New Tariff Remission Support for Food & Beverage Packaging 

The Government of Canada has announced a six-month remission period for certain U.S. goods, including food and beverage packaging materials. Restaurants Canada, along with some of our partners have been pushing for an exemption on food packaging. Although not an exemption from Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, this is great news for our industry, as it will provide relief to restaurants and give them time to adjust their supply chains and seek domestic alternatives. However, it’s crucial to understand the process and its implications for our industry.​ 

Remission Process Requires Individual Applications 

The remission is not automatic. Businesses must apply individually and demonstrate that the U.S. goods are essential and cannot be sourced domestically or reasonably from non-U.S. sources. Approval is not guaranteed and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, managing expectations is essential. 

Expectation to Adjust Supply Chains 

The government expects businesses to use this period to transition to domestic suppliers. After six months, continued reliance on U.S. imports may not be supported, and businesses that have benefited from the remission will likely face more scrutiny. It’s advisable to begin exploring and establishing relationships with Canadian or international suppliers now to ensure compliance and sustainability. 

For more details on the remission process and to apply, please visit the official announcement and Finance Canada’s website.