Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 160, Number 14: Order Amending the General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products

April 4, 2026

Statutory authority
Export and Import Permits Act

Sponsoring department
Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Order.)

Issues

The collection and publication of country of smelt and cast (CSC) data is part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to increase transparency in the domestic supply chain for aluminum imports and to provide a more comprehensive picture of the origins of imported aluminum goods.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can collect CSC information but cannot compel importers to provide it for monitoring purposes. For Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to obtain CSC information and monitor it, the terms and conditions of the General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products (GIP83) need to be amended to require importers to provide CSC information to the CBSA at the time of importation.

Background

Global Affairs Canada administers the Aluminum Import Monitoring Program (the Program) through GIP83, which facilitates the collection of aluminum import data. GIP83 includes reporting and record-keeping requirements that ensure the accuracy of the data collected on aluminum imports and allow GAC to identify and correct potential discrepancies in import data. Information on product category, country of origin, volume, and value of aluminum imports is collected, and reports are published online on the Department’s website to allow the government and external users to identify and track potential trends.

Canada began monitoring imports of aluminum products on September 1, 2019, following the addition of certain aluminum products to the Import Control List (ICL), pursuant to paragraph 5(1)(e) and section 6 of the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA). The Program implemented Canada’s commitments with respect to the monitoring of aluminum trade as set out in the 2019 Joint Statement by Canada and the United States (U.S.) on Section 232 Duties on Steel and Aluminum (the Joint Statement). To facilitate import monitoring, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, pursuant to subsection 8(1.1) of the EIPA, issued the GIP83 with reporting and record-keeping requirements, which came into force on September 1, 2019.

Further to requests from Canadian industry stakeholders as well as requests from the United States to continue to improve aluminum import monitoring, with a particular focus on CSC, GAC held public consultations from May 21 to June 28, 2024, on the potential collection and publication of CSC information for aluminum imports. The results indicated overall support for the collection and publication of CSC information. Further details are provided in the “Consultation” section.

This measure is separate from the measures implemented by the Government of Canada to protect the Canadian industry from the impacts of non-market practices exacerbated by trade diversion from other countries as a result of U.S. tariffs. Since July 31, 2025, the Steel Goods and Aluminum Goods Surtax Order (Surtax Order) imposes a 25% surtax on certain steel and aluminum goods imported into Canada that contain Chinese-origin steel and aluminum. Importers must provide certificates or reports proving that the goods do not contain steel that is melted and poured or aluminum that is smelted or cast in China; otherwise, the surtax applies. For aluminum goods subject to the surtax, importers must provide information on the country where the largest or second-largest volume of primary aluminum was produced and the country where the goods were most recently liquified and cast into a solid state.

The United States is the only country to collect CSC data for the purpose of import monitoring (since June 28, 2021) and, in September 2022, it began publishing monthly high-level aggregate CSC data.

Objective

The proposed amendments would improve aluminum supply chain transparency by requiring Canadian aluminum importers to provide information on CSC for imported aluminum. The additional information would help to improve the overall data quality that is reported and published as part of the Aluminum Import Monitoring Program.

Description

The proposed amendments would change various provisions of the GIP83 to require that importers provide CSC information to the CBSA at the time of importation, as terms and conditions of using the GIP83. Specifically, the amendments would include the definitions for CSC under an “interpretation” section, clarify the General Import Permit (GIP) citation rule, update the terms and conditions to require importers to report CSC information and retain related documentation for a period of six years following the year of importation, and detail the CSC reporting exemptions.

It is being proposed that CSC information be collected directly by the CBSA via the Single Window (SW) Integrated Import Declaration (IID). This is the most efficient means to do so at this time and is the method used for the collection of similar country of melt and pour information for the Steel Import Monitoring Program. Furthermore, using the SW IID would be aligned with the feedback provided by stakeholders during the public consultations, which was that the CSC information be collected with minimal administrative cost and burden on importers.

Regulatory development

Consultation

From May 21 to June 28, 2024, the Government of Canada held public consultations on the Consulting with Canadians and GAC websites on the potential collection and publication of CSC information for aluminum imports. The consultations provided an opportunity for all Canadians and aluminum industry stakeholders to submit their views regarding the collection and publication of CSC data.

An online questionnaire containing nine CSC-related questions was available for interested parties to complete and provide feedback on the level of general support, potential compliance challenges, document retention requirements, method of data collection, the ability of importers to access CSC information, CSC definition, publication of data, implementation timelines, and any other general comments/suggestions. A summary of the views and feedback received and how they were reflected in the proposed amendments is provided here. Additional information is available in the What we heard report.

Input was received from 16 organizations representing small, medium and large enterprises, importers, producers, industry associations, customs brokerages, governments, and labour unions. The results indicated that most stakeholders supported the collection and publication of CSC information, as these would enhance Canada’s aluminum import monitoring regime.

