Aluminum Importers Must Report Smelt and Cast

Summary#

This is a proposed Order Amending the General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products by Global Affairs Canada that would require importers to report where imported aluminum was smelted and cast. The notice was published on April 4, 2026 and people can comment within 30 days; the changes would take effect on October 1, 2026 if finalized.

What it does#

• Adds new definitions and reporting requirements to General Import Permit No. 83 — Aluminum Products (often called GIP83).
• Requires importers to report, at the time of import, the:
  • country where the largest quantity of primary aluminum in a good was smelted,
  • country of the second-largest smelt (if any), and
  • country where the aluminum was most recently cast.
• Collects that information through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) using the Single Window Integrated Import Declaration (SW IID).
• Requires importers to keep related records for six years after the year of importation.
• Creates exemptions:
  • for importers in the Customs Self-Assessment Program, and
  • for imports of applicable aluminum goods whose total value for duty is $5,000 or less.
• Leaves existing reporting, permit citation, and publication practices in place.
• Notes the change is being proposed (not law yet) and includes draft regulatory text.

Who's affected#

• Aluminum importers into Canada — most already clear goods using the SW IID (about 93%).
• Customs brokers who fill in import declarations on behalf of importers.
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Global Affairs Canada, which will collect, share, and publish the new data.
• Small businesses that import aluminum (expected to see a small, low-cost administrative impact).
• Participants in the Customs Self-Assessment Program are exempt from the new declaration requirement.
• Industry groups, producers, and labour organizations that participated in consultations may also be interested.

Why it matters#

• It aims to make the aluminum import supply chain more transparent by showing where aluminum was smelted and cast. That helps businesses, government and researchers track trade patterns and supply-chain origins.
• The information can help enforce the separate Steel Goods and Aluminum Goods Surtax Order, under which aluminum imports without the right documentation can face a 25% surtax (in force since July 31, 2025). Reporting via the CBSA system may make surtax compliance easier.
• For most importers the change should be low-cost because many already gather this information for the surtax and already use the SW IID. Small imports under $5,000 are exempt.
• Failure to comply with customs permit requirements can lead to penalties (up to $25,000 per infraction) under existing enforcement rules.
• This is a proposed change. The government held consultations from May 21 to June 28, 2024, and is seeking public comments now before finalizing the order.