Regulations are pre-published in the Canada Gazette Part I, BCCC members will be notified that they may provide written comments during the 30-day public comment period.

Please find attached the flowing two documents for your information:

(1) Policy Discussion Paper on the proposed CCA Regulations (in English and French); and

(2) fact sheet in “Questions and Answers” format (in English and French).

At this time, I would like to thank you on behalf of the Agency for your continued interest and support for this initiative. Should you have any questions or comments concerning the CCA regulatory proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me.

George Bowles
Director, Legislation and Programs Integration
Planning and Performance Management Directorate, Programs Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
191 Laurier Ave West • Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L8
Email: hpp-sp.php-ps@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Canada and Russia Seek to Strengthen Trade Ties

(Minister of International Trade)

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture, met with Viktor Alekseyevich Zubkov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, today [Wednesday] in Ottawa to discuss deepening the commercial relationship between Canada and Russia.

“Our countries have seen increasing trade, investment and cooperation in science and technology and in agriculture,” said Minister Van Loan. “As a leading economy, Canada offers first-rate business conditions: the lowest taxes on new business investment in the G7, the fastest economic growth in the G7 for 2010, 2011 and 2012, the world’s soundest banking system and a high quality of life.”

“Russia’s growth in agricultural trade is creating tremendous opportunities for our farmers,” said Minister Ritz. “Just as my last mission to Moscow in October led to a number of important wins both for Canadian producers and their Russian partners, meetings like today’s continue to help us strengthen our cooperation.”

Russia is an emerging market and remains a destination for Canadian companies specializing in technology, agriculture and infrastructure. The value of the stock of Canadian foreign direct investment in Russia was approximately $725 million at the end of 2009.

In 1993, Canada and Russia created the Canada-Russia Intergovernmental Economic Commission (IEC) to promote economic relations between the two countries. The commission holds regular meetings to address issues affecting bilateral trade, highlight success stories and encourage business development. Minister Van Loan and First Deputy Prime Minister Zubkov co-chair the commission.

The last full session of the Canada-Russia IEC took place in Moscow in June 2009. The next session is scheduled to take place in Canada in 2011.

Revised: D22-1-1 Administrative Monetary Penalty System

(CBSA)

1. This memorandum supersedes Memorandum D22-1-1, Administrative Monetary Penalty System, dated June 16, 2003.

2. Paragraph 5 reflects the key changes as a result of the review of the AMPS Program that take effect April 14, 2010.

3. Other key changes in this memorandum are: a. updates to the references and links to Justice Canada’s Web site; b)updates to the links to the Master Penalty Document (MPD), the Short Version and Index; c) incorporating the definitions into the memorandum; d) update the sample Form E650, Notice of Penalty Assessment in Appendix A; and e) updates to contact information and terminology throughout to reflect changes in the CBSA’s organizational structure, including Appendix B.

Revised: D11-11-3 Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification

(CBSA)

This memorandum supersedes Memorandum D11-11-3, Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification, dated November 26, 2009. This memorandum has been revised to update contact information and to reflect the new organizational structure of the Canada Border Services Agency.

SIMA: Thermal Insulation Board…

(CBSA)

On April 6, 2010, pursuant to paragraph 41(1)(a) of the Special Import Measures Act, the President of the Canada Border Services Agency made a final determination of dumping respecting faced rigid cellular polyurethane-modified polyisocyanurate thermal insulation board originating in or exported from the United States of America.

For a PDF version of the Statement of Reasons, please click here.

CFIA: Second Phase of Changes to Import Notification Requirements

(CFIA)

A regarding the second phase of new import notification requirements, sent by the Imported and Manufactured Foods Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is available here.

New European Portal: Customs Security Procedures

(CIFFA eBulletin)

The European Commission has launched the first phase of a new web portal to help businesses to understand and follow the customs procedures for importing goods into and exporting goods from the EU. Designed as a single point of access to relevant and practical information, the portal includes animated scenarios to explain each step of the import, export and transit procedures.

For further information visit the European Customs Information Portal.

Canada Begins Third Round of Economic and Trade Negotiations with European Union

(Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada)

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today met with officials from Canada and the European Union in Ottawa, where a third round of negotiations toward a comprehensive economic and trade agreement are being held.

“An agreement of this magnitude with the European Union represents a huge opportunity for Canadians,” said Minister Van Loan. “A future agreement would give Canada preferential access to the wealthiest single market in the world.”

The Canada-European Union joint economic study, released in October 2008, shows that a stronger economic partnership could boost Canadian gross domestic product by $12 billion annually, and two-way trade with Europe could increase by $38 billion.

“At a time when Canadian business needs it most, our government is ensuring that Canadians can compete and succeed in a global marketplace,” said Minister Van Loan. “Our commitment to free trade is clear and this agreement will benefit many sectors of the Canadian economy, ensuring a lasting recovery and long-term economic growth.”

Video teleconferencing services will be used to assist in this week’s negotiations, as a volcanic ash cloud has caused air travel disruptions across Europe. The talks may be extended into the weekend.

Canada and the European Union have had successful rounds of negotiations in October 2009 and January 2010. Significant progress has been achieved in such areas as goods and services, government procurement, regulatory cooperation and dispute settlement. The fourth round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Brussels during the second week of July 2010. Read more here.

Minister Addresses Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters’ 19th Annual Conference and Trade Show

(Minister of International Trade)

…We believe that when businesses succeed, Canadians succeed. Because when businesses succeed, they create jobs, they generate prosperity, and they help support the quality of life people rely on and enjoy here in Canada.

These uncertain global economic times have added some urgency to our government’s efforts to strengthen Canada’s economy. We are putting a strong focus on our Economic Action Plan – to protect incomes, create jobs, ease credit markets and help workers and communities get back on their feet.

Budget 2010 outlines our plan for returning to budgetary balance over the medium term, and well before any other G7 country. We’re helping our manufacturing sector by making Canada the first country in the G20 to become a tariff-free zone for machinery and equipment imports. We’re creating and protecting jobs, and investing in the skills and education of Canadians to build the jobs and industries of the future. And our Economic Action Plan is working to help ensure that, from coast to coast to coast, we are emerging from this economic downturn better than nearly every other industrialized country. But while we may be turning the corner, we are far from fully recovered.

