Steel imports into Canada face the highest concentration of SIMA anti-dumping measures and surtax orders of any commodity category. We've built our process specifically for the work.
Why Steel Is Different
The Compliance Landscape for Steel Importers
SIMA
Steel categories carry more active Special Import Measures Act anti-dumping and countervailing orders than any other commodity class in Canadian trade. A misclassified entry can trigger retroactive duty assessments that exceed the original cargo value.
25% Surtax
The 25% Canadian surtax on Chinese-origin steel and aluminum remains in force following the March 2026 restructuring of the surtax order. Customs Notice 25-05 governs the current remission authorization codes (25-054A through 25-054M).
HS Classification
Steel commodities have unusually granular HS classification — alloy content, dimensions, end use, and form all affect the tariff line. Misclassification doesn't just affect duty rate; it determines whether SIMA applies at all.
Our Process
How We Handle Steel Shipments
1
Pre-Arrival HS Classification Review
Every steel shipment is classified against the current 2026 Canadian Customs Tariff before transmission. Granular review of alloy specifications, dimensions, and end use determines the correct tariff line — and whether SIMA applies.
2
SIMA Exposure Pre-Check
Cross-reference against current active SIMA cases. If exposure is detected, we communicate with the importer before transmission so the financial impact is understood — not discovered after the entry is filed.
3
Surtax Order Verification
For Chinese-origin steel, verification of the current 25% surtax framework and applicable remission authorization codes. Misapplied remission codes can be more costly than the surtax itself in audit findings.
4
Pre-Arrival CAD Filing
Entries are filed before vessels berth. CBSA has reviewed the classification, SIMA application, and surtax position by the time discharge starts — not after.
5
Regulatory Monitoring
We track CBSA Trade Remedies notices, Customs Notice amendments, and CITT case updates as they're published. When a SIMA case affects your commodity mix, you hear from us before it affects your next shipment.
Mill test certificates (MTRs). The chemistry and mechanical properties on the mill cert drive the HS classification — alloy content can move a product between tariff lines with completely different SIMA exposure. Send the MTR with your inquiry and the classification review starts on real data.
Country of melt and pour. Canadian steel import rules distinguish where steel was melted and poured from where it was last processed. This distinction determines surtax and SIMA treatment — it's the first question we'll ask, so have it ready from your mill.
Full product specification. Dimensions, coating type, form (coil, sheet, pipe, structural), and end use. "Steel pipe" isn't enough — OCTG, line pipe, and standard pipe sit under different SIMA orders with different duty outcomes.
Weight breakdown per size/spec. SIMA and surtax assessments apply per tariff line, not per container. A proforma invoice with weight split by size and specification lets us model the duty exposure before you commit to the purchase.
SIMA-Active Steel Categories
Concrete rebarActive
OCTG & line pipeActive
Hot-rolled sheet & plateActive
Corrosion-resistant sheetActive
Wire rodActive
China-origin surtax25%
Indicative categories only — SIMA measures change throughout the year. We verify against current CBSA Measures in Force for every quote.
Importing Steel into Canada?
Get a SIMA exposure assessment, surtax review, and customs clearance quote.