CBP is using a new center focused on implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to help with the process, the agency said in a May 11 news release. “Staffed with CBP experts from operational, legal, and audit disciplines, as well as with virtual representatives from Canadian and Mexican customs authorities, the USMCA Center is a cornerstone of CBP’s USMCA implementation plan and will serve as a central communication hub for CBP and the private sector community, including traders, brokers, freight forwarders and producers, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition from the North American Free Trade Agreement to USMCA,” it said.

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of May 11 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

Canada will waive customs duties for a variety of medical goods related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Finance Canada said May 6 in a news release. The waivers apply to “certain medical goods, including [personal protective equipment (PPE)] such as masks and gloves,” and “will reduce the cost of imported PPE for Canadian businesses, which face tariffs of up to 18 per cent in some instances, help protect workers, and ensure our supply chains can keep functioning well,” it said. The Canada Border Services Agency provided more details in a May 6 customs notice. The waiver applies to “eligible goods which were imported on or after May 5, 2020” and “can be claimed at the time of importation or within two years of the date of importation,” it said.

Brazil added 349 items to its list of foreign capital goods and information technology and telecommunications goods subject to duty-free treatment under the country’s Ex-Tarifario regime, according to a May 8 Hong Kong Trade Development Council report. Among the additions, 325 items are capital goods and 24 are IT and telecommunications goods, the report said. The goods will benefit from duty-free treatment though Dec. 31, 2021. Brazil also updated its list of auto parts that qualify for duty exemptions, removing four items from the list, adding 192 items and modifying 21 product descriptions, the HKTDC said.

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of May 8 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of May 6 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of May 4 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

Canada issued limits for exporting newly prohibited firearms, in a May 1 notice to exporters. “The purpose of this Notice is to advise exporters of export controls implications flowing from the announcement by the Prime Minister that a number of firearms are now considered 'prohibited firearms,'” it said. The Canada Border Services Agency also posted a notice that said that several firearms are now illegal to import. “Please be advised that the ... (CBSA) will immediately begin prohibiting the importation of all firearms that are listed in the Regulations by individuals or businesses, unless an exemption is met,” it said.

Brazil recently imposed export restrictions on a range of medical supplies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an April 29 report from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The measures restrict exports of medical and hospital equipment, including surgical masks, latex gloves, nitrile gloves, waterproof aprons, protective goggles, facial protectors, caps, hospital beds, “multiparameter monitors” and mechanical ventilators and circuits, the report said. Brazil also has “special licensing requirements” for exports of goods used to combat the virus, including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and fentanyl, the report said.

The government of Canada issued the following trade-related notices as of April 29 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):