And I’m sure you’d agree that you can’t really talk about a lasting recovery without talking about an aggressive and ambitious trade agenda. Canada is, after all, a trading nation. Trade is equivalent to about 60% of our gross domestic product. And nowhere has our commitment to free and open trade been more successful – or more instructive – than right here in North America. Read the complete address here.

CFIA : Changes to the Import Permit Application Process

(CFIA)

The new application form was designed to facilitate the application process for industry, allowing them to have multiple options when filling it out, and providing clear and concise instructions on how to submit a complete form to avoid delays.

While measures like these are taken to provide optimal customer service to our importers/clients, please keep in mind that our mandate is first and foremost safeguarding Canada’s plant resource base. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) delivers programs to ensure the protection of plant health, and it is our role to preserve the integrity of these programs.

In order to continue to operate within our current legislative framework (Plant Protection Act and Plant Protection Regulations), we ask that all applications be:

• signed by the applicant prior to submission. All incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant for revision.

• followed by an original hard copy via mail/courier within a reasonable time if initially submitted by fax or email.

This is in line with Subsection 10(2) of the Plant Protection Regulations: “Where a document referred to in subsection (1) is furnished in electronic form, an original hard copy of the document shall be furnished to the Minister or an inspector within a reasonable period after the document is furnished in electronic form.”

Please click here for a revised version of the application form.

The CFIA is working on having a full online application system using a secure method of receiving and sending confidential information (i.e., confidential business information, credit card numbers, etc). Until this system is fully developed, we must take all necessary measures to preserve the integrity of the permitting process.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Melissa Rodrigue
Import Permit Office • Phone: 613-221-4312

Update to Measures in Force Under SIMA

(CBSA)

The list of goods currently subject to measures under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) and the relevant countries of origin or export has been updated, and is available on the CBSA website here.

AMPS - Updated Master Penalty Document (short version)

(CBSA)

CBSA has posted on its website a revised short version of the AMPS Master Penalty Document (MPD). This document has been updated to reflect the new penalty amounts.

Please note that the backgrounders are no longer shown...

The new MPD is available here.

Canada Makes Historic Progress on Agriculture Partnerships in China

(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced yesterday historic agricultural partnerships between Canada and China. Canadian pulse producers led the way with initiatives that will increase the value of Canadian pulse exports to China to an estimated total of $500 million. Minister Ritz made the announcement following an agricultural trade mission to Beijing and Inner Mongolia where he and Canadian farm leaders worked together to strengthen export opportunities for Canadian pulses, canola, beef, grain, and hogs.

“Fifty years ago, Canadian farmers made history by delivering huge shipments of wheat to answer an urgent call for food in China and we are proud of the close partnership we have with China that remains strong today,” said Minister Ritz. “We’re making history again as China continues to lead the world by striving to make its food supply more nutritious and Canadian producers are stepping up with innovative new techniques and products to answer that call.”

Canadian pulse exports to China are projected to expand rapidly based on three factors. First, China agreed to remove import restrictions on Canadian peas after joint research demonstrated that there is no health risk associated with naturally occurring selenium. Second, Pulse Canada and the Chinese Cereals and Oils Association signed a memorandum of agreement to increase the nutritional benefits of staple Chinese foods by adding pulse ingredients. Third, the Government of Canada will invest more than $1 million to help Pulse Canada and their partners build Canada’s research and processing capacity to produce pulse flours and pulse-based ingredients that can be used in Chinese products.

According to industry estimates and overwhelming interest from Chinese buyers, Pulse Canada projects that pulse exports to China could increase to $500 million from the current value of $100 million. Read more here.

Memorandum D11-4-28

(CBSA)

Haiti Goods Deemed to be Directly Shipped to Canada for the Purposes of the General Preferential Tariff (GPT) and the Least Developed Country Tariff (LDCT)

This memorandum contains the text of the Regulations exempting goods originating in Haiti, for which the benefits of the General Preferential Tariff (GPT) or the Least Developed Country Tariff (LDCT) will be claimed, from the condition of direct shipment from Haiti on a through bill of lading when the goods are shipped through a port in the Dominican Republic.

This memorandum also contains a reference and link to information regarding the entry and accounting of these goods when other supporting documentation respecting the shipment of goods is unavailable at the time of accounting.

AMPS Penalty Changes

(CBSA)

Message EDI10-025

Please be advised that as a result of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) Review, late accounting penalties for high value shipments (Contravention C288) and for low value shipments (Contravention C292) will be assessed at $100.00, effective April 14, 2010. Further information regarding the key changes to the AMPS regime is provided in Customs Notice CN10-002. For questions regarding the AMPS review, the policy contact is Colleen McGonigle (613-952-5203); for questions concerning these specific contraventions (late accounting penalties), the policy contact is Doug Oakman (613-941-3123).

Delays in the Processing of CFIA Import Requests

(CFIA)

Delays in the processing of shipments at the National Import Service Centre have been reported since the closure of the Western Import Service Centre, on April 1st 2010. CFIA is making every effort to resolve these issues and has progressively decreased the processing delays over the last few days. We anticipate that processing times will continue to improve until which point CFIA is in a position to resume delivering our normal service standard (45 minutes for EDI and 2 hours for paper transactions). In an effort to decrease congestion at the NISC, and assist CFIA in improving turnaround time, we would kindly ask that Importers/Brokers please avoid faxing duplicate import release requests to the NISC.

We would like to remind you that the pre-approval (PARS) is available for all regulated commodities, other than meat, for up to 30 days. We encourage Importers/Brokers to take advantage of the pre-approval process to avoid delays at the time of import. For more information follow this link.

We will continue to manage the situation and make all necessary adjustments to ensure that CFIA continues to meet our service standards. We thank you for your usual cooperation.

SIMA – Final Determination Respecting Certain Thermal Insulation Board Originating in or Exported from the USA

(CBSA)

4214-27 AD/1386
Faced Rigid Cellular Polyurethane-modified Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board Originating in or Exported from the United States of America

On April 6, 2010, the President of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made a final determination of dumping pursuant to paragraph 41(1)(a) of the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) in respect of faced rigid cellular polyurethane-modified polyisocyanurate thermal insulation board originating in or exported from the United States of America.

