Importers should review the tariff classification, product description, and manufacturing origin of wood shipments and account for the potential 25% additional cost.
Canada has imposed a provisional 25% surtax on certain imported wood cabinets and vanities while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) continues its safeguard inquiry into certain wood products.
The provisional safeguard surtax took effect on July 31, 2026, and may remain in force for up to 200 days. It applies in addition to any customs duties and other import charges otherwise payable on the goods.
According to the Department of Finance, the measure is intended to address injury to Canadian manufacturers associated with increased imports and the diversion of goods resulting from changing global trade conditions.
The CITT’s broader safeguard inquiry is intended to determine if increased wood imports are causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury to Canadian wood manufacturers.
It covers three classes of imported wood products:
At this stage, however, the provisional 25% surtax applies only to certain wood cabinets and vanities. Hardwood flooring and engineered wood storage furniture remain part of the inquiry but are not subject to the provisional measure.
The CITT must submit its report to the Minister of Finance by January 15, 2027, and may recommend further safeguard measures if warranted.
The provisional safeguard surtax does not apply to wood cabinets and vanities manufactured in:
Importers should confirm the manufacturing origin of their goods rather than relying solely on the country from which they were shipped.
Cole International provides trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses understand how new trade measures affect their imports and identify available exemptions.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to help determine whether the provisional safeguard surtax applies to your imports.