--- title: "Clothing and textiles: Global Affairs Canada · Adhoc" description: "Clothing and textiles that don't meet a trade agreement's usual rules of origin can still get its lower rate, up to a yearly limit: a tariff preference level under CUSMA (and Canada's agreements with Chile, Costa Rica and Honduras), or an origin quota under CETA and the Canada–UK agreement. Each shipment needs a GAC permit; under CUSMA and CETA, permits are issued first come, first served until the limit is used. Goods that meet the usual rules of origin need no permit." canonical: "https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/clothing-and-textiles" last_updated: 2026-11-11 --- # Clothing and textiles under tariff preference levels and origin quotas Global Affairs Canada · Import Control List Clothing and textiles that don't meet a trade agreement's usual rules of origin can still get its lower rate, up to a yearly limit: a tariff preference level under CUSMA (and Canada's agreements with Chile, Costa Rica and Honduras), or an origin quota under CETA and the Canada–UK agreement. Each shipment needs a GAC permit; under CUSMA and CETA, permits are issued first come, first served until the limit is used. Goods that meet the usual rules of origin need no permit. ## To claim the lower rate on clothing and textiles ### Once, before your first shipment - **Get an EIPA number.** GAC's importer number for permits. One form, sent once. ### On every shipment - **A permit for that shipment.** Only to claim a trade agreement's rate for goods that don't meet its usual rules of origin. Any Canadian resident can apply. - **From the EU: the exporter's origin declaration.** For goods claiming the CETA origin quota. It must refer to Annex 5-A, on the commercial invoice or another commercial document, or the goods don't count against the quota. - **From Mexico, under the tariff preference level: a certificate of eligibility.** Issued by the Government of Mexico. GAC needs its number with the permit application. - **Under a tariff preference level: the exporter's certification of non-originating textile goods.** It must be in your possession when the goods are released. ## Documents you may need | Document | When you need it | Status | | --- | --- | --- | | Shipment-specific permit, Issued by GAC for one shipment | Goods that don't meet the agreement's usual rules of origin, claiming its rate under a tariff preference level or an origin quota | If it applies | | Certificate of eligibility, Issued by the Government of Mexico | Goods from Mexico claiming the CUSMA rate under the tariff preference level | If it applies | | Exporter's certification of non-originating textile goods, From the exporter | Goods claiming a tariff preference level; in your possession at release | If it applies | ## What stops goods at the border - **Claiming the agreement's rate with a permit that doesn't match the shipment**: If the permit isn't valid yet or has expired, or the importer, goods, quantity or country of origin differ from it, CBSA holds the goods and won't release them. **Without a permit, the goods still enter.** They pay the regular rate, not the agreement's. Under CUSMA and CETA, GAC issues permits first come, first served until the yearly limit is used. Also from Global Affairs Canada: [Steel](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/steel) · [Aluminum](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/aluminum) · [Farm goods](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/farm-goods) · [Electric vehicles from China](https://www.useadhoc.com/agencies/global-affairs-canada/electric-vehicles-from-china) ## Questions ### Do I need a permit to import clothing? Only to claim a trade agreement's lower rate for goods that don't meet its usual rules of origin, up to a yearly limit. Goods that meet the rules of origin need no permit, and goods without one still enter at the regular rate. ## Sources - [Memorandum D19-10-2: Administration of the Export and Import Permits Act (importations)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-10-2-eng.html), CBSA, modified 2026-10-22 - [Memorandum D11-4-22: Tariff preference levels](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d11/d11-4-22-eng.html), CBSA, modified 2023-02-14 - [Notice to importers 1000: tariff preference level imports of apparel, fabrics, made-up goods and yarn from the US and Mexico under CUSMA](https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/controls-controles/notices-avis/1000.aspx?lang=eng), Global Affairs Canada, modified 2026-06-12 - [Notice to importers 1069: textiles and apparel from the European Union under CETA](https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/controls-controles/notices-avis/1069.aspx?lang=eng), Global Affairs Canada, modified 2022-02-16 - [Import Control List, C.R.C., c. 604](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/c.r.c.,_c._604/index.html), Justice Laws, current to 2026-10-19 - [Import permits](https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/about-a_propos/impor/permits-licences.aspx?lang=eng), Global Affairs Canada, modified 2025-12-04 Reviewed November 10, 2026. Adhoc is not affiliated with Global Affairs Canada or CBSA.