On November 30, 2018, Canada, Mexico and the United States signed the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Article 23.6 of the CUSMA establishes an obligation for each Party to prohibit the importation of goods that have been produced in whole or in part by forced or compulsory labour.
Paragraphs 201(i.1) and 204(8) of the Canada-United States-Mexico Implementation Act (the Act) amend the Customs Tariff and the Schedule to the Customs Tariff to include a prohibition on the importation of goods that are mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour. The amendments made under the Act come into force in Canada on July 1, 2020.
As of July 1, 2020, goods that are mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour are prohibited from entering Canada pursuant to tariff item No. 9897.00.00 of the Customs Tariff.
Goods that are mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour are exempted from the provisions of tariff item No. 9897.00.00 when imported solely for personal use and are not for sale or for any business or occupational use.
Importers of goods classified under tariff item No. 9897.00.00 may appeal the classification as prohibited, re-export the goods or abandon the goods.
6. Any questions concerning this notice should be directed to the CBSA’s Border Information Service (BIS):
Calls within Canada (toll free):Â 1-800-461-9999
Calls outside Canada (long distance charges apply): 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064
Tele-typewriter (For those with hearing or speech impairments): 1-866-335-3237
This Notice is available in its entirety on the CBSA website.