A recurring comment was that the collection method must not increase the administrative cost nor burden on importers and that, in the publication of CSC information, business proprietary and commercially sensitive information must be protected. Most respondents agreed with collecting CSC information through customs declarations such as the SW IID, as it is already used to clear goods, thus minimizing administrative burden on importers.

Overall, respondents who expressed support for the collection and publication of CSC data were of the view that aluminum importers should not have difficulty obtaining and providing the required information. Furthermore, many of these supportive respondents noted that the collection and publication of CSC data would enhance transparency and traceability in the aluminum supply chain, strengthen North American markets, and support the identification of unfair practices.

Respondents who opposed the measure voiced concerns regarding the potential difficulties faced in obtaining CSC information and the associated increase in administrative burden. Many of the opposing stakeholders also raised concerns about the potential impacts on costs, efficiency and competitiveness. The operating environment has already changed since the public consultations. Notably, as of July 31, 2025, aluminum importers are required to have CSC documentation for surtax accounting and provide the documentation to the CBSA for compliance with the Surtax Order. Therefore, the proposed regulatory amendments do not create an additional burden on importers with respect to obtaining and keeping CSC records. Further flexibility is also provided to importers, as the reporting of the country of largest and second-largest smelt would not apply to goods that are only made with secondary aluminum or goods that do not have a country of second-largest smelt.

Some respondents noted preferences for implementation to be transitioned from six months to two years. Technical changes to make CSC reporting mandatory are expected to take four to six months to implement after the regulatory amendments; it is not anticipated that additional time is needed to enable importers to transition, since they are already required to maintain and provide information on the CSC to the CBSA in relation to the Surtax Order.

Finally, participants of the Customs Self-Assessment Program are proposed to be exempt from the CSC requirements in order to maintain their release process under the Program. This was noted as a concern during the public consultations. This is consistent with the approach taken in relation to steel and the collection of country of melt and pour data.

Indigenous engagement, consultation and modern treaty obligations

In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation, an analysis was undertaken to determine whether the amendments are likely to give rise to modern treaty obligations. The assessment examined the geographic scope and subject matter of the amendments in relation to modern treaties in effect. No modern treaty obligations were identified.

Instrument choice

The GIP83 forms the basis of Canada’s Aluminum Importing Monitoring Program. The purpose of the present Order is to enhance Canada’s Aluminum Importing Monitoring Program by requiring importers to provide CSC information for imported aluminum products. Accordingly, an order amending the existing GIP83 is the most appropriate instrument to achieve the Government’s objective of enhancing Canada’s Aluminum Import Monitoring Program and improving supply chain transparency for aluminum products. No other instruments were considered.

Regulatory analysis

Benefits and costs

The proposed amendments would implement the outcomes of public consultations with Canadians, importers and aluminum industry stakeholders and would enhance Canada’s aluminum import monitoring capabilities without hindering the importation process. Importers would continue to cite the applicable GIP83 on their import declarations and the GIPs would continue to be processed automatically. At this time, the collection of CSC information can only be done by the CBSA via the SW IID and most aluminum importers (approximately 93%) already use the SW IID to clear imported goods. In addition, information related to CSC can be found in a variety of documentation, including invoices, lab reports, smelter mill certificates or certificates of analysis that importers can obtain through the course of regular business or upon request to the supplier.

The CBSA would incur minimal costs to implement the technical changes required to collect CSC information and three CSC fields would need to be added to the SW IID. The CBSA would also incur minor costs related to implementation, communication and outreach activities needed because of the proposed amendments (such as updating departmental memoranda and work instruments and updating web content on the CBSA web page). The proposed amendments would not result in increased compliance, enforcement, and verification costs to CBSA, as there is no change required for them as a result of the amendments. The collection of CSC data via SW IID could assist the CBSA in enforcing the Surtax Order, as importers would now declare this information using a CBSA system, which could easily summarize the information rather than having it provided as certificates and reports that the CBSA would have to review. The CBSA would continue to send import information for aluminum goods, including CSC information, to GAC.

For GAC, incremental resource requirements related to the proposed amendments to the aluminum GIP and adding the verification of CSC information to the existing verification process are estimated to be minimal and would be absorbed within the existing reference levels of the International Trade Branch. GAC publishes aluminum import monitoring reports, and the publication of CSC information would be added to the existing website.

The collection of CSC information would provide the government and industry with increased information on aluminum imports. Overall, the proposed amendments are expected to have a net benefit for Canada’s aluminum import monitoring capabilities, as there will be an increase in information regarding the overall supply chain of aluminum imports available to Canadians while minimizing the cost and administrative burden on aluminum importers.

Small business lens

Analysis under the small business lens concluded that the proposed regulation would impact Canadian small businesses but it is expected to have a minimal and low-cost impact.

