ARGO Customs Wants Canadian Importers to Be Aware of Coming Aluminum-Related Surtaxes

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August 30, 2020 – Vancouver, BC – Anyone taking aluminum goods manufactured in the United States and importing them into Canada needs to be aware of new fees that will be applied at the border, say the importation experts at ARGO Customs.

Beginning on September 21, 2020, a wide range of aluminum products, manufactured in the United States, will have an additional surtax of 10% applied to them upon importation.  This measure was undertaken as retaliation against the United States’ own recent tariffs on Canadian-made aluminum products.  The length of time this surtax will be applied is unknown and will be contingent on US-Canadian diplomatic efforts going forward.

More than sixty product types are affected, including:

  • Aluminum ores and concentrates
  • Fluorides, chlorides, and sulfates of aluminum
  • Unwrought aluminum and aluminum alloys
  • Aluminum bars, rods, plates, foil, and wires
  • Aluminum doors and windows
  • Aluminum casks, cans, drums, and similar containers
  • Aluminum-built appliances, including washing machines and refrigerators
  • Aluminum furniture or exercise equipment

A full list of the affected items is available from the Canadian Department of Finance.

The surtax will only apply to items that are manufactured in the US, as per the terms of the CUSMA, and does not apply to goods originally made overseas.  The surtax will also not be charged on items that are already en route between the United States and Canada on September 21, 2020.  Canada’s Duties Relief and Duty Drawback Programs will still provide relief to these surtaxes, for importers who qualify.

This may substantially complicate the process of importing aluminum products into Canada.  Importers are encouraged to contact a licensed and experienced importation broker to help them understand how they will be affected by these new surtaxes, and whether they have any alternatives to paying them.

About ARGO Customs

ARGO Customs is a highly experienced Canadian importation broker which specializes in helping importers move their products through the border with a minimum of delay.  Their team of world trade experts are fully versed in global trade agreements and treaties and have the skills to ensure every shipment goes smoothly.

For more information or press inquiries, please contact 1-888-311-8303 or visit https://argocustoms.com/.

 

ARGO Customs Clarifies the May 5 Certain Goods Remission Order

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May 20, 2020 – Toronto, ON – Regulations on the importation of goods into Canada are changing rapidly due to the Coronavirus outbreak, and the Canadian importation specialists at ARGO Customs want to help importers understand the latest order from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).  Notice CN 20-19, issued on May 5, 2020, substantially expands on the goods eligible for customs duty relief, making it easier and more attractive to import these vital goods.

The order covers a wide variety of medical goods and products, including but not limited to:

  • Face masks, with or without a filter
  • Disposable plastic and rubber medical gloves
  • Protective garments made of plastics, rubber, cotton, and other materials
  • Sterilizing products such as isopropyl alcohol and soaps
  • Disposable sundries such as biohazard bags

Companies importing these products, in accordance to regulation, will be eligible for relief of the standard importation duties for as long as this order remains in effect.  Importers can claim the relief at time of importation, or within two years of the importation date.

To file a claim, proper evidence and documentation will be required.  This includes the original Form B3-3, sales invoices, contracts, bills of lading, and other official documentation.

It is important to recognize that these duty waivers are not retroactive.  For goods to be eligible, they must have been imported after May 5, 2020.  Any goods imported prior to the adoption of CN 20-19 will still owe duties as normal.

Keeping up with the rapid changes to Canadian importation laws can be difficult, with new laws and advisories coming on a weekly basis.  ARGO Customs recommends importers partner with a qualified customs broker to help ensure they are always fully compliant with the latest regulations.

About ARGO Customs

ARGO Customs specializes in easing the process of importing goods into Canada, as well as facilitating exports.  Their team of world-class shipping advisors are familiar with customs regulations around the globe, while also keeping up with the latest in Canadian importation rules.  Regardless of the size of the company or shipment, ARGO Customs will see it delivered in the shortest possible time, without mishap.

For more information or press inquiries, please contact 1 (888) 311-8303 or visit https://argocustoms.com/ today.

 

Import Emergency Goods into Canada Without Paying Tariffs – ARGO Customs Explains New Customs Rules

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import emergency goodsApril 21, 2020 – Toronto, CA – There is good news for those looking to import emergency goods into Canada during the COVID-19 crisis, according to the importation experts at ARGO Customs.  The Canada Border Services Agency recently announced that many fees and tariffs relating to medical goods are currently being suspended due to the outbreak, and ARGO wants to help ensure as many importers as possible can take advantage of these new rules.

According to Customs Notice 20-08, “Imported Goods for Emergency Use in Response to COVID-19,” there will be relief of duties and taxes for emergency medical goods if those goods are required by:

  • Federal, provincial, or municipal governmental agencies
  • Healthcare centres 
  • First-response organizations such as police or fire departments
  • Private care residences, such as nursing homes

Currently, goods being imported for sale through private commercial outlets are not eligible for this tax relief.  Otherwise, businesses will be able to import emergency goods intended for nearly any governmental or healthcare operation without paying the standard duties and fees.

