Canada Publishes Economic Action Plan; Includes Customs Changes
Canada published its Economic Action Plan for 2014 in the Sept. 3 Canada Gazette. The new law, passed in June by the Canadian Parliament, includes changes to the Canada Customs Tariff and new procedures for requesting review of customs seizures, forfeitures and penalties. It also makes several changes to harmonize Canadian and U.S. motor vehicle standards and laws on importation of hazardous products. Trade-related highlights of the 2014 Economic Action Plan are as follows:
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Tariff changes. The 2014 Economic Action Plan includes several changes to the Canadian Customs Tariff. The plan reduces rates of duty for mobile offshore drilling units used in oil and gas exploration and development, effective May 5, 2014. It also “clarifies the tariff classification” of some imported food products, effective Nov. 29, 2013.
Hazardous products. The plan amends the Hazardous Products Act to implement the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals on labeling and safety data sheet requirements, as agreed to under the joint U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council Joint Action Plan.
Review of customs seizures, forfeitures and penalties. The Economic Action Plan amends the Customs Act to extend to 90 days the time for making a request for a review of a seizure, ascertained forfeiture or penalty assessment. It also provides that requests for a review and third-party claims can be made directly to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Motor vehicle standards. The plan amends the Motor Vehicle Safety Act to align Canadian and U.S. regulations. It also adds provisions to accelerate and streamline the regulatory process, reduce the administrative burden for manufacturers and importers, and improve availability of vehicle safety information, it said.