Chapter 2 : Non-Tariff Measures
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Objective
APEC
Economies will achieve free and open trade in the Asia-Pacific Region by : (a) Progressively
reducing non-tariff measures (b) Ensuring the
transparency of APEC economies’ respective non-tariff measures |
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Guidelines
Each APEC
economy will: (a)
take into
account, in the process of progressive reduction of non-tariff measures,
intra-APEC trade trends, economic interests and sectors or products related
to industries in which this process may have positive impact on trade and on
economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region; (b)
ensure that
the progressive reduction of non-tariff measures is not undermined by the
application of unjustifiable measures; and (c)
consider
extending, on a voluntary basis, to all APEC economies the benefits of
reductions and eliminations of non-tariff measures. |
Collective Actions
APEC
Economies have agreed to take collective actions to help achieve these
goals. These actions are contained in
Collective Action Plans (CAPs) which are updated annually. The current CAP relating to non-tariff
measures can be found in the Tariffs and
Non-Tariff Measures Collective Action Plan. |
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Canada's Approach to Non-Tariff Measures in 2003
Canada continues to maintain WTO-consistent
non-tariff measures required to protect health, safety, security, or
environment, as well as to comply with our obligations under international
agreements. Import restrictions and import licensing
requirements in Canada are consistent with Canada's obligations under the WTO
and support action taken under relevant domestic legislation. Canada eliminated its quantitative import
restrictions in the agricultural and food sectors when it implemented the
Uruguay Round agreements. The
Agreement on Agriculture also prohibits minimum import prices. Canada is committed to the procedures and
timing for dismantling restrictions on textile and clothing imports by the
end of 2004, as agreed in the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. Canada's export restrictions and export licensing
requirements are consistent with its WTO obligations and support action taken
under domestic legislation. Canada
does not maintain any WTO-inconsistent quantitative export restrictions. Voluntary export restraints are prohibited
under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.
On industrial goods, export subsidies are prohibited under the WTO
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. On agricultural products, the WTO Agreement on Agriculture
contains disciplines and reduction commitments. On July 31, 1995, the Western Grain Transportation Act was
eliminated. By this measure, Canada
has eliminated all export subsidies on grains and oilseeds, exceeding its
Uruguay Round commitments for export subsidy reductions. The Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) provides
for the establishment of the Import Control List (ICL), the Export Control
List (ECL) and the Area Control List (ACL). The Act sets out the purposes for
including goods or countries on these lists. The ICL generally comprises a
list of goods, some of which are only controlled for certain countries of
origin; all goods contained in this list require an import permit. The ECL is
a list of goods only; all goods contained on this list also require an export
permit. The ACL is a list of countries for which export permits are required
to export any and all goods. ICL products: Textiles and Clothing; Agricultural
Products; Steel Products; Weapons and Munitions. ECL products: Agricultural products: Refined Sugar,
Sugar-containing Products and Peanut Butter; Textiles and Clothing; Military,
Strategic Dual-use Goods; Nuclear Energy Materials and Technology; Missile,
Chemical or Biological Goods of Non-proliferation Concern; Softwood Lumber,
Unprocessed Logs and Certain Other Forest Products; Miscellaneous Goods
including Goods of U.S.-origin, Roe Herring and Certain Items with Medical
Value; and All Goods Destined for Countries on the Area Control List. On 1 January 2003 Canada implemented the LDC market
access initiative. This initiative provides duty free and quota free access
to imports from 48 of the world's least developed countries (LDCs), with the
exception of supply-managed agricultural products (dairy, poultry and eggs).