However, should goods be imported and then not used by such organizations, they will need to be exported again after the crisis has passed.  Also, importers should be aware that Border Services still reserves the right to inspect any and all cargo coming into the country.

ARGO Customs advises importers to partner with an experienced importation broker, to help them navigate the relevant paperwork, and guarantee they get any tax relief they are legally entitled to.  In pursuit of this, ARGO has also announced they will be waiving the traditional one-time account set up fee, further reducing burdens on Canadian importers.

About ARGO Customs

ARGO Customs specializes in helping businesses navigate the complexities of importing and exporting in Canada.  They employ a team of highly skilled and licensed global commerce experts and have extensive experience navigating the bureaucracy of the Canadian customs system.  With ARGO as a partner, businesses can be assured their goods will cross the border quickly and legally.

For more information, please contact 1 (888) 311-8303 or visit https://argocustoms.com/.

ARGO Customs Can Help You Import Vital COVID-19 Medical Supplies

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import medical suppliers

Import medical suppliers are rushing to help Canada deal with the COVID-19 outbreak, but this can be impeded by the laws and regulations surrounding the importation of medical devices into Canada.  There are certainly good reasons for those regulations to be in place, but in times like these, you need an importation partner who can help you get through customs – and get your products into the right hands – as swiftly as possible.

ARGO Customs can be that partner.  We have extensive experience with, and knowledge of, Canadian importation procedures, and can help ensure the paperwork doesn’t slow you down.

How ARGO Customs Can Help Import Medical Devices During the Outbreak

  1. Knowledge of medical device licensing

Canada maintains four classes when categorizing medical devices, I, II, III, and IV based on both their handling procedures and any potential danger they might represent.  Class I devices – such as basic face masks – require no specific licensing, but any higher classifications require a specific license for importation.  We can ensure you have all the proper licenses for the equipment you want to import, preventing any delays in importation.

  1. Assigning the proper tariff classification codes

Like most countries, Canada has its own system of tariff classification codes which must be adhered to strictly.  Incorrectly classifying your imports – or doing so with incorrect paperwork – can lead to delays, fines, or even having your goods refused at the border.  We’ll make sure all of the bureaucracy is satisfied, removing these potential barriers to entry, helping your products get into the right hands more quickly.

  1. Helping you take advantage of recent fee waivers

To help encourage the importation of vital medical supplies and equipment, the Canadian Border Services Agency recently announced that they were waiving many fees and tariffs on such products.  Do your imports qualify?  We can help you make that determination and if so, assist you in all the necessary procedures at testosteroni-lisäravinne.fi
.  This can significantly improve the profitability of your Canadian medical imports during these trying times!

Free Sign-Ups During The COVID-19 Emergency

To do our part in helping the world’s import medical suppliers aid Canada during this disastrous outbreak, we are currently waiving the one-time setup fee you would normally need to pay.  This makes it easier than ever to make ARGO Customs your partner in Canadian medical importation!

Contact us to ease your way into Canadian markets.

ARGO Customs Informs Importers About Recent Changes to Canadian Steel and Aluminum Importation Regulations

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October 20, 2019 – Toronto, ON – Leading Canadian customs broker ARGO Customs wants importers to be aware of major new changes to the processes surrounding steel and aluminum importation.  Importers must be prepared to undergo more scrutiny, and submit additional documentation if their imports are to be allowed into Canada.

Changes made to the Special Import Measures Regulations (SIMR) body of legislation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are aimed at two areas: anti-dumping regulations, and steel and aluminum import monitoring.

The anti-dumping regulations give the CBSA additional power to determine if a country is unfairly “dumping” its products into Canada, to drive down prices and harm local industry.  The CBSA will have more authority to investigate importers and their goods, as well as the countries of origin.

Monitoring of Steel and Aluminum Imports

There will also be a step up in the monitoring of steel and aluminum imports.  Beginning on September 1, 2019, some aluminum products will be added to the Import Control List and General Import Permit (GIP) list.  Importers will be required to cite the GIP for their aluminum products, allowing the government to gather more data on sources and importation patterns.

Alongside this, both aluminum and steel importers may be required to submit detailed reports and documentation on their products.  Again, these requirements are designed so that the CBSA can more closely monitor importation patterns and countries of origin, with the long-term goal of evaluating whether more import regulations are called for.

These new regulations should create only minor new bureaucratic hurdles for most importers, as long as the regulations are adhered to.  Importers should consider hiring a Canadian customs broker to ensure compliance with these new laws.

About ARGO Customs

ARGO Customs features a highly respected and experienced team of importation specialists, who specialize in streamlining the importation process.  They are fully equipped to handle even unusual importation cases and can always provide support for importers who wish to take part in Canada’s booming economy.

For more information or press inquiries, call toll-free 1-888-311-8303 or visit https://argocustoms.com/.