Effective June 19, 2026, Canada has implemented a provisional safeguard measure in the form of a 10% surtax on certain imported canned vegetable goods. This measure, detailed in Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Customs Notice 26-14: “Certain Canned Vegetable Goods Surtax Order,” aims to address critical circumstances facing the Canadian canned vegetable industry and mitigate the impact of rising imports on domestic producers.
The 10% surtax will be applied to the value for duty of specific canned vegetable products imported for commercial purposes. This provisional measure is temporary, with a maximum duration of 200 days. During this period, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will continue its safeguard inquiry, launched in March 2026, to determine if increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to Canadian vegetable processors. The CITT is expected to deliver its findings by September 9, 2026.
Affected Products
The surtax targets a range of canned vegetables, including:
- Corn
- Peas
- Green and wax beans
- Mixed vegetables (including peas and carrots)
- White, black, red, and pinto beans
- Chickpeas
These goods are generally classified under specific tariff classifications such as 2005.40.00.00, 2005.51.90.xx, 2005.59.00.00, 2005.80.00.00, and 2005.99.xx.xx.
Key Exemptions
Several categories of goods are exempt from this new surtax:
- Goods originating from the United States, Mexico, Chile, Israel, or other Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) beneficiaries.
- Goods that were in transit to Canada on the effective date of June 19, 2026.
- Fresh, frozen, or dried vegetables.
- Prepared meals or entrées where vegetables are not the primary component.
- Vegetables that have been substantially processed into purées, powders, juices, spreads, dips, or pastes.
- Goods originating in a developing country or territory (GPT Countries) as specified in Schedule 2 of the Order.
- Goods classified under Chapter 98 of the Customs Tariff.
Implications for Importers
Importers of canned vegetables should review the Customs Notice carefully to determine the applicability of the surtax to their products. If the CITT concludes that no serious injury is being caused or threatened, the provisional measure will cease to apply.
For detailed information, please consult the official Customs Notice 26-14 on the CBSA website.