Finance Canada Outlines Counter-Tariff Remission Process for U.S. Goods

Businesses should review the eligibility criteria and supporting information required before submitting a remission request.

The Department of Finance Canada has outlined the counter-tariff remission process Canadian companies can use to request exceptional relief from tariffs on certain U.S. goods.

The guidance comes ahead of Canada’s new counter-tariffs taking effect on September 8, 2026. The measures will apply at rates of 15%, 25%, and 50% to products targeted in response to recent U.S. Section 338 and Section 232 tariffs.

Remission will only be considered where exceptional and compelling circumstances justify relief.

When can companies request counter-tariff remission?

Requests for counter-tariff remission will be considered in two circumstances:

• When goods used as inputs cannot be sourced domestically, either nationally or regionally, or reasonably from non-U.S. suppliers
• When other exceptional circumstances could have severe adverse impacts on the Canadian economy

What information must be provided?

Finance Canada has provided a remission request template outlining the information companies should include with their submissions.

This includes:

• Company information, including the 15-digit business number, corporate structure, locations, operations, and number of employees
• The eight-digit Canadian tariff classification and a detailed description of the goods
• The value and volume of imports of the goods
• Evidence of efforts to source the goods from Canadian or non-U.S. suppliers, where applicable
• Information about contractual obligations or other factors that prevent alternative sourcing
• Details of impacts on costs, production, employment, investment, or other Canadian operations

Supporting documentation must be provided to show why exceptional relief is warranted.

Applicants should clearly identify any confidential information in their submission. Finance Canada also requires enough non-confidential information to support consultations with domestic producers or other interested parties where necessary.

If a product may qualify under more than one tariff remission process, companies should submit a single request that identifies all applicable programs and provides the required information for each.

How are counter-tariff remission requests assessed?

Finance Canada will assess each request in consultation with relevant federal departments and may consult other interested parties, including domestic producers.

It will then make a recommendation to the Minister of Finance.

Remission must ultimately be approved by the Governor in Council through an Order in Council.

How Cole International can help

Cole International provides trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses navigate customs requirements, tariff treatment, and other import obligations.

Reach out to one of our trade professionals to understand how the counter-tariffs may affect your imports and whether remission is available.