Sep 2009
The government of Canada has announced its intention to unilaterally remove duty on a wide range of products which it describes as being used in the production of other goods in Canada. The Department of Finance is seeking comments from stakeholders on a proposal to remove the duty on over 1,500 specific tariff items. The Department will also consider submission for the removal of duty on tariff items not on their list.
This proposal, if implemented, could result in unconditional duty-free entry into Canada of products classified in Chapters 25-90 of the Harmonized System, including chemicals, fibres, manufactures of stone, glass and metals, and tools, machinery and equipment. In some cases, the duty rates may end up being phased out over a maximum five year period.
The deadline for comments, in favour of and opposed to this initiative, is 6 November 2009. Both importers and producers would be well advised not to assume that their interests will be addressed without their direct participation in the consultative process.
Our Canada Customs team is ready to assist clients to develop their submissions, and represent them in discussions with officials in the Department of Finance, with whom we have strong relationships built on successful management of these issues in the past.
