Order Amending the General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products: SOR/2026-136

Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 160, Number 13

Registration
SOR/2026-136 June 19, 2026

EXPORT AND IMPORT PERMITS ACT

The Minister of Foreign Affairs makes 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 Actfootnote c.

Ottawa, June 19, 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 Productsfootnote 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.

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

Description

The amendments 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 include the definitions for CSC, clarify the 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.

CSC information is to 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 is 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 or suggestions. A summary of the views and feedback received and how they were reflected in the 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 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 will 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 finalizing 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.

The draft order amending the GIP83 was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on April 4, 2026, and was open for public commenting until May 4, 2026. The proposed amendments included a requirement for importers of monitored aluminum goods to provide CSC information when submitting their customs declarations to the CBSA in the form and manner determined by the CBSA as a term and condition of using GIP No. 83, with an implementation date of October 1, 2026. The proposed amendments also provided exemptions for low value shipments and low-risk importers who are participants of the CBSA Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program.

GAC received input on the draft regulations from industry associations, a company and an organization. Overall, respondents were supportive of the proposed regulations, noting that the collection of CSC data would enhance the traceability of imported aluminum and strengthen Canada’s alignment with North America monitoring efforts. While some comments referred to the expansion of the products covered by the Aluminum Import Monitoring Program, they were beyond the scope of the proposed regulations. As no concerns were raised regarding the requirements, the information collection mechanism, the date of entry into force, nor the exemptions and flexibilities, no changes were made to the draft regulations.

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 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 amendments implement the outcomes of public consultations with Canadians, importers and aluminum industry stakeholders and will enhance Canada’s aluminum import monitoring capabilities without hindering the importation process. Importers continue to cite the applicable GIP83 on their import declarations and the GIPs 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 has absorbed the minimal costs to implement the technical changes required to collect CSC information and three CSC fields have been added to the SW IID. The CBSA has also assumed minor costs related to implementation, communication and outreach activities needed because of the amendments (such as updating departmental memoranda and work instruments and updating web content on the CBSA web page). The amendments do not result in increased compliance, enforcement and verification costs to the 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 now declare this information using a CBSA system, which easily summarizes the information rather than having it provided as certificates and reports that the CBSA would have to review. The CBSA continues to send import information for aluminum goods, including CSC information, to GAC.

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

The collection of CSC information provides the government and industry with increased information on aluminum imports. Overall, the 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 regulations impact Canadian small businesses, but they are expected to have a minimal and low-cost impact.

Importers are already required to complete customs declaration forms and are required to complete an additional three fields of data and provide CSC information for applicable aluminum products. For SW IID transactions, importers supply the information to their customs broker, who completes 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 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 is a simple process, as the importer inputs 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 continue to cite the GIP83 on the CBSA customs declarations and if applicable, 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 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 will notify the WTO of the changes to the terms and conditions of GIP83 and will update the applicable Notice to importers on 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 amendments do not result in positive or negative effects on the environment; therefore, a strategic environmental and economic assessment is not required.

Gender-based analysis plus

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