General Export Permit – Dual-use Goods and Technology to Certain Destinations

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General Export Permit – Dual-use Goods and Technology to Certain Destinations

Amended by Global Affairs Canada on September 1, 2023

Dual-use items are goods and technologies that may be used for both civilian and military purposes. Dual-use export controls cover a wide range of products and technologies and affect not only manufacturers but also transport providers, academia, and research institutions.

  1. The purpose of this Notice is to advise exporters that, pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has amended a General Export Permit (GEP) relating to the export or transfer of certain dual-use goods and technology identified in Group 1 and in item 5504 of the Export Control List (ECL) /“A Guide to Canada’s Export Control List” (the Guide) to certain eligible destinations. This Notice to Exporters replaces an earlier Notice dated August 2015, which has been archived.
  2. On September 1, 2023, General Export Permit No. 41 (GEP-41) was amended to add a new category to the list of “unauthorized goods and technology” under paragraph 3(2)(e). Specifically, paragraph 3(2)(e) now prohibits the use of GEP-41 for the export or transfer of goods or technology that are intended for the development, production, or use of rocket systems or unmanned aerial vehicles with a range of 300 km or greater.

Helpful Links

General Export Permit No. 41 – Dual-use Goods and Technology to Certain Destinations

Additional Information

The full text of this regulation and its accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement is available in the August 12, 2015 edition of the Canada Gazette, Part II.

The Notice to Exporters for GEP No. 41 – Dual-use Goods and Technology to Certain Destinations can be found on the Export Controls Division website: www.exportcontrols.gc.ca

CFIA Import Permits

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issues an official document called the CFIA import permit, which authorizes the importation of specific goods into Canada.

This permit serves as a guarantee that the imported goods adhere to the health and safety standards established by the CFIA. Acquiring this permit is an essential prerequisite for importing goods into Canada, as it ensures compliance with Canadian regulations.

The CFIA import permit aims to safeguard the well-being of Canadians and preserve the integrity of Canada’s food system. It is imperative to obtain all the requisite permits and documentation to prevent any complications with customs and border control.

My CFIA Account

By signing up for a My CFIA account on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency / Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments (canada.ca) website, you can submit a new service request, track the status of your application, and pay for the service online. If you do not have access to My CFIA, a completed application can also be faxed or mailed to the Centre of Administration (CFIA).

Depending on the particular commodities, volume, and some other factors, corresponding fees will be due. Please access information regarding the CFIA fees using the following link:

https://inspection.canada.ca/about-cfia/acts-and-regulations/list-of-acts-and-regulations/cfia-fees-notice/eng/1582641645528/1582641871296

ARGO Customs Brokers Is At Your Service

Before you place your order, please contact ARGO Customs Brokers directly at our Email: info@ argocustoms.com and we’ll check if a CFIA permit is needed for your goods.

Importer Records Maintained Within Canada

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Argo Customs Brokers is pleased to present pertinent guidance from a memorandum issued by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). The document titled Memorandum D17-1-21 – Maintenance of Records in Canada by Importers (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca), provides information concerning the requirements regarding the maintenance of records by importers at their place of business in Canada or at any other place designated by the Minister.

 

Key Takeaways

  • The memorandum has been revised to update the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) policy concerning the requirements regarding the maintenance of records in and outside of Canada.
  • The template of the Agreement to Maintain Records Outside of Canada was changed to the Agreement to Maintain Records Elsewhere than the Place of Business in Canada to include all scenarios where the records are not kept at the place of business in Canada.

 

Importer Records Maintained Within Canada:  Record-keeping requirements for imported commercial goods apply to resident and non-resident importers, including exporters abroad who ship commercial goods to themselves in Canada.

At a minimum, importers are required to keep, for the period of six years following the importation of the commercial goods, all records that relate to the origin, marking, purchase, importation, costs, and value of the commercial goods; payment for the commercial goods; the sale or other disposal of the commercial goods in Canada; and any application for an advance ruling made under Section 43.1 of the Customs Act (the Act) in respect of the commercial goods. In addition to these requirements, the Imported Goods Records Regulations (the Regulations) also require additional records be kept for various specific entities and in various scenarios.