Importers are already required to complete customs declaration forms and would be required to complete an additional three fields of data and provide CSC information for applicable aluminum products. For SW IID transactions, importers would supply the information to their customs broker, who would complete this information on their behalf. Importantly, with the coming into force of the Surtax Order on July 31, 2025, importers have a requirement to provide documents proving the CSC to the CBSA to not have the aluminum imports be subject to the 25% additional surtax on the value for duty.

This regulatory change is considered a minimal administrative burden under the Policy on Limiting Regulatory Burden on Business. There may also be a minor initial cost associated with the time required to find the CSC information; however, this action would likely have already been undertaken to avoid the application of the Surtax Order. The completion of the CSC fields should be a simple process, as the importer would input the country of largest and second-largest smelt (as applicable) and the country of most recent cast. The completion of the fields is similar to what importers are already required to do for the Country of Origin field.

Additionally, flexibility is being provided to importers, especially small businesses, as the requirement to provide CSC information would not apply to imports of applicable aluminum goods that do not exceed $5,000.

One-for-one rule

The one-for-one rule applies, since there is an incremental increase in administrative burden on business, and the proposal is considered burden “in” under the rule and no regulatory titles are repealed or introduced.

As per the Red Tape Reduction Regulations, the assessment of administrative impacts was conducted for a period of 10 years commencing from registration. All values listed in this section are presented in 2012 dollars, discounted to 2012 at a rate of 7%. The total annualized cost of the incremental administrative burden is estimated to be approximately $16,011.

The amendments related to the completion of three additional fields for CSC in the SW IID represent an annualized total cost of $13,445. Approximately 264 customs brokers are estimated to spend under a few minutes to complete the task 1 227 times per year. The average wage (including overhead) of the responsible individual is estimated to be $24.83.

The amendments related to finding CSC information for castings and forgings, which are not presently covered by the Surtax Order, represent an annualized total cost of $2,566. Approximately 224 importers are estimated to spend 10 minutes to complete the task seven times per year. The average wage (including overhead) of the responsible individual is estimated to be $25.61.

The Order is an amendment to an existing regulation, which imposes limited administrative and financial burden on aluminum importers. Aluminum importers would continue to cite the applicable GIP on the CBSA customs declarations and if applicable, would complete an additional three fields for CSC information, which are similar to that of the Country of Origin field. For record keeping, there is no additional administrative burden as importers are already required to maintain importation records for a period of up to six years after the year of importation. This requirement aligns with the requirements of existing customs law for documents related to imports.

Regulatory cooperation and alignment

The proposed amendments are in line with the Joint Statement by Canada and the United States and further work regarding the monitoring of aluminum trade.

International obligations

In line with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, Canada would notify the WTO of any approved changes to the terms and conditions of GIP83 and would update the applicable Notice to Importers in Global Affairs Canada’s website to ensure that the changes are transparent.

Effects on the environment

In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment, a preliminary review concluded that the proposed amendments would not result in positive or negative effects on the environment; therefore, a strategic environmental assessment is not required.

Gender-based analysis plus

A gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) was conducted. No GBA+ impacts have been identified for the proposed amendments.

Implementation, compliance and enforcement, and service standards

Under the EIPA, GAC is responsible for administering the import permits regime, including the issuance of import permits. Importers of aluminum must cite the GIP83 on their customs documentation. The CBSA is responsible for the collection of customs data, including CSC information, and transmits aluminum import data to GAC. GAC provides information and guidance to aluminum importers on the use of the GIPs through the Aluminum Import Monitoring Program website and can also be contacted directly via email.

Failure to cite the required import permit may lead to the levying of penalties (up to $25,000 per infraction) by the CBSA under the Administrative Monetary Penalty System, which authorizes the CBSA to assess monetary penalties for non-compliance with legislative, regulatory and program requirements related to customs. Importers may also face prosecution under the EIPA for contravening a provision of the Act or its regulations (section 19). Compliance is monitored by the CBSA and GAC.

To help with compliance with the new CSC reporting requirements under GIP83, GAC would provide administrative guidance to importers by issuing a Notice to Importers, which can be found on the departmental website.

Contact

Anh Nguyen
Deputy Director
Steel and Aluminum Import Monitoring
Trade Remedies Division
North America Trade Policy Bureau
Global Affairs Canada
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2
Email: aluminum-aluminium@international.gc.ca

PROPOSED REGULATORY TEXT

Notice is given that the Minister of Foreign Affairs proposes to make the annexed Order Amending the General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products under subsections 8(1.1)footnote a and 10(1)footnote b of the Export and Import Permits Act footnote c.

Interested persons may make representations concerning the proposed Order within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. They are strongly encouraged to use the online commenting feature that is available on the Canada Gazette website but if they use email, mail or any other means, the representations should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice, and be sent to Anh Nguyen, Deputy Director, Steel and Aluminum Import Monitoring, Trade Remedies Division, North America Trade Policy Bureau, Global Affairs Canada, 111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 (email: aluminum-aluminium@international.gc.ca).