The results of the investigation reveal that 97.8% of the goods exported to Canada during the period of investigation (POI) were dumped by a weighted average margin of approximately 21.9%, expressed as a percentage of export price.

The goods in question are commonly classified under the Harmonized System classification number: 3921.13.99.10

Note that this HS code is for convenience of reference only. Refer to the product definition for authoritative details regarding the subject goods.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is continuing its inquiry into the question of injury to the domestic industry and will make an order or finding by May 6, 2010. Provisional duties will continue to apply until this date.

Additional information about this investigation is contained in a Statement of Reasons, which will be available within 15 days on the CBSA’s website.

Contacts:
Ron McTiernan 613-954-7271 • Wayne Tian 613-946-2574

Margins of Dumping (as percentage of the export price):

Atlas Roofing Corp 7.8%
Carlisle Syntec Inc. 15.9%
Construction Materials International, Inc. 0.0%
Dow Chemical Company 0.0%
Firestone Building Products Inc 15.9%
Hunter Panels LLC 8.9%
Johns Manville 23.8%
All Other Exporters: 168.9%

Notice of Conclusion of Re-Investigation: Copper Pipe Fittings from the USA, S. Korea and the PRC

(CBSA)

Dumping file #: 4214-12 • Dumping case #: AD/1358

This notice advises that on April 1, 2010, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) concluded a re investigation of the normal values and the export prices of certain copper pipe fittings originating in or exported from the United States of America, the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). A complete product definition of the subject goods can be found in Appendix 1 to this notice.

The re-investigation was initiated on November 12, 2009, as part of the CBSA’s enforcement of the finding made by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (Tribunal) on February 19, 2007.

At the initiation of the re-investigation, the CBSA sent Requests for Information (RFI) to exporters to obtain information on the costs and selling prices of subject goods and like goods. Specific normal values for future shipments have been determined for all exporters that provided a complete submission.

Exporters that have received normal values:

• United States
- Elkhart Products Corporation
- Interstate Assembly Systems
- Mueller Industries Inc.
- Nibco Inc.

• Republic of Korea
- Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co., Ltd.

• People’s Republic of China
- Zhuji City Howhi Air Conditioners Made Co., Ltd.

Where sufficient information was not available to determine a specific normal value, normal values for future shipments have been determined by ministerial specification, which is calculated by advancing the export price of the goods by 242%. For all exporters of subject goods not listed above, normal values will be determined by this ministerial specification.

Normal values will be effective for the subject goods released from the CBSA on or after April 1, 2010. All normal values previously in place expire on that date. In addition, the normal values determined on the basis of the re investigation will be applied to any entries of subject goods under appeal that have yet to be re-determined at the time of the conclusion of this re investigation.

This re-investigation was only in relation to dumping and does not change any amounts of subsidy already in place.

Exporters that already have specific amounts of subsidy:

• People’s Republic of China
- Tianli Pipe Fitting Co., Ltd.
- Zhuji City Howhi Air Conditioners Made Co., Ltd.

For all other exporters of subject goods from the People’s Republic of China, the amount of subsidy will be determined in accordance with a ministerial specification, and is equal to 17.73 Chinese Renminbi per kilogram.

It is the responsibility of importers to calculate and declare their anti dumping and countervailing duty liability. In order to determine their liability for anti-dumping duty and/or countervailing duty, importers should contact their suppliers who can provide information on normal values and amounts of subsidy. Under limited circumstances, the CBSA may make this information available to importers. Customs brokers acting on the behalf of importers should be advised that the goods are subject to anti-dumping/countervailing action and be provided with sufficient information necessary to clear the shipments. For more information please refer to Memorandum D14-1-2, Disclosure of Normal Value and Export Price Established Under the Special Import Measures Act for Importers, on the CBSA Web site here.

The onus is on concerned parties to advise the CBSA in a timely manner of any changes to domestic prices, market conditions and/or costs associated with production and sales, as these changes could warrant retroactive assessments of anti-dumping and/or countervailing duty.

Should the importer disagree with the determination made on any importation of goods, a request for redetermination may be filed with the Director General, Anti-dumping and Countervailing Directorate, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L8. Such a request must be received within 90 days from the making of the determination, in the form and manner outlined in Memorandum D14-1-3, Procedures for Making a Request for a Redetermination (an Appeal) of Goods Under the Special Import Measures Act.

Any questions concerning the above should be directed to:

Peter Dupuis: 613-954-7341; or Walid Ben Tamarzizt: 613-954-7265

Customs Notice 10-006 Advance Commercial Information (ACI) Exemption…

(CBSA)

Advance Commercial Information (ACI) Exemption for Goods on Board a Conveyance That Enters Canadian Waters While it is Proceeding Directly From One Place Outside of Canada to Another Place Outside of Canada

The purpose of this customs notice is to advise that effective April 1, 2010, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will no longer require Advance Commercial Information (ACI) for goods on board of a conveyance that enters Canadian waters while it is proceeding directly from one place outside of Canada to another place outside of Canada.

Customs Notice 10-007 United States Loaded Freight Remaining On Board (FROB) Cargo

(CBSA)

The purpose of this customs notice is to notify industry that Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) will further extend the grace period for Advance Commercial Information (ACI) notification requirements for U.S.-loaded FROB cargo until September 30, 2010.

Memorandum D15-2-55: Certain Carbon Steel Plate and High Strength Low Alloy Steel Plate Originating in or Exported from Ukraine

(CBSA)

This memorandum refers to the application of anti-dumping duty to importations of certain carbon steel plate and high strength low alloy steel plate originating in or exported from Ukraine.

Customs Notice 10-005 Processing of Form B2 Adjustment Requests

(CBSA)

The purpose of this customs notice is to advise that effective April 1, 2010, the processing of B2 adjustment requests, with certain exceptions, will be centralized at two locations for all of Canada. As of that time, the Quebec and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) regions will be responsible for processing all B2 adjustment requests from across Canada, with certain exceptions as detailed here.

