Canadian Government Notices for March 8

The government of Canada recently issued the following trade-related notices for March 8 (note that some may also be given separate headlines):

• Off-road Compression-Ignition and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations. The proposed "Off-road Compression-Ignition (Mobile and Stationary) and Large Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations" would repeal and replace the current Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations (which apply to mobile compression-ignition engines) and introduce new emission standards and requirements in alignment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for large spark-ignition and stationary compression ignition engines. In an executive summary, the regulations are described as aiming to "reduce air pollutant emissions from off-road engines and create a level playing field in the Canada-U.S. market for importers and manufacturers of these engines."
• Canadian international merchandise trade for December 2018. Statistics Canada reported March 6 that Canada's exports declined 3.8% in December 2018, almost all accounted for by lower energy product exports, while imports were up 1.6% for the month, on higher energy product imports. As a result, Canada's merchandise trade deficit with the world widened from $2 billion in November to a record $4.6 billion in December. (Amounts in Canadian dollars.)
• NAFTA textile/apparel TPL utilization. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade updated the 2019 NAFTA textile and apparel tariff preference level utilization rate for imports and exports.
• Product Recalls: Tweed Inc. recalls one lot of LBS Sunset (Indica) dried cannabis manufactured in Canada, for incorrect labeling; Y.M. Inc. recalls Urban Kids Girls' Graphic Pajama Long Sleeve Shirts manufactured in China, for not meeting flammability requirements; Dorel Home Canada recalls Cosco vinyl folding chairs manufactured in China, for fall hazard.