Ottawa, March 20, 2026

Anita Anand
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Order Amending the General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products

Amendments

1 The General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products footnote 1 is amended by adding the following before section 1:

Definitions

0.1 The following definitions apply in this Permit.

country of largest smelt
means the country where the largest quantity of primary aluminum contained in a good was produced. (premier pays de fusion)
country of most recent cast
means the country where the aluminum contained in a good was most recently liquefied and cast into a solid state, which can take the form of either a semi-finished or finished aluminum product. (pays du plus récent moulage)
country of second-largest smelt
means the country where the second-largest quantity of primary aluminum contained in a good was produced. (deuxième pays de fusion)

2 Section 2 of the Permit is replaced by the following:

2 If any goods imported under the authority of this Permit are required to be accounted for under section 32 of the Customs Act, the resident of Canada must, at the time of accounting or interim accounting, whichever comes first, include the statement “GIP83” or “LGI83” in the prescribed form.

3 Section 3 of the Permit is amended by striking out “and” at the end of paragraph (b) and by replacing paragraph (c) with the following:

4 The Permit is amended by adding the following after section 3:

3.1 Section 2 and paragraph 3(d) do not apply to a CSA importer, as defined in section 2 of the Accounting for Imported Goods and Payment of Duties Regulations, in respect of goods released under paragraph 32(2)(b) of the Customs Act.

3.2 Paragraph 3(d) does not apply if the total value for duty of the imported goods is $5,000 or less.

5 Section 4 of the Permit is amended by striking out “and” at the end of paragraph (i) and by replacing paragraph (j) with the following:

Coming into Force

6 This Order comes into force on October 1, 2026, but if it is registered after that day, it comes into force on the day on which it is registered.

Terms of use and Privacy notice

Terms of use

It is your responsibility to ensure that the comments you provide do not:

  • contain personal information
  • contain protected or classified information of the Government of Canada
  • express or incite discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or against any other group protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • contain hateful, defamatory, or obscene language
  • contain threatening, violent, intimidating or harassing language
  • contain language contrary to any federal, provincial or territorial laws of Canada
  • constitute impersonation, advertising or spam
  • encourage or incite any criminal activity
  • contain external links
  • contain a language other than English or French
  • otherwise violate this notice

The federal institution managing the proposed regulatory change retains the right to review and remove personal information, hate speech, or other information deemed inappropriate for public posting as listed above.

Confidential Business Information should only be posted in the specific Confidential Business Information text box. In general, Confidential Business Information includes information that (i) is not publicly available, (ii) is treated in a confidential manner by the person to whose business the information relates, and (iii) has actual or potential economic value to the person or their competitors because it is not publicly available and whose disclosure would result in financial loss to the person or a material gain to their competitors. Comments that you provide in the Confidential Business Information section that satisfy this description will not be made publicly available. The federal institution managing the proposed regulatory change retains the right to post the comment publicly if it is not deemed to be Confidential Business Information.

Your comments will be posted on the Canada Gazette website for public review. However, you have the right to submit your comments anonymously. If you choose to remain anonymous, your comments will be made public and attributed to an anonymous individual. No other information about you will be made publicly available.

Comments will remain posted on the Canada Gazette website for at least 10 years.

Please note that communication by email is not secure, if the attachment you wish to send contains sensitive information, please contact the departmental email to discuss ways in which you can transmit sensitive information.

Privacy notice

The information you provide is collected under the authority of the Financial Administration Act, the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act, the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act,and applicable regulators’ enabling statutes for the purpose of collecting comments related to the proposed regulatory changes. Your comments and documents are collected for the purpose of increasing transparency in the regulatory process and making Government more accessible to Canadians.

Personal information submitted is collected, used, disclosed, retained, and protected from unauthorized persons and/or agencies pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Privacy Regulations. Individual names that are submitted will not be posted online but will be kept for contact if needed. The names of organizations that submit comments will be posted online.

Submitted information, including personal information, will be accessible to Public Services and Procurement Canada, who is responsible for the Canada Gazette webpage, and the federal institution managing the proposed regulatory change.

You have the right of access to and correction of your personal information. To seek access or correction of your personal information, contact the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Office of the federal institution managing the proposed regulatory change.

You have the right to file a complaint to the Privacy Commission of Canada regarding any federal institution’s handling of your personal information.

The personal information provided is included in Personal Information Bank PSU 938 Outreach Activities. Individuals requesting access to their personal information under the Privacy Act should submit their request to the appropriate regulator with sufficient information for that federal institution to retrieve their personal information. For individuals who choose to submit comments anonymously, requests for their information may not be reasonably retrievable by the government institution.