CFIA Easter Holiday Schedule

(CFIA)

The Import Control Division will be closed for the Easter holiday from Thursday April 1, 2010 at 4:00 pm (ET) until Tuesday April 6, 2010 at 8:00 am. If you require assistance please contact the Import Service Centres located in Toronto (ON) or Montreal (QC).

EISC – Montreal: 1-877-493-0468, 514-493-2468, FAX 514-493-4103
NISC – Toronto: 1-800-835-4486, 905-795-7834, FAX 905-795-9658

Please note: Ottawa Meat Import Control Centre (1-877-682-5191) will be opened Friday 2 April 2010 and Monday 5 April 2010 from the hours of 8 AM to 6 PM.

Minister Van Loan Introduces Legislation for Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement

(Minister of International Trade)

Agreement will expand trade opportunities with Jordan

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today followed through on a commitment made in the Speech from the Throne earlier this month by introducing legislation to implement the Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement and related agreements on labour cooperation and the environment.

“The Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, once implemented, will open doors to this growing economy and give Canadian businesses a real advantage in the broader Middle East and North African markets,” said Minister Van Loan.

Upon implementation, the free trade agreement will eliminate tariffs on over 99%, by value, of recent Canadian exports to Jordan, thereby directly benefiting Canadian exporters and workers. Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Jordan totalled $82.5 million in 2009. Read more here.

SIMA Re-investigation Certain Steel Plate

(CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency has initiated a re-investigation of the normal values and export prices of certain steel plate originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China (Plate III); Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania (Plate V); and Ukraine (Plate VI).

Should you have any questions regarding this re-investigation, please contact one of the officers listed below.

Matthew Lerette: 613-954-7398
Benjamin Walker: 613-952-8665

Facsimile: 613-948-4844

CFIA: Western Import Service Centre Closure

(CFIA)

Please be advised that the Western Import Service Centre (WISC) located in Vancouver (BC) will be closing as of 31 March 2010. All operations of the WISC will be performed at the National Import Service Centre (NISC) in Toronto, Ontario.

Contact information for the NISC:

CFIA/ACIA - National Import Service Central (NISC)
Phone:1-800-835-4486
Phone:1-905-795-7834
Fax: 1-905-795-9658

Mailing Address:
1050 Courtneypark Drive East, Room 154
Mississauga, Ontario
L5T 2R4

CBSA Investigates the Dumping of Greenhouse Bell Peppers

(Canada NewsWire)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it is initiating an investigation into the alleged injurious dumping of greenhouse bell peppers originating in or exported from the Netherlands.

The investigation follows a complaint filed by the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) of Leamington, Ontario. The complainant alleges that the dumping of these goods is harming Canadian production by causing the following: lost sales, price erosion, price suppression, reduction in gross margins and reduced profitability.

A copy of the statement of reasons that provides more details about the investigation will be available on the CBSA’s Web site here within 15 days.

Revised: D9-1-13 White Phosphorous Matches

(CBSA)

The following changes have been made to accurately reflect the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) role in administering the provisions of the Customs Tariff:

1. New terminology is used to reflect changes in organizational structure of the CBSA.

2. A legislative reference section has been updated to show the relevant sections of the Customs Tariff and Customs Act.

Revised D-Memoranda: NAFTA Rules of Origin

(CBSA)

Memorandum D11-5-1 NAFTA Rules of Origin

• The title of this memorandum has been changed from NAFTA Rules of Origin Regulations to NAFTA Rules of Origin.

• This memorandum has been revised to reflect recent amendments to the NAFTA Rules of Origin Regulations as a result of the modifications to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System which came into force on January 1, 2007. These amendments make a number of changes to the numbering of headings, subheadings or tariff items. They are technical in nature and do not represent a change in policy.

• Also, this revised memorandum will provide a stable link to the official version of the NAFTA Rules of Origin Regulations. The NAFTA Rules of Origin Regulations are no longer fully excerpted in this memorandum.

• These Regulations, amending the NAFTA Rules of Origin Regulations as a result of the modifications to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, came into force on September 1, 2009.

Memorandum D11-5-2 NAFTA – Specific Rules of Origin

• The title of this memorandum has been changed from NAFTA Rules of Origin Regulations – Amendments to Schedule I – Specific Rules of Origin to NAFTA – Specific Rules of Origin.

• This memorandum has been revised to provide a stable link to the official version of the NAFTA Rules of Origin Regulations – Schedule I – Specific Rules of Origin. The NAFTA line-by-line rules are no longer fully excerpted in this memorandum.

• Amendments to the Schedule I – Specific Rules of Origin have been made to reflect modifications to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) which came into force on January 1, 2007, and a liberalization of the rules of origin by the three NAFTA Parties.

• Changes to the numbering of headings, subheadings or tariff items to reflect modifications to the HS are technical in nature and do not affect the origin of goods. The changes to reflect the liberalization of the rules of origin act to ease the origin requirements for herbs and spices, petroleum, leather, certain textiles and apparel, aluminium, diesel engines, gas turbines and parts, valves, electric transformers, primary cells and batteries, telephonics, televisions, locomotives and parts, medical appliances and parts, and other instruments.

Memorandum D11-5-7: Canada-European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) Rules of Origin

(CBSA)

1. The following provisions of Annex C to the version of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the States of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), signed on January 26, 2008, have the force of law in Canada: a. Articles 1 to 8; b. Article 9, paragraph 1; c. Articles 10 to 12; d. Article 14; and e. Appendix I.

2. These Regulations come into force on July 1, 2009, but if they are registered after that day, they come into force on the day they are registered.

Complete memorandum here.

Memorandum D11-5-8: Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) Rules of Origin

(CBSA)

1. The following provisions of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Peru, signed on May 29, 2008, have the force of law in Canada: a. Articles 301 to 305; b. Article 306, paragraphs 1 and 2; c. Articles 307 to 315; d. Article 318; and e. Annex 301.

2. These Regulations come into force on the day on which section 36 of the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, chapter 16 of the Statutes of Canada, 2009, comes into force.

Complete memorandum here.

