Thursday, April 29, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

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.

Monday, April 19, 2010

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

Friday, April 16, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

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.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

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).

Monday, April 12, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

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%

Monday, April 5, 2010

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

Thursday, April 1, 2010

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.