Investigation into Vietnam container chassis

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) started an investigation on November 25, 2024 under the Special Import Measures Act into whether container chassis imported from Vietnam are circumventing a Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) finding about similar goods from China (finding dated February 18, 2022). If the CBSA finds circumvention, the Tribunal can extend anti-dumping or countervailing duties to cover those Vietnam imports.

What it does#

• Opens an investigation into alleged circumvention of the CITT finding on container chassis. The investigation was started on November 25, 2024.
• The CBSA must reach a decision within 180 days of starting the probe.
• If the CBSA concludes there is circumvention, the CITT can amend its earlier finding and extend duties under the Special Import Measures Act to the goods from Vietnam.
• The goods under review are mainly classified under tariff number 8716.39.30.90. To a lesser extent, they may fall under:
  • 8706.00.90.90
  • 8716.39.90.90
  • 8716.40.00.00
  • 8716.80.20.90
  • 8716.90.30.00
  • 8716.90.99.10
  • 8716.90.99.90
• The CBSA will publish a Statement of Reasons within 15 days after its decision.
• Interested parties can send written submissions and evidence by email to simaregistry@cbsa‑asfc.gc.ca. To be considered, submissions should arrive by March 14, 2025. Submissions are public unless clearly marked confidential; confidential filings must include a non‑confidential edited version.

Who's affected#

• Importers and distributors that bring container chassis into Canada from Vietnam.
• Canadian companies that make, sell, or use container chassis (for example, trucking companies, port operators, and equipment dealers).
• Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trade lawyers who handle border compliance.
• It is unclear from the notice how large the volume of affected imports is or exactly which companies will be targeted.

Why it matters#

• If the investigation finds circumvention, additional duties could be applied to some container chassis from Vietnam, raising costs for importers and possibly for businesses that use this equipment.
• The action is meant to prevent companies from avoiding anti‑dumping or countervailing duties by shifting production or routing through another country.
• This is an investigation, not a final decision. A finding either way could have concrete commercial and competitive effects for the equipment and shipping sectors.