SIMA: Certain Oil Country Tubular Goods Originating in or Exported from the People’s Republic of China – Statement of Reasons

(CBSA)

On February 22, 2010, pursuant to paragraph 41(1)(a) of the Special Import Measures Act, the President of the Canada Border Services Agency made final determinations of dumping and subsidizing respecting the alleged injurious dumping and subsidizing of oil country tubular goods, made of carbon or alloy steel, welded or seamless, heat-treated or not heat-treated, regardless of end finish, having an outside diameter from 2 3/8 inches to 13 3/8 inches (60.3 mm to 339.7 mm), meeting or supplied to meet American Petroleum Institute (API) specification 5CT or equivalent standard, in all grades, excluding drill pipe and excluding seamless casing up to 11 ¾ inches (298.5 mm) in outside diameter, originating in or exported from the People’s Republic of China.

A PDF version of the Statement of Reasons is available here.

Centralization of B2 Processing

(CBSA)

Procedures for centralized B2 processing that take effect April 1, 2010 are summarized in this letter from the CBSA.

New CBSA Organizational Structure

(CBSA)

CBSA President Stephen Rigby and CBSA Vice-President Cathy Munroe yesterday announced to the Border Commercial Consultative Committee details of the new management model and organizational structure that will be implemented on April 1, 2010.

It has been CBSA President Stephen Rigby’s plan to better align the Agency with its objectives and to establish clear lines of authority and a structure that would support a new service strategy with measurable performance standards.

While Stephen Rigby and Luc Portelance remain as the President and Executive Vice President, respectively, there is a significant change at the next level in the organizational structure.

CFIA HS Code Filter List

(CFIA)

Attached is the CFIA HS Code Filter List which will be published on the CBSA website on March 15, 2010.

CFIA: Reminder of Changes to Import Notification Requirements

(CFIA)

Attached is a letter from the CFIA Imported and Manufactured Food Division: Reminder of changes to import notification requirements.

CITT Finding: Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Plate and High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Plate – Ukraine

(CITT)

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal, pursuant to section 42 of the Special Import Measures Act, has conducted an inquiry to determine whether the dumping of hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy steel plate not further manufactured than hot-rolled, heat-treated or not, in cut lengths in widths from 24 inches (610 mm) to 152 inches (3,860 mm) inclusive and in thicknesses from 0.187 inch (4.75 mm) up to and including 3.0 inches (76.0 mm) inclusive (with all dimensions being plus or minus allowable tolerances contained in the applicable standards, e.g. ASTM standards A6/A6M and A20/A20M), originating in or exported from Ukraine; excluding universal mill plate, plate for use in the manufacture of pipe and plate having a rolled, raised figure at regular intervals on the surface (also known as floor plate), has caused injury or retardation or is threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry.

Further to the issuance by the President of the Canada Border Services Agency of a final determination dated January 4, 2010, that these goods have been dumped, and pursuant to subsection 43(1) of the Special Import Measures Act, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal hereby finds that the dumping of these goods has not caused injury but is threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry.

Reasons published available here.

Budget Highlights – Department of Finance

(CBSA)

Budget 2009 eliminated tariffs on imports of machinery and equipment in order to help Canadian manufacturers maintain and enhance their competitiveness during the economic downturn. This measure saved companies $88 million annually and was widely supported by manufacturers and economic experts. Stakeholders expressed an interest in further tariff relief, including the concept of establishing tariff-free zones.

After extensive public consultations with Canadian industry, Budget 2010 responds by making all of Canada a tariff-free zone for industrial manufacturers by eliminating remaining tariffs on machinery and equipment, as well as goods imported for further manufacturing in Canada.

This means that tariffs will be eliminated on 1,541 tariff items with most of the reductions taking place immediately, on March 5. The remainder will be gradually eliminated by no later than 2015.

Once fully implemented, this measure will save Canadian manufacturers $300 million in annual duties and eliminate the need for burdensome customs paperwork.

This measure will have wide ranging benefits for the economy and for manufacturers in terms of their ability to improve their competiveness in domestic and international markets, maintain and increase jobs, raise productivity, and improve product quality and innovation.

Small and medium-sized enterprises that must source goods for production from global supply chains will be key beneficiaries.

Canadian exports to all regions are expected to grow as a result of this measure. This will help diversify Canadian trade and build on the Government’s Global Commerce Strategy which includes opening new markets through bilateral and multilateral (i.e. Doha Round) trade negotiations. The Government is currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU, undergoing exploratory work with India, and it has recently concluded FTAs with Peru, Colombia, Panama, EFTA and Jordan.

It will compliment Canada’s Tax Advantage and stable financial sector, making Canada a destination of choice for foreign investors. This measure also demonstrates Canadian leadership as the host and co-host of the G8 and G20. These countries have committed to maintaining open markets and making further progress on trade liberalization in order to promote global economic recovery.

The 2010 budget documents are available at www.budget.gc.ca. The list of affected tariff items is included in the Notice of Ways and Means Motion at the end of the budget at pages 431 to 447. The corresponding descriptions for the tariff items may be cross-referenced with the Customs Tariff which is available online here.

Other Government Departments and Agencies: Reference List

(CBSA)

Many government departments and agencies are involved in the importation of goods into Canada. CBSA published a reference list of the most commonly imported commodities that may require permits and/or certificates from other government departments or agencies.

The list is available here.

Van Loan Says Canada Wins Gold with Global Business Leaders

(DFAIT)

More than Olympic athletes will be returning home from Vancouver on Monday with a first-place impression of Canada, said Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, at the conclusion of the Global Business Leaders Initiative.

“The 2010 Olympic Winter Games showed the world that Canada provides great competitive advantages to those seeking to do business,” said Van Loan. “International investors saw that The Economist was right to declare Canada the best place to invest in the years ahead. Our banking system has been ranked the most stable in the world, we have a highly educated workforce, we enjoy a high quality of life and we are on track to lead the G7 in economic growth in 2011. Canada is a first-rate destination for investment.”

