Field notes from the Canadian border.
Practical playbooks and case studies from our brokers. No thought-leadership fluff — just the stuff we wish every importer knew before they called us in a panic.
What OEM duty refunds mean for Canadian automotive importers filing CADs in 2025
Large automakers are claiming hundreds of millions in tariff refunds while still paying billions. Canadian importers of automotive parts need to understand how Section 232, CUSMA origin, and CBSA verification all stack up when filing Commercial Accounting Declarations under CARM.
Read article →Why your broker's inbox is now the weakest link in CBSA clearance
Phishing attacks targeting freight forwarders and customs brokers are no longer theoretical. When attackers impersonate shippers or CBSA, they can redirect shipments, alter CAD filings, or compromise CARM Client Portal credentials before your goods even hit the port.
Read article →CBSA Launches Dumping and Subsidy Investigations on Chinese Non-Structural Plywood (DONP2 2026)
CBSA initiated SIMA investigations on April 10, 2026, targeting decorative and other non-structural plywood from China. If you import these goods or file CADs on them, here's what the next nine months look like and how provisional duties will hit your cash flow.
Read article →CITT Opens Preliminary Injury Inquiry on Decorative Plywood — What Importers Need to File Now
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal just launched preliminary injury inquiry PI-2026-001 on decorative and other non-structural plywood. If you import this product, your CAD classification and origin declarations are about to face closer scrutiny, and your broker needs to know whether your goods fall inside the scope before the next release.
Read article →EU Flaxseed Protocol Drops May 1: What It Means for Canadian CETA Origin and OGD Holds
The EU's sampling protocol for Canadian flaxseed ends May 1, 2026. For brokers, that's one less OGD hold and a cleaner CETA preference claim path, but the HS classification and CFIA exit certificate rules haven't changed.
Read article →Mexico pet food zoosanitary certificates changing June 2026 (CFIA / AIRS update)
CFIA has finalized new zoosanitary certificate language for pet food imports from Mexico, effective June 22, 2026, with a two-month transition. If your broker isn't flagging this now, you'll find out at the border in August.
Read article →SIMA scenario training: why working brokers still show up for case-study workshops
The CSCB ran its first in-person Designate Day since 2019, with a full-day SIMA workshop in Burlington. For CCS and CTCS holders, the value wasn't the statutory overview — it was testing judgement on messy real-world fact patterns before you step on one in production.
Read article →SKU rationalization and customs clearance: what apparel importers filing CADs need to watch
When apparel brands cut SKU counts and rebalance inventory, the CBSA sees HTS classification drift, CUSMA origin traps, and late-quarter entry corrections. A broker's guide to staying clean through product-line changes.
Read article →Vietnam Courier Partnerships and Your Canadian CBSA Clearance: What Mid-Market Importers Need to Know
FedEx's new Viettel Post collaboration in Vietnam changes last-mile pickup timing but doesn't touch your HS classification, CUSMA origin claims, or CAD filing obligations at the Canadian border. Here's what actually matters for Canadian importers sourcing from Vietnam.
Read article →Cargo Theft Risk and Canadian Customs Compliance: What Importers Need to Know
Rising organized cargo theft in North America affects Canadian importers through supply-chain disruption, CBSA verification delays, and CARM documentation challenges. Learn how to protect shipments and maintain customs compliance when freight security incidents occur.
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