Posts

February 4th, 2025

The Canadian Apparel Federation has set up a single page for ongoing updates on US tariff policies. The page focuses on US actions, Canadian responses, and US tariff policy toward other countries, particularly China. Although direct action against Canada has been postponed, there are still developing issues that affect Canadian companies. Tariff measures against China will impact the shipping patterns of many Canadian companies, especially those involved in e-commerce. Only Canadian Apparel Federation members can access this page. The page …

January 23rd, 2025

  We begin this year as we ended 2024 with considerable confusion about US economic policy and the knock-on effect it will have in Canada.  At the same time, some of the issues that have been raised in the US election and  amplified in the lead-up to the inauguration are finally here. As some of these election platforms become government policy and priorities, some of the normal procedures take hold.  It remains uncertain what the US government will do regarding …

November 20th, 2024

  CAF will be presenting a webinar during the week of December 16, 2024 on the issue of US tariffs on imported goods in light of the US election and likely Congressional activity. We recognize that there will be no clarity until the new administration takes office, as different executive and legislative actions occur.  But, many Canadian companies are trying to protect themselves from any tariff surge. There are many different scenarios under which the US may impose new tariffs on …

September 16th, 2024

    The Canadian government is considering a change to its duty drawback policies to allow companies to donate surplus merchandise to charitable organizations within Canada and receive a refund on any duties paid on imported goods. This proposed change aims to reduce waste and provide much-needed support to Canadians in need. Currently, surplus goods may qualify for duty refunds if the merchandise is either exported or destroyed.  The rules are contained in CBSA D-Memo D7-2-3.  The rules in place …

Posted by Bob Kirke March 21st, 2024

On March 19, 2024 new import requirements took effect that impact organic textile products shipped into the USA. The USDA published the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule on January 19, 2023, which requires the use of electronic NOP Import Certificates for organic agricultural products imported into the U.S. The use of the NOP Import Certificate was mandatory as of March 19, 2024. Implementing the NOP Import Certificate involves close collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), organic certifiers, …

Posted by Bob Kirke March 15th, 2024

The Canadian government has provided updated guidance on the Supply Chains Act (formerly known as Bill S-211). Some of the updates put in writing what was stated during the webinar held in January by Public Safety Canada, or otherwise provide clarification.  Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act  (the Supply Chain Act), came into force on January 1, 2024. It requires certain companies to file reports on their supply chain activities (about measures taken to …

Posted by Bob Kirke March 15th, 2024

When North American countries signed the successor to the NAFTA they included a provision for a mandatory review of the agreement six years after the agreement came into force.  The Canada-United States -Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)  must be renewed by July 1, 2026, and while that date is still two years away, CAF is beginning to prepare for this renewal process. (United States Trade Representative, Katherine Tai)   Recently, US officials have warned that there is potential for substantial amendments, underlining …

Posted by Bob Kirke March 14th, 2024

On the face of it solar panels have very little to do with cotton tee shirts.  One couldn't imagine, in fact, any two products that have less in common.  That being said, they have one thing in common and that is that they often contain raw materials that may be traced to a region in China where there are allegations of systematic forced labour. Over the last two years, the United States has implemented the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act …

Posted by Apparel January 13th, 2024

After more than a decade of efforts by the CAF, Canada has extended the Least Developed Country Tariff (LDCT) for 10 years, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The regulations implementing the renewed program were released in October. Changes to the rule of origin and modernized customs procedures will take effect in January 2025. The recording from a webinar outlining the changes is available for viewing to CAF and VQ members only.     For further details, contact CAF Executive Director Bob Kirke: bkirke@apparel.ca

December 12th, 2023

  The Canadian Apparel Federation, together with the mmode fashion cluster and Global Affairs Canada, teamed up with the OECD to present a webinar on guidance for due diligence in the apparel and footwear sector supply chains. The OECD guidance page is here:    Link to recording here.