As the trade situation between the U.S. and Canada continues to evolve, I wanted to reach out with a few updates that would be relevant for N-PAcT members to receive and be aware of. All Innovasea products are designed and manufactured in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the guidance below is intended to help your members answer questions they might have on importing our equipment smoothly and avoid unnecessary charges.

Tariff and Duty Treatment Under CUSMA/USMCA
Innovasea products that are designed, manufactured, and shipped from Canada qualify under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) and are therefore eligible for preferential tariff treatment when imported into the United States. Further, the majority of Canadian-made Innovasea products travel duty-free into the U.S. under HS Code 9015.80.

Entry fees (for both tariff and duty) are the Importer of Record’s responsibility, and in the case of the products noted above, a dispute can be submitted. A partially completed form is attached that can be finished with the pertinent shipment information, signed, and returned to the email address on the form.

Innovasea has a copy of the CUSMA on file with CBP, and that should be referenced once the shipment reaches the border. This is done by the Homeland Security personnel clearing the shipment.

Importer of Record Documentation Notice – CBP Form 5106
Please also share the following with the N-PAcT Members. CBP Form 5106 is the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection form used to create or update an importer’s identity and establish an Importer of Record (IOR) account.

The current U.S. administration released Executive Order #14411 enacting the voiding of all IOR records showing any signs of inaccuracy. This review will begin September 18, 2026. Please ensure your information at the border is current and accurate, and that your members update or renew their Form 5106 before December 31, 2026.

If a member or organization utilizes an import broker, this update can be completed by them. Otherwise, the Form 5106 can be downloaded from the CBP website and completed and returned as per the instructions provided. Please be aware of this requirement, as failure to act may result in customs clearance delays and significantly impact delivery timelines for future shipments. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or to Kim Arsenault with any questions on any of the above.

FedEx_DUTY-Tariff_Dispute-Form