Trade News

Registration is open for corporate members located in Montreal to register for the third CBSA/CSCB joint seminar on HS Classification. These very successful and informative seminars have been held in Toronto and Vancouver, and following are a few testimonials from individuals in attendance in those cities: “Nice that issues discussed were done at the CBSA management level and the exchange of ideas was open and informal.” “Great day – flew by, which meant it was very informative”.

Minutes of the BC Region Executive meetings held on 2 February 2012 and 29 March 2012 are now available on the British Columbia Region page of the CSCB members site. To access, please go to our website at www.cscb.ca, login, and look under “Regional Activity”. _________________________________________________

The CSCB has requested clarification from CBSA regarding Customs Notice 12-016. CBSA has confirmed that this notice is simply a reminder that customs brokers/importers or an authorized person (no charge of service or fees, usually a friend or family member) can clear goods on behalf of someone else. Transporters, for instance, are not allowed. There is no change to the current process. The notice is available on the CBSA Web site at:

The following is a 1 June 2012 news release by the IFCBA. The International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) held its bi-annual world conference entitled “The Future of Customs Compliance: Business Models and Strategies” in Athens, Greece from May 8-12, 2012. The conference sessions were well attended by participants from all corners of the world, including Argentina, China, Canada, India, Korea, Mexico, and Nigeria, allowing the IFCBA to provide a global look at compliance and client services.

The following is excerpted from a 5 June 2012 news release by the Bank of Canada. The Bank of Canada today announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 3/4 per cent.

The following is excerpted from a 5 June 2012 news release by the Department of Finance Canada. The Department of Finance announced today that Canada’s official international reserves decreased by an amount equivalent to US$845 million during May to US$68,699 million. Details on the level and composition of Canada’s reserves as of May 31, 2012, as well as the major factors underlying the change in reserves, are provided below. All figures are in millions of US dollars unless otherwise noted. This release is available in its entirety at:

Decision and reasons issued Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Corrigendum issued Monday, June 4, 2012 IN THE MATTER OF an appeal heard on January 26, 2012, pursuant to section 67 of the Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985 (2d Supp.), c. 1; AND IN THE MATTER OF a decision of the President of the Canada Border Services Agency, dated April 28, 2011, with respect to a request for review of an advance ruling pursuant to subsection 60(4) of the Customs Act. BETWEEN CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION LTD. Appellant AND

The following is excerpted from the 4 June 2012 edition of The Globe and Mail. Ottawa and the state of Michigan have launched a push to secure a deal on a second bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, a move that would resolve a long-standing barrier to more efficient trade between Canada and the United States. Sources familiar with the talks say chances are “fairly good” an accord to build the multibillion-dollar crossing will be reached before the end of June. “I think we’re pretty close,” one source said.

Chapter 06 was published to: i) change the import conditions for the following HS Code from New York to Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I. 06.02.90.0024.03 - Onion - vegetable transplants (Allium spp.) ii) streamline the import conditions for the following HS code from California - NO VERSION CHANGE. 06.02.90.00023.08 - Juniper - rooted plants (Juniperus spp.) Please check your version numbers before submitting through EDI. If you have any questions, please contact your Import Service Centre.

Although payment for JUNE, SEPTEMBER, DECEMBER 2012 monthly K84 statement will be due as usual on the last business day of the month (June 29, September 28 and December 28, 2012), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) realizes that some months have fewer days to arrange for payment, creating a challenge for clients.

The following is excerpted from the 4 June 2012 edition of Canadian Transportation & Logistics. Trade using surface transportation between Canada, the US, and Mexico, was 6.2% higher in March than in March 2011, totalling $85.8 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation. March was the highest month for NATFA trade value since collection of data began in 1994, exceeding $85 billion for the first time and topping the previous record of $80.8 billion in March 2011.

The following is excerpted from a 1 June 2012 news release by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today recognized the critical role Canadian businesswomen are playing in contributing to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity at an event hosted by the Bank of Montreal (BMO) in Vancouver.

The following is excerpted from the 4 June 2012 edition of Reuters Canada. Finance ministers from the Group of 20 will discuss the European debt crisis on Tuesday, Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said on Monday. Asked whether the crisis was an issue for the G20, Flaherty told reporters: "I've been having discussions and I will have more discussions tomorrow morning, and subsequently with my G7 colleagues." This article is available in its entirety at:

The following is from the 25 May 2012 edition of American Shipper. Too many random security inspections of ocean containers fall on trusted shippers who are supposed to receive fewer exams for making investments to ensure their international shipments aren't compromised by criminals or terrorists en route to the United States, a U.S. Customs official conceded last month.

Members may be interested in the following, published on 2 June 2012 in Part I of the Canada Gazette. 1. Canadian International Trade Tribunal, under the Customs Act. Appeal No.: AP-2011-055. Goods in Issue: Trex®, wood-plastic composite decking. Tariff Items at Issue: Monterra Lumber Mills, Ltd.—4410.11.90 or 4410.19.90 President of the Canada Border Services Agency—3916.10.00