Generally, an importer is required to maintain records at its place of business in Canada. However, an importer may submit an application to the CBSA requesting authorization to maintain records at a location in Canada other than its place of business. The form Agreement to Maintain Records Elsewhere than the Place of Business in Canada can be found at the following CBSA link: BSF900. The agreement must identify the corporate address(es) – the address registered for tax purposes, those of the place(s) of business, as well as the business address where the records will be maintained, and how the location relates to the importer (e.g., accountant’s office, customs broker’s office). If the records are kept at more than one location in Canada, they have to be integral at no less than one of the locations, or a portal must be in place to access the records electronically. Note that in order to respect the above requirements, PO boxes and mail forwarding services will not be accepted.

Helpful Links:

How to calculate your CBSA import duty and tax when you import goods to Canada

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ARGO Customs Brokers has prepared a very useful and easy-to-use tool for you called the Duty and Tax Calculator that helps you estimate the amount of duty and tax you will be charged when you import goods to Canada.

To use the form, simply indicate the 10-digit HS code, country of origin, and value of the goods, and the calculator will present you with a total. Finding the HS code requires locating the type of imported goods in the table on the right-hand side of the form.

Click here to access the Duty and Tax Calculator

To better understand how the taxes will be applied, consider the following:

  • A commercial or business importation would be levied a Customs tax of 5% (GST) on top of the duty for all provinces.
  • A one-time personal importation will be taxed according to the province of residence.

For more information, please check the article on the CBSA’s website titled “Importing commercial goods into Canada – 3. Determining duties and taxes.”

Of special note, some goods (like basic groceries) could be zero-rated (tax-free).

In addition to the Duty and Tax Calculator, Argo Customs Brokers offers an additional calculator that is used for estimating Customs Brokerage fees.

Click here to access the Customs Brokerage Fees Calculator, and in a few clicks, you will be able to calculate the fees.

We invite you to consult with our brokers directly regarding any importing or exporting activities via our chat option at https://argocustoms.com/ or via email at info@argocustoms.com.

Notice of extension of re-investigation: Copper pipe fittings

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Argo Customs Brokers is pleased to present pertinent points from a notice issued by the Canada Border Services Agency. The notice titled Notice of extension of re-investigation: Copper pipe fittings (CPF 2023 RI) was published on May 17, 2023.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has extended the re-investigation to update the normal values and export prices of certain copper pipe fittings from the United States, South Korea, and China and the amounts of subsidy for certain copper pipe fittings from China.

The re-investigation has been extended by 28 days due to the complexity and novelty of the issues presented by the re-investigation. The re-investigation will now conclude by August 17, 2023.

The revised re-investigation schedule is now available.

The subject goods are defined as:

“Solder joint pressure pipe fittings and solder joint drainage, waste, and vent pipe fittings, made of cast copper alloy, wrought copper alloy, or wrought copper, for use in heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and refrigeration applications, originating in/or exported from the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, and the People’s Republic of China.”

Exclusions

The Tribunal excluded the following copper pipe fittings from its injury findings:

  1. 4 cast drainage lead 8 oz. closet flange;
  2. 4 cast drainage 14 oz. lead closet flange; and
  3. Copper-iron high-pressure alloy fittings manufactured with UNS C19400 grade copper alloy and with safe working pressure up to 1,740 psi.

Key Takeaways

  • This is an extension of an investigation that was initiated on February 15, 2023. None of the parameters of the investigation have changed since its inception.

Associated Links

Argo Customs Brokers is Available to Assist

If you are an individual or represent a company that is involved with importing copper pipe fittings, ARGO Customs brokers can provide assistance. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions about importing and exporting and can help you understand the effect that this extension can have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.

Prepare Your Public Sector Organization for CARM 2

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Release 2 of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project will bring about many important changes for your organization.

The CBSA is hosting CARM webinars for various public sector client groups to help you understand the upcoming changes with CARM and how to prepare. These sessions will include a presentation on these changes, as well as a live question and answer period.