The Global Business Leaders Initiative was a two-week investor outreach program led by Van Loan during the Olympics. It included a series of business round tables, as well as one-on-one meetings between Van Loan and global business leaders. The initiative attracted international media attention, successfully highlighting Canada’s commercial strengths and investment advantages to the world.

For additional information on Canada’s many investment and business advantages, please visit here.

EDC’s 2010 “Let’s Talk Exports” Tour: April-June

(EDC)

Let’s Talk Exports is an annual, cross-Canada tour designed to provide you with the most up-to-date information available on the global economy and its implications for Canadian trade and investment opportunities. The 27th annual cross-Canada tour will be held in 21 cities between April 27 and June 1, 2010.

Join EDC’s Peter Hall, Vice President and Chief Economist, as well as an impressive cross-section of business professionals at this year’s Let’s Talk Exports event and find out:

• where the risks and opportunities are for businesses in 2010-2011
• what the export outlook is for your industry
• which provinces will fare better in the current environment
• how you can succeed in the global marketplace

Plus, each attendee will get access to EDC’s sought-after Global Export Forecast, 2010 Spring Edition.

Don’t make critical business decisions without attending this event!

Let’s Talk Exports is scheduled in the following cities: Burlington, Calgary, Drummondville, Edmonton, Fredericton, Halifax, Kitchener Waterloo, Moncton, Montréal, Montréal-West Island, Ottawa, Québec, Regina, St. John’s, Sudbury, Surrey, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Vaughan and Winnipeg.

Sign up now to receive notification when event information becomes available for the Spring 2010 tour.

Health Canada Seeks Public Input on Changing Regulations for Food Colouring

(Health Canada via The Canadian Press)

Health Canada is seeking public input on proposed changes to improve labelling requirements for colouring agents in food products. A consultation forum will be posted on the Health Canada website and open for comments from February 18 until May 4, the federal department said Thursday.

Canadian Food and Drug Regulations currently allow manufacturers to use the general term "colour" to specify one or more food colours. For the majority of prepackaged foods, manufacturers may voluntarily declare individual colours by name at their own discretion.

"However, there is some evidence suggesting a link between consumption of certain food colours and adverse reactions in sensitive individuals," the department said in a release. "More recently, certain food colour mixtures have been associated with behavioural effects in children. For these reasons, Health Canada considers it prudent to improve labelling requirements for food colours."

Proposed changes would eliminate the option of using the general term "colour" and require that individual colours be identified on food ingredient labels, enabling consumers to make informed choices that could reduce adverse reactions.

Health Canada said it will update progress on the issue once the consultation period has ended.

Comments on proposals may be submitted by regular mail to:

Bureau of Chemical Safety
251 Sir Frederick Banting Drive
Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture
Address Locator: 2203B
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

To comment electronically, email bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca, using the words "Food Colour Labelling" in the subject box.

Government of Canada Continues to Invest in the Future of the Port of Montreal

(MarketWire)

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced today [Thursday] that the Government of Canada will be investing in a project to optimize infrastructure at the Port of Montreal, which will have a positive impact on the economic development of the region in the short, medium and long terms.

This investment will be used to improve the electrical facilities, control equipment and network management, so as to increase access point capacity along Hydro-Quebec’s network in the Port of Montreal.

The Government of Canada will provide up to $4,648,500 for this project under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Montreal Port Authority will cover the remaining costs of the project, which is estimated to total $9,297,000.

“With this second Infrastructure Stimulus Fund investment in the Port of Montreal, our Government is investing in the economic futures of Quebec and of Canada,” said Minister Lebel. “As we begin the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our priority will be to continue the rapid implementation of projects such as this one. At the same time, we look forward to meeting future challenges, including restoring the fiscal balance once our economy is fully recovered, as well as building a solid foundation for our economic future.”

D17-1-8 Release Prior to Payment Privilege

(CBSA)

This departmental memorandum explains the Release Prior to Payment Privilege that was previously found in D17-1-5. This memorandum is revised as a result of the Paper Burden Reduction Initiative; the revisions are aimed at eliminating obsolete and duplicated requirements, streamlining certain commercial processes and modifying complex policies and forms.

The following sections have been expanded for further clarification of the subjects: a) The Direct Security and GST Options; b) Procedures related to late payment and non-compliance; and c) Maintaining security for importers and customs brokers.

Revised: D17-1-5 Registration, Accounting and Payment for Commercial Goods

(CBSA)

This memorandum has been revised to:

a) Remove the section regarding release of commercial goods, which can now be found in D17-1-4; b) Remove the section regarding release prior to payment privilege, which can now be found in D17-1-8; c) Incorporate related customs notices; CN384, CN412, CN503; d) Update related forms; e) Update various web site references and contact information; and, f) Reflect the organizational changes resulting from the creation of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Export USA Webinar: How to Get Your Medical Products and Services Reimbursed by U.S. Healthcare Insurers – March 4

(Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada)

In order for your medical products and services to be successful south of the border, U.S. insurance companies must include them in their reimbursement schemes. Canadian businesses wishing to seek U.S. opportunities in this niche market need to understand the relationship between healthcare providers, patients and insurance companies.

This webinar will provide insight into various aspects of the U.S. insurance industry’s healthcare coverage. You’ll learn all about the industry’s coding, coverage and reimbursement practices in order to develop an effective business strategy for this market.

By participating in the webinar, you will:

• Learn about the different types of coverage and various codes required by healthcare institutions (e.g., clinics and hospitals);

• Understand what your clients need to do to get your products and services reimbursed;

• Learn more about the various claim delivery forms available; and what is required to secure the payment of a healthcare claim.

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST (Ottawa Time)
Cost: Free

The presentations will be followed by a 20-minute Q&A period. The presentations will be in English but the speakers will take questions in both English and French.

Through the Virtual Trade Commissioner, the webinar will be made available for on-demand viewing following the live session. Participants may also download the presentation slides, in both French and English.

Please register by March 3, 2010, here. For additional information, please email TCS-Webinar.GNC@international.gc.ca.

