Dear ,
This notice is to inform you of recent and upcoming changes by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that may impact your imports of steel and aluminum goods coming into Canada.
These changes are outlined in Customs Notices 25-24, 25-28, and 24-36 and impose significant surtaxes on certain imports, particularly those involving Chinese-origin materials or TRQ quota limits.
Surtax on Steel Goods – Over Access to TRQs
Customs Notice 25-24: Order Imposing a Surtax on the Importation of Certain Steel Goods
Effective: June 27, 2025 (revised August 1, 2025)
Rate: 50% Surtax on applicable goods
Goods imported outside the USMCA region (Canada, US, Mexico) that exceed Canada’s tariff rate quotas (TRQs) for certain steel products are subject to a 50% surtax, unless covered by a valid import permit.
Action Required: Importers must ensure import permits are obtained before customs release. In the absence of a valid permit, the 50% surtax applies. Importers of these goods will require an EIPA # issued by Global Affairs Canada to obtain a permit.
Get your Export and Imports Permits Act (EIPA) number Notice to importers: Item 82 – Steel goods – Serial No. 1142
Tariff rate quota (TRQ) utilization data
25% Surtax on Chinese-Content Steel and Aluminum
Customs Notice 25-28: Steel Goods and Aluminum Goods Surtax Order
Effective: July 31, 2025 (Customs Notice 25-28)
Goods that contain steel melted and poured in China or aluminum smelted/cast in China are subject to a 25% surtax, even if the goods are further manufactured elsewhere.
Proof Required:
- Now–Sep 21, 2025: Commercial invoice may suffice
- Starting Sep 22, 2025: mill test or material test certificate; a certificate of conformance, compliance, or analysis; a metallurgical test report; or a chemical analysis certificate to prove that the country of smelt and cast (CSC) for aluminum is not China.
25% Surtax on Chinese-Origin Steel and Aluminum
Customs Notice 24-36: China Surtax Order (2024) – Steel and Aluminum
Effective: October 22, 2024 (Customs Notice 24-36)
Goods manufactured in China—regardless of shipping origin—are subject to a 25% surtax.
Reminder: Country of manufacture determines applicability, not the shipping location.
Next Steps for Importers
- Review the origin and composition of all steel and aluminum goods
- Secure valid import permits for TRQ-eligible steel products
- Request supporting documentation from vendors for compliance
- Consult your JORI Customs representative for impact assessment and mitigation strategies
For questions or import permit guidance, please contact: customs@jorilogistics.com.
Thank you,
Customs Team
JORI Logistics