If you are a public sector organization, we encourage you to register to ensure that your organization is prepared for CARM Release 2 in October 2023.

Your organization should attend the webinar even if you use the ARGO Customs Broker or Trade Services Advisor. Your relationship with us will not change, but there is organization-specific information and processes that organizations need to be aware of.

The following table lists the upcoming sessions. We encourage all public sector organizations to attend these sessions and engage with CARM.

Webinar Schedule

CARM Webinar for Post-Secondary Institutions:
Thursday, April 27, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST
CARM Webinar for Provincial Government Organizations:
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST
CARM Webinar for Municipal Organizations:
Thursday, May 11, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST
CARM Webinar for Hospitals:
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST
CARM Webinar for School Boards:
Thursday, May 18, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST

For more information and registration, please contact CARM Engagement at CBSA.CARM_Engagement-Engagement_de_la_GCRA.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

About the CARM Project

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project is a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative to modernize and enhance the agency’s capacity to manage its revenues. The project aims to improve the CBSA’s ability to collect, assess, and manage duties and taxes while also providing a better client experience.

The CARM project includes a number of components, including:

  • A new, modernized system for managing revenue collections;
  • Improved data collection and analytics capabilities;
  • Improved information sharing between the CBSA and other federal departments;
  • Enhanced reporting capabilities; and
  • Improved training and support for CBSA staff.

The CARM project is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the CBSA’s revenue collections as well as provide enhanced visibility into the status of collections and payments. In addition, the project will help the CBSA ensure compliance with international trade agreements as well as identify and address any potential revenue leakage.

The project will be implemented in phases. The first phase includes the development of the new system, data collection and analytics capabilities, and improved information sharing. The second phase will focus on improved reporting capabilities, enhanced training and support for CBSA staff, and improved analysis of revenue collections.

The CARM project is a significant step forward in the CBSA’s efforts to modernize its systems and optimize its revenue collection processes. The project is expected to improve the CBSA’s ability to manage its revenues, while also providing a better client experience.

About ARGO Customs Brokers

Argo Customs Brokers Ltd. is a full-service customs broker in Ontario, Canada. They provide a complete range of customs services, including customs clearance, customs consulting, and warehousing and distribution. They specialize in the clearance of goods imported into and exported from Canada.

Argo Customs Brokers has been providing customs brokerage services since 1988. They offer a knowledgeable and experienced staff that is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to their customers. Their experienced staff is well-versed in the customs regulations and procedures in Canada and the US. The company is a member of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers and is accredited with the Canada Border Services Agency.

Argo Customs Brokers offers a variety of services to its customers. These include customs clearance, customs consulting, warehousing, and distribution services. They also offer shipment tracking and tracing services, as well as a variety of other specialized services.

Argo Customs Brokers Ltd. is committed to providing their customers with the highest quality of service and expertise. They strive to build and maintain long-term relationships with their clients by providing them with reliable and cost-efficient customs solutions.

Submit Your Customs Declaration in Advance and Save Time at the Airport

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Argo Customs Brokers is dedicated to maintaining clear communication with their customers and those who wish to keep themselves informed about important importing and exporting regulations. As such, we present pertinent points from a news release issued by the Canada Border Services Agency.

As of February 28, 2023, Advance Declaration was made available to all travellers arriving on international flights at the Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Express lanes are also available in both airports’ customs areas, allowing travellers who complete their Advance Declaration to skip long line-ups at the Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK).

The Advance Declaration provides travellers with the option to submit their customs and immigration declaration, using the ArriveCAN app, up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada. Travellers can now spend less time at PIKs when they arrive at the airport, resulting in shorter wait times at the border.

In an effort to modernize and expedite the travel experience, Advance Declaration has already been implemented for travellers arriving on international flights at the following Canadian airports:

  • Toronto Pearson
  • Montreal-Trudeau
  • Winnipeg Richardson
  • Vancouver
  • Halifax Stanfield
  • Québec City Jean-Lesage
  • Calgary

The digital tool will also become available to travellers arriving at Edmonton International Airport in the coming weeks.