Burma is not eligible from the Least Developed Countries Tariff (LDCT) and
will not be eligible for the LDC initiative. Export and Import Controls Bureau:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ For more information, please contact: Steve Lavergne Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade Steve.Lavergne@dfait-maeci.gc.ca |
Canada’s Approach to Non-Tariff Measures in 2003 |
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Section
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Improvements Implemented Since Last
IAP |
Current Non-Tariff Measures Applied |
Further Improvements Planned |
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Quantitative
Import Restrictions/ Prohibitions
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Endangered Species Leaded Gasoline Firearms amd Weapons Explosives Hazardous Waste Protection of the Ozone Layer |
Canada
is committed to the procedures and timing for dismantling restrictions on
textile and clothing imports by the end of 2004, as agreed in the WTO
Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The ATC requires that any
Member who retains the right to use safeguards under Article 6 of the ATC
must integrate at least 16% of the volume of its textile and apparel products
covered by the ATC at the start of stage one. At least 17% more must be integrated during stage two, and 18%
in stage three. Canada has gone beyond its ATC
obligations with regards to the percentage requirements for these two stages
for a cumulative total of 53% of integration. Amongst the several products
from which Canada removed import quotas
included most men's and women's blouses and hirts either woven or knit
in its second phase and third phase, which are interest to Canada's APEC partners. To obtain more information,
contact: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/t Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8104 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 Email: epm@dfait-maeci.gc.ca Canada is a Party to the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Because thousands of animal and plant
species are regulated by this convention, the transportation of endangered
species of animals, plants, and their products is restricted and may require
the prior issuance of an import permit by Canada and/or an export permit by
the country of export. This
restriction also applies to certain animal skins, trophies, and mounted
animals. For further information
contact: Administrator, Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species, Environment Canada, Canadian
Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3, Tel: (819) 994-1528. Leaded gasoline containing more
than 5 mg per litre of lead except for certain specific uses is prohibited
for importation into Canada under the authority of the Gasoline Regulations
pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. For information concerning the
application of the Gasoline Regulations, inquiries may be directed to the
Chemical Controls Division, Environment Canada, 351 St. Joseph Blvd., Hull,
Quebec, Canada, K1A 0H3, Tel: (819) 953-1665. Not all firearms and weapons
are allowed to enter Canada. Any
queries about the importation of firearms and weapons should be directed to
the regional Customs office where the firearms or weapons are to be imported. For Canada Customs office
locations: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/ The importation of explosives
is governed by the Explosives Act and Regulations administered by the
Department of Natural Resources. The legal definition of explosives includes
blasting explosives, detonators, propellants, sporting and industrial
cartridges, and all types of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Before an explosive may be imported it
must be declared an authorized explosive by the Chief Inspector of Explosives
appointed under the Explosives Act.
The process of authorizing an explosive consists of the manufacturer
submitting data on the nature and composition of the explosive and on its
packaging and markings. Samples are usually required for laboratory
examination. A standard testing fee of $771.00 for fireworks, $716.00 for
ammunition and up to $2561.00 for blasting explosives and accessories
applies. The criteria for
authorization are based on the safety characteristics of the explosive
substances or articles during handling, storage, transport and use, and used
to confirm that the classification conforms with the recommendations of the
Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods as adopted by the
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. Canada is a Party to the Basel
Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and
their Disposal as well as the Decision of the Council of the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development concerning the Control of Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined
for Recovery Operations, as set out in Annex C(2001)107. Therefore, the importation of hazardous
wastes destined for disposal or recycling in Canada are controlled by
Environment Canada under the Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes
Regulations which require advance notices of a proposed shipment and the
resultant confirmation of acceptance for that shipment. For further information on the
controls imposed by the Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes Regulations,
queries maybe directed to: Hazardous
Waste Management Division, Office of Waste Management, Environment Canada,
12th Floor, 351 St. Joseph Blvd., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3. Tel:
(819) 997-3377. Canada is a Party to the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which seeks to
limit the production and use of substances which deplete the ozone
layer. Examples of the types of
products prohibited from importation under the Ozone-depleting Substances
Regulations 1998 are listed below: -bulk CFCs, Halons, carbon
tetrachloride, methyl chloroform and HBFCs - bulk HCFCs and methyl bromide
without a permit -10 kilograms or less of any
CFC contained in pressurized containers -any products that contains any
CFC or is intended to contain any CFC, bromoflurocarbon (BFC),
tetrachloromethane (carbon tetrachloride) or 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl
chloroform); -plastic foam in which any CFC
has been used as a foaming agent -product and bulk HCFC-141b for
use as in industrial cleaning; -lubricant for use in mining
and other such operations; -the production and the
importation of CFC-based metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) containing salbutamol; -the sale of CFC-based MDIs
containing salbutamol; - the production and
importation of CFC-based MDIs containing cortico-steriods, effective January
1, 2004; - the production and importaion
of any other CFC-based MDIs effective Janary 1, 2005; -pressurized containers that
contain 2 kg or less of HCFC (some exemptions apply); and - plastic foam products in
which any HCFC has been used as a foaming agent (except rigid foam). For information concerning the
application of the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, inquiries may be
directed to the Chemical Controls Division, Environment Canada, 351 St.
