Transfer of Customs Tariff powers

Summary#

This is the Order Transferring from the Minister for International Trade to the Minister of State (US Trade) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs the Powers, Duties and Functions Under Subsection 53(2) of the Customs Tariff (registration SI/2025-81), published in the Canada Gazette Part II on June 4, 2025. It moves certain powers under subsection 53(2) of the Customs Tariff away from the Minister for International Trade and splits them between two ministers.

What it does#

• Transfers the powers, duties and functions under subsection 53(2) of the Customs Tariff that were held by the Minister for International Trade.
• Gives those powers, for matters involving Canada–United States trade, to the Minister of State (US Trade).
• Gives those powers, for all other trade matters, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• The change was made under the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act by order in council P.C. 2025-492 dated May 13, 2025.

Who's affected#

• The ministers named: Minister for International Trade, Minister of State (US Trade), and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Government officials who handle customs and trade files will see their reporting lines or decision routes change.
• Businesses and organizations involved in import/export — especially those trading with the United States — may notice a change in which minister or office handles certain customs decisions under subsection 53(2).
• The source does not say more about which parts of industry or which specific customs actions under subsection 53(2) will be most affected.

Why it matters#

• It changes who in government makes certain decisions tied to subsection 53(2) of the Customs Tariff. That can affect where stakeholders direct questions or requests.
• Splitting Canada–US trade to a dedicated Minister of State (US Trade) could mean more focused attention on U.S. issues.
• This is mainly an internal reorganization of responsibilities. The order does not, on its face, change the law itself — it reallocates which minister holds the specified powers.