CFIA: Importation of Fresh Tomatoes from Countries Infested by the Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta Absoluta)

(CFIA)

Effective February 24, 2010, shipments of tomato fruits from countries infested by the insect pest, Tuta absoluta, will be required to be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate with an additional declaration stating: “This consignment originated from a place where Tuta absoluta is known not to occur and was inspected and found free of Tuta absoluta”. Shipments not meeting this requirement will be refused entry to Canada. The new phytosanitary import requirement for tomatoes will soon be available in a new policy directive (D-10-01).

Regulated countries: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Greece, Kuwait, Italy, Libya, Malta, Morocco, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

For all questions relating to these changes please contact:

Johanne Coulombe
Import Control and Enforcement Officer
Import control and Export Market information
Telephone: (613) 221-4331 Fax: (613) 228-6605
Johanne.Coulombe@inspection.gc.ca

Enforcement Guidelines – “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” Claims

(Industry Canada)

This publication is not a legal document. It contains general information and is provided for convenience and guidance in applying the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and the Textile Labelling Act.

This publication replaces the following Competition Bureau publications: Enforcement Guidelines – Guide to “Made in Canada” Claims – January 22, 2002 [and] Enforcement Guidelines – Enforcement Guidelines Relating to “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” Claims, Draft for Public Consultation, July 10, 2009

Revised: D19-7-2 Requirements Concerning the Importation & Exportation of Ozone-Depleting Substances & Products

(CBSA)

Memorandum D19-7-2 has been updated and replaces the previous Memorandum D19-7-2, dated April 16, 1997. Memorandum D19-7-2 reflects the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998. In addition, Appendices F and G have been added to this memorandum.

This memorandum outlines procedures for the importation and exportation of ozone-depleting substances.

The Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998 reflect Canada’s commitment to meet its requirements under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol). The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement signed by 194 countries to control the production and exchange of certain ozone-depleting substances. The Regulations are intended to further reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances.

Border Commercial Consultative Committee (BCCC)

(CBSA)

Record of Meeting September 29 and 30, 2009

Action items and summaries of various issues affecting customs commercial operations at the border.

CN10-001 Strengthening the CBSA's Procedure Respecting Importation of Goods Contaminated with Soil

(CBSA)

1. This notice announces that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be strengthening its commercial importation process respecting goods contaminated with soil.

2. Goods contaminated with soil are not admissible into Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for establishing the policy regarding the importation of goods contaminated with soil. The CBSA is responsible for administering and enforcing that policy to the extent it applies at the border.

3. Beginning February 1, 2011, non-compliant goods, i.e. goods contaminated with soil, arriving at the Canadian border will be restricted to a CBSA-controlled area and may be cleaned on-site by a mobile wash facility approved by the CFIA, provided certain conditions can be met, e.g. there is no risk of soil dislodgement during transport, operational capacity exists, availability of a CFIA-approved mobile wash facility. If a CFIA-approved mobile wash facility is not available, or if other conditions listed above are not met, the contaminated goods will be refused entry into Canada under the authority of the Plant Protection Act and the Health of Animals Act.

4. The costs associated with cleaning or removal from Canada will be paid for by the importer.

5. This strengthened approach is in line with the CBSA's existing commercial processes and procedures, as well as the CFIA's policy regarding the importation of foreign soil. It will further ensure that the CBSA maintains appropriate control over the contaminated goods, thereby preserving the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

6. February 1, 2010 marks the launch of a twelve-month transition period culminating with the full implementation and enforcement of the strengthened process in 2011. This period will allow industry an opportunity to adjust their operations and ensure that goods arriving in Canada are clean and free of soil.

7. Under the current process, the CBSA may allow contaminated goods to be transported to either a stationary or mobile CFIA-approved treatment facility. However, treatment may only occur if certain conditions can be met, e.g. there is no risk of soil dislodgement during transport, operational capacity exists, availability of a CFIA-approved stationary or mobile wash facility. If the conditions listed above cannot be met, the shipment is refused entry into Canada and ordered removed at the importer's expense.

8. Inquiries and comments about this notice should be directed to:

Food, Plant and Animal Programs
Admissibility Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 613-957-6868, Fax: 613-946-1520

Helping to Ensure Olympic and Paralympic Goods Arrive on Time

(CBSA)

During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, over 3 billion people will see how well prepared Canada is for the Games. Hosting such a high profile event also provides the Government of Canada with an opportunity to show how much we value our foreign visitors’ business.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for the processing of all goods arriving in Canada, including all goods and equipment destined for use during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The CBSA is working closely with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), 2010 corporate sponsors and other importers of Olympic Games goods to ensure that the goods will be processed in an expeditious manner when they arrive in Canada.

To facilitate this process the CBSA established the 2010 Import Logistics Field Team. The Team was created to provide guidance and awareness to 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games stakeholders about the CBSA’s visitor and goods admissibility requirements.

The 2010 Import Logistics Field Team serves as a single-window information service for stakeholders, providing them with up-to-date, accurate information regarding commercial import and export procedures for the 2010 Winter Games.

The Team provides stakeholders with support prior to the arrival of the goods, ensuring those importing goods for the Games can experience an expedited facilitation process that will save them time, money and stress. This approach is also expected to ease the impact at the border entry points prior to Games time.

Anyone considering shipping goods for the Games is encouraged to contact the CBSA 2010 Import Logistics Field Team at:

Telephone: 604-666-4504
E-mail: CBSA2010FieldOperations.PAC-Vancouver-333Dunsmuir@cra-arc.gc.ca

Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board – Preliminary Determination

(CBSA)

The following information is now available on the CBSA Web site here.

Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board – Preliminary Determination – Statement of Reasons – 2010-01-21

CFIA: Validation of Destination Address for Imports

(CFIA)

Please be informed as of February 1, 2010, when using the Electronic Data Interchange, EDI, the information entered under Destination, for the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable, Processed Products, Dairy & Honey Programs will be automatically validated and admission will be based on a complete and correct address. The Canadian destination of a shipment is currently a requirement in regulation for these programs and the address will be assessed against the postal code. Errors or incomplete submissions will result in the transaction being rejected until satisfactory information has been received. If the transaction is still in a rejected status when the product arrives at the border, it will not be permitted entry into Canada.

Should you have any questions on the above requirements, please contact John Wood, A/Chief, Imports, Agrifood Division at john.wood@inspection.gc.ca or 204-984-6186.