Joseph Blvd., Hulk, Quebec, Canada, K1A 0H3, Tel: (819)953-1665. |
Canada's
action plan pertaining to textiles quotas is clearly laid-out in the WTO
Agreement on Textiles and Clothing.
The ATC sets out specific obligations with regard to implementation
during the transition period from 1995 to 2005. The first specific obligation regarding implementation is
integration. The ATC specifically
defines the coverage of the ATC in terms of products that are outside the
GATT 1994 rules and that are to be integrated. The second specific obligation
is the application of growth rates to the quotas in place. Canada met the
ATC’s three stages by integrating more than the 51% volume needed to fulfil
its obligations. Canada’s integration includes numerous apparel quotas of
interest to its APEC partners. The final stage of
liberalization will take effect on January 1, 2005, with the abolition of the
remaining quotas. Proposed amendments to the
Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998, will be published in the Part I
of the Canada Gazette in the fall 2003. These proposed amendments will: - modify the calculations of
HCFC allowances to help stakeholders to adapt to the 35% recution in
consumpltion (production + importation - exportation) without compromising
Canada's international commitment under the Montral Protocol; - allow for permanent transfers
of allowances for HCFCs to reduce the administrative burden to both
Environment Canada and stakeholders; - allow for retirement of
allowances for HCFCs, as it already exists in the case of methly bromide
allowances; - prohibit the export of CFCs
and Halons, except for destruction or essential purposes, as agreed to in
Canada's Strategy to Accelerate the Phase-Out of CFC and Halon Uses and to
Dispose of the Surplus Stocks. |
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Quantitative
Export Restrictions/ Prohibitions |
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Canada is a
Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES). Because thousands of animal
and plant species are regulated by this convention, the transportation of
endangered species of animals, plants, and their products is restricted and
may require the prior issuance of an import permit by Canada and/or an export
permit by the country of export. This
restriction also applies to certain animal skins, trophies, and mounted
animals. For further information
contact: Administrator, Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species, Environment Canada, Canadian
Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3, Tel: (819) 997-1840. |
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Canada
does not apply import levies that act as non-tariff measures. The GST/HST is
a federal tax payable on goods and services bought in Canada, whether
produced domesticall or imported, and does not discriminate between domestic
and foreign suppliers. The goods and services tax (GST) is applied at a rate
of 7%. Three provinces apply a harmonized sales tax (HST) that combines the
GST plus an 8% provincial tax while six other provinces apply a rate between
6-10%. |
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Canada
does not apply export levies that act as non-tariff measures. As part of a
comprehensive strategy to improve the health of Canadians by reducing tobacco
consumption, Canada introduced a tobacco tax structure in April 2001 to
reduce the incentive to smuggle Canadian-produced tobacco products back into
Canada from export markets - the main source of contraband in the past. The
main element is a tax that does not discriminate between domestically
manufactured and imported tobacco products. This measure is fully compliant
with Canada's WTO commitments. |
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Discretionary Import Licensing |
Agricultural
and food products/ Plant and animal health certification Dairy products; chicken,
turkey, eggs and egg products, broiler hatching eggs and chicks; beef and
veal; margarine; wheat, wheat products, barley, and barley products Pork Natural Gas and Ethane |
Many
agricultural products, including live animals and products of animal origin,
meat and poultry, eggs and egg products, dairy products, fresh fruit and
vegetables, processed fruit and vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts (for human
consumption, propagation or animal feed), plants and plant products
(including forest products), fertilizers, soil and growing media, pest control
products and animal and plant biologics, are subject to Agriculture and
Agri-food Canada legislated requirements.
