With the implementation of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system, CBSA has modernized its approach to trade compliance enforcement. The agency can now conduct more targeted and timely verifications, while continuing to encourage voluntary compliance and support a level playing field for importers.
As part of this approach, CBSA has identified several key areas where verification activities will be focused.
New Compliance Priorities
- Tariff rate quota and classification of supply managed goods
- Verifications on the classification of frozen desserts containing 5% of dairy products
- Verifications on the classification of cheese treats for dogs (preparations of a kind used in animal feeding under heading 23.09)
- Verifications on the classification of spent fowl products
- GST and excise duties and taxes
- GST exemption codes
- Vaping products subject to excise duties and taxes
- Precious metals
- Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) origin verifications:
- Automotive industry
- Import origin verifications under:
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA)
- Duties Relief Program (DRP)
- Verifications of licensees importing supply managed goods
- China Surtax Order (2024): Electric vehicles
- China Surtax Order (2024): Steel and Aluminum
- United States Surtax Order (2025-01)
- United States Surtax Order (Steel and Aluminum 2025)
- United States Surtax Order (Motor Vehicles 2025)
- Order imposing a Surtax on the importation of Certain Steel Goods
- Steel Goods and Aluminum Goods Surtax Order
- Energy commodities and final accounting
- Verifications on electricity imports under chapter 27 of the Customs Tariff
The CBSA emphasizes that its compliance and verification priorities are subject to change as the risk environment evolves. This flexibility ensures the agency’s ability to address new threats and compliance issues in real-time. Importers and other stakeholders are encouraged to remain informed about updates to CBSA’s priorities to ensure adherence to Canadian trade regulations. If you have additional questions about how this may impact your business, reach out to your Mohawk Global Representative.