 

Advance Declaration is part of CBSA’s Traveller Modernization Initiative, which is being implemented over the coming years. Modernizing the travel experience includes the use of digital technologies and tools for both travellers and border service officers.

 

“With Advance Declaration and express lanes now available at Billy Bishop Toronto City and Ottawa International Airports, we are keeping our border secure while providing a better and faster experience for travellers. This is another example of how the CBSA is modernizing the border, and we are happy to be working with Ports Toronto and Ottawa International Airport Authority to make this option available to travellers.” –Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Northern Ontario Region, CBSA and Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region, CBSA

 

Key Takeaways

  • Early usage data shows that using the Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN cuts the amount of time a traveller spends at a PIK or eGate by roughly one third.
  • A traveller can submit a customs and immigration declaration at any point within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada. Travellers can also edit their declaration, if needed, at the airport kiosk once they arrive. The declaration is not finalized until it has been confirmed at the airport kiosk.
  • Personal information provided by travellers through ArriveCAN is protected under the Privacy Act. For more information, see the ArriveCAN privacy notice. Advance CBSA Declaration has an additional privacy notice that is presented to users upon accessing the feature. It offers end-to-end encryption for information the traveller transmits to the CBSA in advance of their arrival in Canada.

Associated Links

Argo Customs Brokers Is Available to Assist

If you or your company are affected by these new regulations, ARGO Customs Brokers would be happy to speak with you about how they may apply. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions and can help you understand the effect that these regulations may have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.

Checklist for Importing Commercial Goods Into Canada

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Argo Customs Brokers is dedicated to maintaining clear communication with their customers and those who wish to keep themselves informed about important importing and exporting regulations. As such, we present pertinent points from documents issued by the Canada Border Services Agency.

Note that this checklist is to be used in conjunction with the Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Commercial Goods into Canada. It is intended to complement and not replace existing regulations, acts, and references.

Importing requirements include the following:

  • Obtain your import/export business number (RM import account) from the Canada Revenue Agency. ARGO brokers can help obtain an RM account for Non-Resident Importers (NRI program).
  • Identify what type of goods you want to import.
  • ARGO Customs brokers can assist to determine the proper HS Tariff classification code.
  • Determine the country of origin for the goods you are importing. ARGO brokers will assist you with the Free Trade Agreements rules and conditions to use them.
  • Verify whether the goods are controlled, regulated or prohibited by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or any other government department or agency. ARGO Brokers are handling ODG PGA goods at all Canadian ports.
  • Ensure that the goods are marked and labelled as required.
  • Determine whether the goods are subject to any other duties or taxes including the goods and services tax (GST).
  • Obtain invoices, certificates of origin, and any other required documents.
  • Determine the value for duty of the goods you are importing.
  • Select the method of shipping and communicate with the transportation company regarding cross-border requirements.
  • Await notification that your shipment has arrived and provide it to your broker.

 

The Checklist for Importing Commercial Goods Into Canada is intended to complement and not replace existing regulations, acts, and references ~ CBSA

Key Takeaways

The CBSA notes the following information to consider when complying with stipulated regulations:

  • The shipment may be examined by government officials. Fees charged by authorized third parties to unload and reload goods are the responsibility of the importer.
  • If you make an error in the accounting information provided to the CBSA, you are required to correct the declaration if the change is revenue-neutral or if you owe money.
  • Keep records of your import documents for a period of six years following the importation.
  • Be aware that the CBSA uses the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to assess monetary penalties against businesses that do not comply with customs legislation.

Associated Links

Argo Customs Brokers Is Available to Assist

If you or your company are affected by these new regulations, ARGO Customs Brokers would be happy to speak with you about how they may apply. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions and can help you understand the effect that these procedures may have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.

New Export Import Control System (New EICS)

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Global Affairs Canada (GAC) recently completed an upgrade to the Export Import Controls System (EICS).

The New EICS enables licenced customs brokers to apply online for export or import permits for controlled goods. Products subject to import controls include agricultural products, firearms, textiles and clothing, steel, and aluminum.

