Global Affairs Canada · Import Control List
Aluminum aluminum products
To clear aluminum, every line needs General Import Permit 83. Since 1 October 2026, it also needs the countries of smelt and cast, unless the aluminum goods are worth $5,000 or less for duty.
To get aluminum cleared
Once, before your first shipment
- Ask suppliers where the aluminum was smelted and cast. Goods made with primary aluminum need the country of the largest smelt, and of the second largest where there is one. All goods need the country of the most recent cast.
On every shipment
- General Import Permit 83 on every line. GAC publishes it; there is nothing to apply for.
- The countries of smelt and cast. Not needed when the aluminum goods are worth $5,000 or less for duty, or are released under Customs Self-Assessment.
After release
- Keep the smelt and cast records. For six years after the year of import.
Is your aluminum covered?
The aluminum products GAC lists in its handbook, section C6.
Documents you may need
| Document | When you need it | Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Import Permit 83Published by GAC; no application | Aluminum products, every line | Every line |
| Smelt and cast recordsKept by the importer | Show the countries of smelt and cast, for six years | Keep on file |
What stops aluminum at the border
Nothing, once every line carries General Import Permit 83. There is no limit on the quantity of aluminum products you can import under it.
Also check for these goods
| Also check | Who | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Surtax and anti-dumping duties | CBSA | By country of origin, and by where the aluminum was smelted and cast |
Recent changes
- Oct 1, 2026Countries of smelt and cast requiredNotice to importers 1170
Questions
Do I apply for General Import Permit 83?
No. GAC publishes it, and you put its number on each line. There is no fee.
Is there a surtax on aluminum smelted or cast in China?
Yes, 25% of the value for duty, unless the goods originate in the US or the aluminum goods subject to it on the declaration are worth $5,000 or less. If CBSA asks and you can't show a certificate proving where the aluminum was smelted and cast, it is treated as Chinese.
Which goods need the country of smelt?
Goods that contain primary aluminum: the country of the largest smelt, and of the second largest where there is one. Every good the permit covers needs the country of the most recent cast.
Sources: Global Affairs Canada, CBSA
- Notice to importers 1170: general import permit No. 83, aluminum products, Global Affairs Canada, modified 2026-09-14
- Handbook of Export and Import Commodity Codes, section C, Global Affairs Canada, modified 2026-11-09
- Memorandum D19-10-2: Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act (importations), CBSA, modified 2026-10-22
- Customs Notice 25-28: Steel Goods and Aluminum Goods Surtax Order, CBSA, modified 2025-11-07
- Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document, chapter 23: Integrated Import Declaration, CBSA, modified 2026-08-25
- Anti-dumping and countervailing measures in force, CBSA, modified 2026-09-17
Reviewed November 10, 2026.
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