Canada to Require Smelt and Cast Country Data for Aluminum Imports Starting October

Aluminum importers should review whether their goods are covered by General Import Permit No. 83 and confirm they can obtain the required smelt and cast country data by October 1.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced new aluminum import reporting requirements that will require importers to provide additional smelt and cast country data for certain products, starting October 1, 2026.

The requirements relate to General Import Permit (GIP) No. 83 — Aluminum Products.

General Import Permits allow certain eligible goods included on Canada’s Import Control List to be imported without a specific import permit, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable permit.

New data requirements

Importers will be required to provide the following information through the Single Window Initiative (SWI) Integrated Import Declaration (IID):

• Country of largest smelt (CLS), for goods containing primary aluminum
  
• Country of second-largest smelt (C2S), where applicable

• Country of most recent cast (CRC), for all goods covered by GIP No. 83

Until the requirements become mandatory on October 1, 2026, the information may be submitted voluntarily.

Goods covered and exemptions

The new smelt and cast country data requirements apply to aluminum HS codes included in Global Affairs Canada’s Single Window Initiative Integrated Import Declaration regulated commodities table.

The requirements relate to aluminum products listed under item 83 of Canada’s Import Control List (ICL).

These include alloyed and non-alloyed unwrought aluminum products, as well as certain wrought aluminum products such as bars, rods, profiles, wires, plates, sheets, strips, foils, tubes, pipes, tube and pipe fittings, and certain castings and forgings.

CBSA has outlined situations where the new requirements do not apply, including when:

• The goods are imported by certain Customs Self Assessment (CSA) importers
• The total value for duty of the imported goods is $5,000 or less

Related guidance, including Memorandum D19-10-2: Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act (Importations), will be updated with additional information when the amended order comes into effect.

How we can help

At Cole International, we offer trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses understand changing customs requirements and prepare for new reporting obligations.

Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss how the new smelt and cast country data requirements may apply to your aluminum imports.