U.S. And Canada Set Date to Implement Softwood Agreement

What is Changing?

The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has confirmed that the most recent softwood lumber agreement between Canada and the United States will go into effect on October 12th, 2006.

On that date, companies and firms exporting affected products to the United States must adhere to the agreement’s requirements and regulations. One major and immediate requirement will be thatshipments of softwood lumber will require an export permit prior to entry into the United States. Softwood export permits are to be provided by DFAIT’s Export and Imports Controls Branch.

What Should I Do?

PBB’s parent company, Livingston International Inc., has established Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and on-line access to the Exports and Imports Controls Branch as part of its normal business practice and will be providing softwood lumber permit services to both Canadian exporters and U.S. importers on request. For affected exports entering the U.S. on or after October 12th, 2006, Livingston has set up a national fax number for softwood permit requests. Such requests should be faxed to:

Livingston International Inc. – SWL Permit Fax Line
Number: 1-514-735-1932 (National)
Hours of Operation: 7/24/365

Canadian exporters are encouraged to use this number to ensure they are in compliance with the permit requirements at the outset of this agreement. Exporters should complete the attached fax cover sheet, which will be available on the PBB web site, and forward a complete, legible copy of the corresponding U.S. Customs invoice (for each export) to the above number and a permit will be filed within 90 minutes of receipt.

Clients should continue to fax their shipping documents to U.S. brokerage office where their shipment will cross. In cases where PBB is also acting as the U.S. Customs broker, the permit information will be linked with the subsequent entry information to ensure the efficient and compliant processing of your U.S import transactions.

Where Can I Get More Information?
For additional information concerning the Canada – U.S. Softwood Lumber Agreement or the related export permit requirement, please visit www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca., contact your local representative or ask our Regulatory Affairs Department at regaffairscda@livingstonintl.com.