On 18 March 2026, Canada notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated, on 16 March 2026, a safeguard investigation into imports of certain vegetable goods, classifiable in tariff subheading 0710.21.00.00, 0710.80.00.90, 2005.59.00.00, 2005.99.20.99, 2005.99.90.99, 0710.22.00.10, 0710.90.00.00, 2005.80.00.00, 2005.99.90.15, 0710.22.00.90, 2005.40.00.00, 2005.99.11.00, 2005.99.90.18, 0710.40.00.00, 2005.51.90.19, 2005.99.19.00, 2005.99.90.19, 0710.80.00.20, 2005.51.90.90, 2005.99.20.19, and 2005.99.90.98, on which comment is due by 10 April 2026.
Interested parties wishing to participate in the inquiry as a party must file a Notice of Participation with the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) by 02 April 2026. Each counsel who intends to represent a party in the inquiry must file a Notice of Representation, as well as a Declaration and Undertaking, with the Tribunal on or before 02 April 2026. This deadline must be strictly observed. Notices of Participation filed after the deadline will only be accepted in demonstrably extraordinary circumstances and with leave of the CITT.
The CITT will hold a hearing relating to this safeguard inquiry commencing on 15 June 2026. The Tribunal intends to hold a hybrid hearing, in person and via videoconference.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters, and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to presentations by other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.
