Effective January 21, 2025, new regulations will come into force requiring Canadian steel importers to provide Country of Melt and Pour (COM) data to use General Import Permits (GIPs) No. 80 and 81. The COM refers to the country where raw steel is first melted and poured into its initial solid form, which may differ from the country of origin. This data is usually found on a mill test certificate.
Why collect COM data?
Canada is collecting and publishing COM data to increase transparency in its steel import supply chain, in alignment with a 2019 Joint Statement with the U.S. regarding steel trade. The data helps monitor the origins of steel and identifies trends in steel imports.
Transitioning from optional to mandatory reporting
Currently, providing COM data is optional, but by January 21st, importers will need to report COM information through the Single Window Integrated Import Declaration (SW IID) to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) when importing steel products under GIPs No. 80 and 81.
Implementation details
Importers will need to input COM data in a new Single Window Import Declarations field, similar to how country of origin information is provided.
Exemptions
Exemptions apply to:
• Importers in the Customs-Self Assessment (CSA) program.
• Shipments valued under $5,000 CAD.
• Certain finished steel products, as outlined in the draft amendments to GIPs No. 80 and 81.
The provision of COM is not mandatory if the total value of all steel products covered under the GIPs in a single declaration are below $5,000 CAD, with certain exceptions for exempted goods.
Importers should prepare for these changes and ensure compliance with the new requirements. To verify if this regulation applies to the steel goods you import, please refer to the list of HS classifications that are included or excluded.