Trade News

In order to make the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) web page more accessible to users, the following URL link has been created. inspection.gc.ca/airs (english) inspection.gc.ca/sari (french) Clicking on the URL will direct you to the AIRS page ( http://inspection.gc.ca/english/imp/airse.shtml) located on the inspection site.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) today announced the prescribed annual interest rates that will apply to any amounts owed to the CRA and to amounts the CRA owes to individuals and corporations. These rates are calculated quarterly according to applicable legislation. The rate indicated below will be in effect from July 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010. These are available on their web site, at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/nwsrm/rlss/2010/m06/nr100628b-eng.html

Please note: Ottawa CFIA Meat Import Control Centre (1-877-682-5191) will be opened Thursday 1 July 2010 from the hours of 8 AM to 6 PM.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) National Import Operations Division will be closed for the Canada Day holiday on Thursday 1 July 2010 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (ET). If you require assistance please contact your nearest Import Service Centre. EISC - Montreal: 1-877-493-0468, 514-493-2468, FAX 514-493-4103 NISC - Toronto: 1-800-835-4486, 905-795-7834, FAX 905-795-9658 We regret the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has proposed amendments to the Energy Efficiency Regulations for general service incandescent reflector lamps, including Bulged Reflectors (BR); Elliptical Reflectors (ER); Reflectors (R); Parabolic Reflectors (PAR); Blown Parabolic Reflectors (BPAR); and lamps of similar shapes. These amendments include goods that are imported or manufactured in Canada and shipped interprovincially, and are intended to ensure compliance with minimum energy performance standards.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a news release announcing that it has signed three Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with customs organizations in Japan, Singapore and South Korea. The new arrangements will promote a smarter, more secure and efficient border. The signing of these MRAs took place at the recent WCO Council meeting in Brussels. Other MRAs were signed between Korea and Singapor, and Korea and the United States.

The following message is from CBSA (EDI10-057). The Electronic Commerce Unit of the Canada Border Services Agency will be closed on the statutory holiday of Thursday, July 1, 2010. B3 entries processed and accepted July 1, 2010 will appear on the daily K84 notice generated at the end of the day July 2, 2010. The exchange rates for Thursday, July 1 and Friday, July 2 (inclusive) will remain unchanged. Thursday, July 1, 2010 will not be counted in the calculation of overdue B3 entries.

Chapter 07 was published to change the release recommendation from "Approved" to "Refer to CFIA-ISC" for the following HS Codes for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey. 07.02.00.0001 - Tomatoes, field (fresh or chilled) 07.02.00.0002 - Tomatoes, greenhouse (fresh or chilled)

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has proposed amendments to the Energy Efficiency Regulations to include High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamp Ballasts. These amendments include goods that are imported or manufactured in Canada and shipped interprovincially, and are intended to ensure compliance with minimum energy performance standards. NRCan does not propose any changes to the importing requirements currently in place and dealers/importers must continue to provide the following information on import documents or via electronic transmissions:

The southern route between Swift Current and Lethbridge reopened early yesterday morning. Traffic is now moving between Swift Current and Calgary via CP's Taber, Aldersyde and MacLeod subdivisions. The southern mainline work between Swift Current, Dunmore, Medicine Hat, and Calgary has progressed very well and line clear restoration is now expected for Tuesday morning. We will continue to secure all available detour routing from other railways until all backlog is handled and CP returns to a fluid state as soon as possible.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has proposed amendments to the Energy Efficiency Regulations for General Service Fluorescent Lighting. These amendments affect goods that are imported or manufactured in Canada and shipped interprovincially, and are intended to ensure compliance with minimum energy performance standards. NRCan does not propose any changes to the importing requirements currently in place and dealers/importers must continue to provide the following information on import documents or via electronic transmissions:

The following is excerpted from the today’s news release by DFAIT. The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today showcased Canadian innovations and leading-edge technologies during a tour of Canadian business displays at the Experience Canada pavilion in Toronto, Ontario.

Brokers are advised that, effective immediately, all requests for cancellation of permits for RELEASED Agriculture, Steel, Textiles and Clothing shipments are to be submitted by facsimile on the attached Request for Cancellation form. For agriculture, completed cancellation request forms can be transmitted by facsimile to 613-996-0612 including a copy of the B3 document - Canada Customs Coding Form and (if applicable) the B2 document Canada Customs - Adjustment Request.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has published a special edition of the Excise and GST/HST News. It will give an overview of some of the most important aspects of HST in Ontario and British Columbia and is available here: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/gr/news76/.

The pace of restoration of the southern mainline affected by washouts has accelerated over the past 24 hours. Following engineering assessments today, we now expect our southern route between Swift Current and Lethbridge to be open Saturday. The southern mainline between Swift Current, Dunmore, Medicine Hat, and Calgary is now anticipated to reopen Tuesday night.

Chapter 6 was published to streamline the requirements for Apple Maggot (Rhagoletis Pomonella) for the following HS Codes. 06.02.20.0017.74 - Cherry - rooted plants (Prunus avium) 06.02.20.0019.18 - Cherry - True seedlings (Prunus avium) Please check your version number before submitting through EDI.

New substances have been added to the Domestic Substances List, pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Act. These new substances include goods that are manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada.

Notice of commencement of Inquiry No. NQ-2010-001, Greenhouse Bell Peppers is available on the CITT website at: http://www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/Dumping/inquirie/notices/nq2k001_e.asp