How To Import Iron And Steel Into Canada

Your how to guide on iron and steel imports into Canada

If you are importing ingots, coils, flat-rolled, plated or coated, forged bar or steel rods into Canada, you must know what government parties are involved, what regulations must be followed, and the fundamental aspects of iron and steel imports.

Parties Involved:

Main Regulations:

  • Certain aspects of steel dictate the import regulations. If you are importing steel, you must be aware of the type of steel and how the steel was processed.
  • Certain steel imports are required to pay surtaxes or SIMA upon importation into Canada.

Import Fundamentals:

  • You will be acting as the Importer of Record. Therefore, you are the party ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the import declaration; as well as, the payment of applicable duties and taxes into Canada
  • Duty and tax must be paid upon importation into Canada.
  • The rate of duty is determined by the tariff of the commodity being imported, the value of the goods and, the origin of the goods.
  • Certain import documentation is required to be presented to the border services officer at the port of entry.
  • Your import may be subject to a customs review, inspection or audit prior to, or after the importation. Additional fees may be levied by the Government of Canada for these services.
  • You are required to keep your import records for six years following the date of import and can be audited by Customs at any point during this time.

FAQ: Iron and Steel Imports

What Steel Products Have Canadian Surtax Applied?
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As of October 25, 2018, seven steel products from around the world have had provisional safeguard surtaxes applied:

  • Heavy plate
  • Concrete reinforcing bar (rebar)
  • Energy tubular products
  • Hot-rolled sheet
  • Pre-painted steel
  • Stainless steel wire
  • Wire rod

More information on these surtaxes can be found here.

As of July 1, 2018 a broad range of steel products from the United States have had a 25% surtax applied to them.

Want to learn more about Free Trade Agreements?
Read our post Enjoy Duty Free Imports With FTAs
What is SIMA?
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SIMA stands for the Special Import Measures Act and it is regulated by CBSA. This act governs Anti-dumping (AD) and Countervailing duties (CVD) established as a result of monetary harm after the importation of certain products found to have been sold in Canada at a price below market value or have received subsidization.

To learn more about SIMA as it relates to Steel Importation be sure to read our post Canada Announces Commodities Affected By Retaliatory Surtax

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