These measures are maintained in accordance with the WTO Agreement on
the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Animals and Animal
Products: All animals and animal
products must be declared to customs at the first point of arrival in
Canada. Health certificates are
required to import most live animals and animal products. Plant Products: All plants and
plant products must be declared to Customs at the first point of arrival in
Canada. Phytosanitary certificates
are required to import many plant products.
Inquiries should be directed
to: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Animal Products or Plant
Health Directorate) 59 Camelot Drive Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0Y9 Tel: (613) 225-2342 Fax: (613) 228-6636 Effective January 1, 1995
(August 1, 1995 for wheat, wheat products, barley, barley products, butter,
dry whey, and cream), in compliance with its GATT/WTO commitments, Canada
converted its agricultural import controls to a system of tariff rate quotas
(TRQs). Under these TRQs, imports
within the TRQ level (i.e. within the access commitment), require a specific
import permit issued through the Export and Import Controls Bureau (EICB) in
order to benefit from the lower rate of duty, while imports over the quota
level, subject to higher rates of duty, may enter under a General Import
Permit. Exceptions to the requirement
for a specific import permit are wheat, wheat products, barley, barley
products, and fluid milk for personal consumption, which are administered on
a first-come, first-served basis. To obtain more information,
contact: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8104 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 Email: epm@dfait-maeci.gc.ca Since August 1999 pork imported
from the European Union in excess of 2,970 metric tonnes is subject to a 100%
tariff, imposed in retaliation for the refusal of the European Union to
implement WTO dispute settlement findings regarding its ban on Canadian
exports of beef produced using growth hormones. To obtain more information,
contact: Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8104 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Email: epm@dfait-maeci.gc.ca The National Energy Board Act,
and the Part VI Regulations made thereunder, control imports of natural gas
by pipeline, railway tank cars, and tank trucks or tankers. Imports are
authorized by both licences and orders. Licences are issued for large volume
and long-term imports while orders are used in the case of small volume and
emergency and short-term imports. An application is made to the Board for
import authorization. In the case of a licence, the application will be set
down for a public hearing. No licence is effective until approved by the
Governor-in-Council. The issuance of an import order requires the approval of
the Board and does not require a public hearing. |
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Since
1986, most steel products in the range of Harmonized System items 7206-7317
from all countries require an import permit. The permits are available online
from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in 15 minutes and do not
restrain the quantity or price or other aspects of steel imported into Canada
in any way. The purpose of the steel import monitoring system is to provide
up-to-date statistics in circumstances where dumping and subsidizing of steel
is still widespread in world markets.
Steel products imported into
Canada have been subject to automatically dispensed import permits for statisical
monitoring purposes since 1986. The current program, administered by Foreign
Affairs and International Trade Canada under the Export and Import Permits
Act, was last renewed in 2002 for a three year period which expires on August
31, 2005. For additional information,
contact: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8358 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 |
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Discretionary Export Licensing |
Sugar,
sugar-containing products and peanut butter exports to the United States |
Sugar,
sugar-containing products, and peanut butter were added to the Export Control
List, pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA), in order to
ensure the orderly export marketing of these products to the United
States. These products are subject to
tariff rate quotas established by the United States in 1995. For additional information,
contact: Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8104 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Email: epm@dfait-maeci.gc.ca |
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In
keeping with its obligations under the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and
Countervailing Measures, Canada does not maintain any export subsidies. |
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Canada
does not impose any minimum import prices. |
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Measures Maintained |
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Canada
has no additional measures to report. |
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Improvements in Canada's Approach to Non-Tariff Measures since 1996 |
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Section |
Position at Base Year (1996) |
Cumulative Improvements Implemented
to Date |
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Position |
Canada
maintains WTO-consistent non-tariff measures required to protect health,
safety, security, or environment, as well as
to comply with our obligations under international agreements. Import restrictions and import
licensing requirements in Canada are consistent with Canada's obligations
under the WTO and support action taken under relevant domestic
legislation. Canada eliminated its
quantitative import restrictions in the agricultural and food sectors when it
implemented the Uruguay Round agreements.
