Marking of Imported Goods Updated to CUSMA

Summary#

These final regulations (SOR/2020-83) update the Marking of Imported Goods Regulations to reflect the new Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade agreement. They replace references to NAFTA with CUSMA, add a definition for CUSMA goods, and set a transitional rule for goods imported before the change. The instrument was registered on April 7, 2020 and published in the Canada Gazette on April 29, 2020.

What it does#

• Replaces the English definition of “NAFTA goods” with a new definition for “CUSMA goods” and adds the corresponding wording to the Regulations.
• Changes references throughout the Regulations from “NAFTA” or “non-NAFTA” to “CUSMA” or non‑CUSMA equivalents (including several defined terms and specific sections).
• Updates cross-references to the renamed rules that determine country of origin for marking purposes (to match the CUSMA-based name).
• Adds a transitional provision saying the previous text of the Regulations continues to apply to goods imported before section 183 of the Canada–United–States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act comes into force.
• Specifies that these amendments come into force when section 183 of the Canada–United–States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act takes effect, or on the day these Regulations are registered if that is later.

Who's affected#

• Importers, manufacturers, packagers and retailers who label or mark country of origin on imported goods.
• Customs brokers and logistics companies that handle import paperwork and compliance.
• The government office that manages marking rules, including the Canada Border Services Agency.
• If it’s unclear: the changes are technical name and reference updates. They do not introduce new marking obligations beyond the existing rules tied to the trade agreement.

Why it matters#

• It aligns Canada’s marking rules with the new trade agreement (CUSMA) so label requirements and legal references match the agreement in force.
• For most businesses this is a technical update only — the government’s analysis says it causes no change in administrative costs and the small-business lens does not apply.
• The transitional rule protects importers by keeping the old wording in effect for goods imported before the new agreement’s implementing provision (section 183) takes effect.