Revised: D19-10-3 Export and Import Permits Act

(CBSA)

D19-10-3 Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act (Exportations)

1. This memorandum has been updated to reflect changes to the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) role in administering the provisions of the Export and Import Permits Act. (EIPA)

2. Terminology has been updated to reflect changes in the CBSA’s organizational structure

3. Sections 24 and Sections 25 of the EIPA were added in the Legislation heading to outline the border services officer’s duties and authorities under the EIPA.

4. In Paragraph 2, reference to the applicable legislation, the Export Control List and the General Export Permits are now available on the Department of Justice Web site.

5. In Paragraph 3, there is new information on methods of permit application; online and paper.

6. In Paragraphs 7,8 and 9 there are updates and new information on goods moving in transit

7. In Paragraphs 10-16 there are updates and new information on export permit procedures, reporting requirements and detention of goods.

8. In Paragraph 17, there is new information on Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) on failure to meet export permits requirements when exporting goods.

9. In Paragraphs 18-20 there is new contact information.

10. In Appendices A-E there are updates and new information on the Export Control List (ECL), Area Control List (ACL), Export Permit form and export permit procedures.

eManifest Implementation Timeline Fact Sheet

(CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will implement eManifest over a number of years, by client type, using an 18-month implementation timeline outlined here.

SIMA: Certain Carbon Steel Plate – Final Determination

(CBSA)

The following information is now available on the CBSA Web site:

Certain Carbon Steel Plate – Final Determination – Statement of Reasons – 2010-01-15

New Initiative to Help Canadian Businesses Expand to Developing Countries

(Minister of International Trade)

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today [Wednesday] marked the creation of a $20million program to support Canadian businesses that want to invest responsibly in developing countries. Effective today, Investment Cooperation (INC) replaces the Canadian International Development Agency’s Industrial Cooperation (CIDA-INC) program.

“This program will make it easier for innovative Canadian companies to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries,” said Minister Day. “This will create jobs both at home and abroad.”

INC funding will be used to help Canadian companies complete the following phases of the investment cycle:

• The viability phase: feasibility of an investment is investigated.

• The demonstration phase: technology is adapted and demonstrated.

• The sustainability phase: plans are developed to enhance a project’s economic, social and environmental sustainability.

• The implementation phase: activities are undertaken to enhance the sustainability of the project.

Program applicants and clients must demonstrate adherence to strict international corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards in order to receive funding. The program complements CSR measures announced by the Government of Canada in March. These included the creation of a CSR counsellor’s office and support for an external CSR centre of excellence that would provide information to companies, non-governmental organizations and others.

Applications will be processed more quickly than under the previous CIDA-INC program to ensure timely review and approvals. A service standard of 40 working days from submission of a completed application to approval has been introduced. Other changes include the expansion of the program to projects in most countries eligible for international development assistance, including China, Mexico, Malaysia and Thailand.

In 2007, the Government of Canada started implementing the Global Commerce Strategy. The Strategy’s objective is to support Canadian firms as they pursue opportunities in the global marketplace. The INC program will support the Strategy by increasing Canadian direct investment around the world and strengthening global economic partnerships.

Companies that wish to apply for funding or pre-qualify online under the INC program may visit Investment Cooperation Program (INC) here.

CFIA: Importation of Meat and Meat Products into Canada

(CFIA)

Please note that as of January 4, 2010, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will modify its procedure to request a change to the import inspection facility for meat and meat products… The full notice is here.

Also on January 4, 2010, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will modify its procedures related to the distribution of the MCAP Import Inspection Report for meat shipments from the USA. The full notice is here.

New toll-free number for requesting MCAP Import Inspection Reports is available here.

SIMA: Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board – Notice of Preliminary Determination

(CBSA)

The following information is now available on the CBSA Web site:
Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board – Notice of Preliminary Determination

Canada Joins WTO Panel on Chinese Export Restrictions

(DFAIT)

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that Canada will participate as a third party in a World Trade Organization panel on China’s export restrictions on certain raw materials. The panel was established at the request of the United States, the European Union and Mexico on December 21, 2009.

“Canada is concerned that China’s export restraints, such as export duties and quotas, are leading to trade distortions in the world market,” said Minister Day. “Such measures have caused uncertainty for Canadian producers. We hope that this WTO challenge will persuade China to end these practices.”

The raw materials at issue are bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon carbide, silicon metal, yellow phosphorus and zinc.
Canada believes that the Chinese measures are inconsistent with China’s WTO commitments. The measures appear to violate rules on export restraints, as well as the commitment China made when it joined the WTO to not charge export tariffs on most materials.

New on the CRA Website

(Canada Revenue Agency)

Government of Canada announces new electronic filing requirements for GST/HST registrants and penalties and fines for non-filers.

CFIA: New AIRS Verification Service (AVS)

(CFIA)

Canadian importers and brokers have requested that the process of updating/maintaining coding from the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) be sped up and simplified, in order to allow for expedited release of shipments. In response to this request, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has developed the AIRS Verification Service (AVS). AVS is a web service designed to verify and validate coding of multiple AIRS commodities in a single request.

Please find attached, the information on this new service as well as the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

SIMA – Notice of Final Determination Re Certain Carbon Steel Plate and High Strength Low Alloy Steel Plate Originating in or Exported from Ukraine

(CBSA)

On January 4, 2010, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made a final determination of dumping pursuant to paragraph 41(1)(a) of the Special Import Measures Act with respect to hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high strength low alloy steel plate not further manufactured than hot-rolled, heat-treated or not, in cut lengths in widths from 24 inches (610 mm) to 152 inches (3,860 mm) inclusive and in thicknesses from 0.187 inches (4.75 mm) up to and including 3.0 inches (76.0 mm) inclusive (with all dimensions being plus or minus allowable tolerances contained in the applicable standards e.g. ASTM standards A6/A6M and A20/A20M), originating in or exported from Ukraine; excluding universal mill plate, plate for use in the manufacture of pipe and plate having a rolled, raised figure at regular intervals on the surface (also known as floor plate).

Read the complete decision here.