CBSA Updates on US Surtax Remission Order

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently announced important updates regarding the US surtax remission order. These changes affect how Canadian importers handle surtax payments and remission claims when dealing with goods subject to US surtax. If you work in cross-border trade or customs compliance, understanding these updates is essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure smooth transactions.

What Is the US Surtax Remission Order?

CBSA has updated the United States Surtax Remission Order – Customs Notice 25-19, which is intended to minimize the negative effects of the surtaxes on Canadian companies and entities by providing relief for goods that are used in Canadian manufacturing, processing and food and beverage packaging, and for those used to support public health, health care, public safety, and national security objectives.

The Remission Order allows the relief of surtaxes paid or payable by the United States Surtax Order (2025-1), the United States Surtax Order (Steel and Aluminum 2025), or the United States Surtax Order (Motor Vehicles 2025) (Surtax Order) in respect of eligible goods.

Important! Please note that the remission for steel goods used in manufacturing will be expiring January 31st 2026. Keep reading for more info.

Latest Remission Updates

Steel goods for manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging, and agricultural production	Extended to January 31, 2026
Steel goods for aerospace, motor vehicles, or parts thereof	Extended to June 30, 2026
Aluminum goods for manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging, and agricultural production	Extended to June 30, 2026
Goods used for public health, health care, public safety, or national security	Extended to June 30, 2026

Steel Derivative Goods Surtax (Remission Guidance from the Dept. of Finance)

Importers that would like to request remission of the steel derivative surtax (additional info here!) can request individual remission of the by submitting applications to the Department of Finance Canada at remissions‑remises@fin.gc.ca .

Each request is evaluated individually, and relief is granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as:

• The goods or suitable substitutes cannot be obtained from Canadian suppliers.

• Situations that could cause serious negative effects on the Canadian economy.

  
  

Applications must include documentation to support the circumstances outlined above, including:

• Product information: HS codes, product literature and intended use.

• Contractual constraints: any binding agreements or specifications that prevent alternative sourcing.

• Evidence of sourcing efforts: evidence that effort has been made to source the product domestically.

• Consent to share non-confidential information: The Department of Finance may reach out to suppliers and domestic producers to verify eligibility.

The Department of Finance reviews requests in coordination with other relevant federal departments. No fixed timelines are set for decisions, and applicants may be asked for additional information or clarification during the review process.

Reclaim Your Surtax on Eligible Imports – R&R can help!

If you have been assessed Canadian surtax on previous imports of eligible goods, but believe you may have been eligible for the remission, you might be eligible for a refund. Contact us today to discuss possible remission options.