This notification represents changes in the web interface and does not constitute changes in trade control policy or the permit process.

Key Takeaways

  • The upgrade includes:
    • a new web user interface supported by up-to-date browsers
    • updates to align with Government of Canada security and accessibility standards
    • enhanced system navigation
    • new authentication system with unique log-in credentials
  • Note that access privileges in the New EICS will remain the same as they were in the old system. This upgrade also does not constitute changes in trade control policy or the permit process.
  • Functionality, EICS tabs and processes also remain unchanged. The New EICS represents a modernization of the authentication system and web interface.

Related Links

●      EICS – Participants Requirements Document (Version 2.4, March 2012)

●      List of licensed customs brokers (CBSA)

●      EICS Hours of Operation

●      EICS PKI Policy for Customs Brokers Certificates

●      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

●      EICS Privacy Impact Assessment

“We define, shape, and advance Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. We manage diplomatic relations, promote international trade, and provide consular assistance. We lead international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. We also contribute to national security and the development of international law.” –Global Affairs Canada

ARGO Customers Brokers Is Ready to Help

ARGO Customs Brokers has registered for the new EICS system and can assist you in applying to obtain an EIPA number for your company. Note that permits can also be accessed via the new EICS portal.

You are invited to inquire regarding a free consultation regarding changes to the EICS system. ARGO Customs Brokers is pleased to assist with all of your import and export business.

CBSA signs Mutual Recognition Agreement with the European Union to Enhance Supply Chain Security and Facilitate Trade

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CBSA signs Mutual Recognition Agreement with the European Union

Argo Customs Brokers is dedicated to maintaining clear communication with their customers and those who wish to keep themselves informed about important importing and exporting regulations. As such, we present pertinent points from a news release issued by the Canada Border Services Agency.

The news release titled CBSA signs Mutual Recognition Agreement with the European Union to enhance supply chain security and facilitate trade was published on October 28, 2022.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the signing of a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the European Union’s (EU) Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD) to honour each other’s Trusted Trader programs. The signing took place during a Canada-EU Joint Customs Cooperation Committee meeting in Brussels, Belgium. This contributes to increasing the security of the international supply chain, facilitating trade at the border, and strengthening the economic competitiveness of Canadians doing business with the EU.

Members of Canada’s Trusted Trader program, Partners in Protection (PIP), will have their goods treated as low risk and cleared by EU Customs faster, ultimately saving time and money at the border. The CBSA will do the same for members of the EU’s Trusted Trader program, which is referred to as their Authorized Economic Operator program. This will also allow the CBSA to focus its resources on areas of higher or unknown risk and protect Canadians by preventing contraband from entering the country.

The CBSA establishes mutual recognition with customs organizations around the world so countries can recognize each other’s program members as low risk and honour similar benefits. It signifies that countries apply similar security standards and validation processes when approving program applicants. The key goal of mutual recognition is to strengthen trust and security in the supply chain to prevent criminal activity, such as cargo theft, pilferage, and smuggling contraband. Mutual recognition also contributes to trade by streamlining processing at the border for certified and trusted traders.

“The Canada Border Services Agency is pleased to have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the European Union, Canada’s second-largest trading partner. This agreement will enhance international supply chain security, facilitate trade between Canada and Europe, and strengthen the economic competitiveness of Canadian businesses.” —Erin O’Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency

Key Takeaways

  • The EU is one of the largest economies in the world and Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the United States.
  • The EU is a large, dynamic market of 450 million consumers that offers tremendous opportunities for Canadian businesses in a wide range of sectors.
  • The Canada-EU Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement has significantly expanded commercial opportunities between the parties.
  • In 2021, the value of trade in goods between the EU and Canada was approximately $88.2 billion.
  • In addition to this agreement with the EU, the CBSA has established mutual recognition with the customs administrations of Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.

Associated Links

Argo Customs Brokers is Available to Assist

If you or your company imports goods that are affected by this agreement, ARGO Customs Brokers would be happy to talk with you about how you and your company can get the most out of it. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions about importing and exporting and can help you understand the effect that this agreement can have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.