The Agreement on Agriculture also prohibits minimum import
prices. Canada is committed to the
procedures and timing for dismantling restrictions on textile and clothing imports
by the end of 2004, as agreed in the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. Canada's export restrictions
and export licensing requirements are consistent with its WTO obligations and
support action taken under domestic legislation. Canada does not maintain any WTO-inconsistent quantitative
export restrictions. On July 31, 1995, the Western Grain Transportation Act
was eliminated. By this measure,
Canada has eliminated all export subsidies on grains and oilseeds, exceeding
its Uruguay Round commitments for export subsidy reductions. Voluntary export restraints are prohibited
under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.
With the exception of certain primary products, export subsidies are
prohibited in the WTO. On
agricultural products, the WTO Agreement on Agriculture contains disciplines
and reduction commitments. Export and Import Controls
Bureau: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ |
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Quantitative
Import Restrictions/ Prohibitions |
Textiles
and Clothing: Canada is committed to the procedures and timing for
dismantling restrictions on textile and clothing imports by the end of 2004,
as agreed in the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. The ATC sets out specific
obligations with regards to the implementation during the transition period
from 1995 to 2005. The first specific
obligation regarding implementation is integration. The second specific obligation is the application of growth
rates to the quotas in place. The ATC
specifically defines the coverage of the ATC in terms of products that are
outside the GATT 1994 rules and that are to be integrated. The ATC requires that any
Member who retains the right to use safeguards under Article 6 of the ATC
must integrate at least 16% of the volume of its textile and apparel products
covered by the ATC at the start of stage one. At least 17% more must be integrated during stage two. Canada will meet the ATC’s third stage
provisions by integrating a further 18% of its original volume. The final stage of liberalization will
take effect on January 1, 2005, with the abolition of the remaining quotas. To obtain more information,
contact: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8104 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 Email: epm@dfait-maeci.gc.ca Endangered Species: Canada is a
Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES). Because thousands of animal
and plant species are regulated by this convention, the transportation of
endangered species of animals, plants, and their products is restricted and
may require the prior issuance of an import permit by Canada and/or an export
permit by the country of export. This
restriction also applies to certain animal skins, trophies, and mounted
animals. For further information
contact: Administrator, Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species, Environment Canada, Canadian
Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3, Tel: (819) 994-1528. Leaded Gasoline: Leaded
gasoline containing more than 5 mg per litre of lead except for certain
specific uses is prohibited for importation into Canada under the authority
of the Gasoline Regulations pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection
Act. For information concerning the
application of the Gasoline Regulations, inquiries may be directed to the
Commercial Chemicals Branch, Environment Canada, 351 St. Joseph Blvd., Hull,
Quebec, Canada, K1A 0H3, Tel: (819) 953-4168. Firearms and Weapons: Not all
firearms and weapons are allowed to enter Canada. Any queries about the importation of firearms and weapons
should be directed to the regional Customs office where the firearms or
weapons are to be imported. For Canada Customs office
locations: Explosives: The importation of
explosives is governed by the Explosives Act and Regulations administered by
the Department of Natural Resources. The legal definition of explosives
includes blasting explosives, detonators, propellants, sporting and
industrial cartridges, and all types of fireworks and pyrotechnic
devices. Before an explosive may be
imported it must be declared an authorized explosive by the Chief Inspector
of Explosives appointed under the Explosives Act. The process of authorizing an explosive consists of the
manufacturer submitting data on the nature and composition of the explosive
and on its packaging and markings. Samples are usually required for laboratory
examination. A standard testing fee of $771.00 for fireworks, $716.00 for
ammunition and up to $2561.00 for blasting explosives and accessories
applies. The criteria for
authorization are based on the safety characteristics of the explosive substances
or articles during handling, storage, transport and use, and to confirm that
the classification conforms with the recommendations of the Committee of
Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods as adopted by the Economic and
Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. Hazardous Waste: Canada is a
Party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal as well as the Decision of the Council of
the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development concerning the
control of transfrontier movements of wastes destined for recovery
operations. Therefore, the
importation of hazardous wastes destined for disposal or recycling in Canada
are controlled by Environment Canada under the Export and Import of Hazardous
Wastes Regulations which require advance notices of a proposed shipment and
the resultant confirmation of acceptance for that shipment. For further information on the
controls imposed by the Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes Regulations,
contact: Hazardous Waste Management Division,
Office of Waste Management, Environment Canada, 12th Floor, 351 St. Joseph
Blvd., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3.
Tel: (819) 997-3377. Protection of the Ozone Layer:
Canada is a Party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Layer, which seeks to limit the production and use of substances which
deplete the ozone layer. Examples of
the types of products prohibited from importation under the Ozone-depleting
Substances Regulations No. 1 and Ozone Substances Regulations no. 3 are
listed below: -bulk CFCs -10 kilograms or less of any
CFC contained in pressurized containers -any products in a pressurized
container that contains 10 kilograms or less of any CFC -plastic foam in which any CFC
has been used as a foaming agent -release agent for molds used
in the manufacture of plastic and elastomeric materials -lubricant for use in mining
and other such operations. |
Canada
has signifcantly and meaningfully liberalized its restraint regime by
removing quotas on products of direct interest to exporting countries. During
the second phase, Canada removed from quota the following
commercially-significant products: tailor collared shirts, rainwear, women
& girls' ensembles, women/girls knitted blouses, children's blouses and
baby outerwear. In addition, in 1998 we increased by 10% the restraint levels
for winter outerwear, over and above what the required growth rates specified
in ATC. On January 1, 2002, Canada
integrated a wide range of apparel products for the 3rd phase of
the ATC, including women's/girl's/children's suits and ensembles, all knitted
and woven shirts, blouses and tops, swimwear, all babywear, and thermal and
standard overalls. Quotas were removed from apparel products, irrespective of
the material they are made of. None of the partially liberalized quotas, and
none of the combined quotas, were readjusted, which will result in a further
de facto increase in access to our market. Canada has integrated a
cumulative total of 53% of the 1990 import volume of textiles and clothing. On January 15, 2000, Canada
amended its Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations made under the Wild
Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and
Interprovicial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) to exempt certain personal and household
effects from the need to obtain permits under the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These amendments
are in line with the provisions of the Convention made under Article VII-3 concerning
personal and household effects. |
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Quantitative
Export Restrictions/ Prohibitions |
Endangered
Species: Canada is a Party to the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES). Because
thousands of animal and plant species are regulated by this convention, the
transportation of endangered species of animals, plants, and their products
is restricted and may require the prior issuance of an import permit by
Canada and/or an export permit by the country of export. This restriction also applies to certain
animal skins, trophies, and mounted animals.
For further information
contact: Administrator, Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species, Environment Canada, Canadian
Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0H3, Tel: (819) 997-1840. |
On
January 15, 2000, Canada amended its Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations
made under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of
International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) to exempt certain
peronal and household effects from the need to obtain permits under the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES). These amendments are in line with the provisions of the
Convention made under Article VII-3 concerning personal and household
effects. |
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Canada
does not apply import levies that act as non-tariff measures. The GST/HST is
a federal tax payable on goods and services bought in Canada, whether
produced domestically or imported, and does not discriminate between domestic
and foreign suppliers. The goods and services tax (GST) is applied at a rate of 7%. Threeprovinces
apply a harmonized sales tax (HST) that combines the GST plys an 8%
provincial tax while six other provinces apply a rate between 6-10%. |
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Canada
does not apply export levies that act as non-tariff measures. |
As
part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the health of Canadians by
reducing tobacco consumption, Canada introduced a tobacco tax structure in
April 2001 to reduce the incentive to smuggle Canadian-produced tobacco
products back into Canada from export markets - the main source of contraband
in the past. The main element is a
tax that does not discriminate between domestically manufactured and imported
tobacco products. This measure is
fully compliant with Canada's WTO commitments |
|
Discretionary Import Licensing |
Plant
and animal health certification/Agricultural Products: Many agricultural
products, including live animals and products of animal origin, meat and
poultry, eggs and egg products, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables,
processed fruit and vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts (for human
consumption, propagation or animal feed), plants and plant products
(including forest products), fertilizers, soil and growing media, pest
control products and animal and plant biologics, are subject to Agriculture
and Agri-food Canada legislated requirements. These measures are maintained in accordance with the WTO
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. Animals and Animal
Products: All animals and animal
products must be declared to customs at the first point of arrival in
Canada. Health certificates are
required to import most live animals and animal products. Plant Products: All plants and
plant products must be declared to Customs at the first point of arrival in
Canada. Phytosanitary certificates
are required to import many plant products.
Inquiries should be directed
to: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Animal Products or Plant
Health Directorate) 59 Camelot Drive Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0Y9 Tel: (613) 225-2342 Fax: (613) 228-6636 Dairy products; chicken,
turkey, eggs, broiler hatching eggs and chicks; beef and veal; margarine; and
wheat and barley and their products: Effective January 1, 1995 (or August 1,
1995 for wheat, barley and their products, butter, dry whey and cream), in
compliance with its GATT/WTO commitments, Canada converted its agricultural import
controls to a system of tariff rate quotas (TRQs). Under these TRQs, imports within the TRQ level (i.e. within the
access commitment) require a permit issued through the Export and Import
Controls Bureau (EICB) in order to benefit from the lower rate of duty. Imports over the quota level, subject to
higher rates of duty, may enter under a General Import Permit. Exceptions are wheat, barley, barley
products, and fluid milk for personal consumption, which are administered on
a first-come, first-served basis. For more information: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8104 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 Email: epm@dfait-maeci.gc.ca Pork: Since August 1999 pork
imported from the European Union in excess of 2,970 metric tonnes is subject
to a 100% tariff, imposed in retaliation for the refusal of the European
Union to implement WTO dispute settlement findings regarding its ban on
Canadian exports of beef produced using growth hormones. For more information:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Natural Gas and Ethane: The
National Energy Board Act, and the Part VI Regulations made thereunder,
control imports of natural gas by pipeline, railway tank cars, and tank
trucks or tankers. Imports are authorized by both licences and orders.
Licences are issued for large volume and long-term imports while orders are
used in the case of small volume and emergency and short-term imports. An
application is made to the Board for import authorization. In the case of a
licence, the application will be set down for a public hearing. No licence is
effective until approved by the Governor-in-Council. The issuance of an
import order requires the approval of the Board and does not require a public
hearing. |
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Steel
products imported into Canada have been subject to automatically dispensed
import permits for statistical monitoring purposes since 1986. The current
program, administered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada under
the Export and Import Permits Act, will expire August 31, 2002, but may well
be renewed if conditions of widespread dumping and subsidizing of steel
products continue in world markets. For additional information: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8358 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 |
The
current program, administered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Canada under the Export and Import Permits Act, was last renewed in 2002 for
a three year period which expires on August 31, 2005. |
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Discretionary Export Licensing |
Sugar,
sugar-containing products, and peanut butter exports to the United States of
America were added to the Export Control List pursuant to the Export and
Import Permits Act (EIPA), in order to ensure the orderly export marketing of
these products that are subject to limitations imposed by the United States
in 1995. For additional information,
contact: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~ Trade Controls Policy Division Export and Import Controls
Bureau Telephone: 1-613-995-8104 Fax: 1-613-996-0612 Natural Gas and Ethane: The
National Energy Board Act, and the Part VI Regulations made thereunder,
control imports of natural gas by pipeline, railway tank cars, and tank
trucks or tankers. Imports are authorized via both licences and orders.
Licences are issued for large volume and long-term imports while orders are
used in the case of small volume and emergency and short-term imports. An
application is made to the Board for import authorization. In the case of a
licence, the application will be set down for a public hearing. No licence is
effective until approved by the Governor-in-Council. The issuance of an
import order requires the approval of the Board and does not require a public
hearing. |
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Canada
has no measures to report. |
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In
keeping with its oblications under the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and
Countervailing Measures, Canada does not maintain any export subsides. |
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Canada
does not impose any minimum import prices. |
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Measures Maintained |
Canada has no additional measures to
report. |
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