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The short answer

No, not automatically. CUSMA preference applies only to goods that meet the agreement's rule of origin for their tariff classification, backed by a certification and records. It can reduce customs duty; it does not remove GST, excise or special measures such as surtaxes. Canada currently applies surtaxes to certain U.S.-origin goods. Treat duty as unknown until the importer's customs broker confirms it.

This page is part of the U.S.–Canada freight shipping guide.

How preference works

To claim CUSMA preference, the product must satisfy the rule of origin for its classification. Depending on the product, that can turn on where the materials came from, where production happened, a change in tariff classification, or regional value content.

The truck lane does not answer any of those questions. Detroit to Toronto tells CBSA where the freight travelled, not where it originated.

The certification of origin

There is no prescribed CUSMA certificate form. The certification must contain the agreement's minimum data elements, and it can be completed by the importer, exporter or producer. The data elements cover the certifier, exporter, producer, importer, a description and HS classification of the goods, the origin criterion, any blanket period, and the authorized signature and date.

For commercial goods valued under CAN$3,300, CBSA does not require a certification, but the importer must still keep records showing the goods qualify. Do not reuse an old NAFTA certificate.

What CUSMA does not remove

Even when goods qualify for a preferential duty rate, other amounts can still apply:

  • GST on the value of the goods plus duties
  • excise duties or taxes on certain goods
  • special import measures, such as anti-dumping duties
  • surtaxes on listed U.S.-origin goods

The current surtax measures, with their date and rates, are kept on one page so they stay up to date: see duties and taxes.

Agreement status

Trade-policy note, verified 27 September 2026: CUSMA/USMCA remains in force. At the 1 July 2026 joint review, the United States did not agree to renew the agreement in its current form, so the review continues. The agreement did not end on 1 July. Confirm current treatment for the specific product before each shipment.

What changes the plan

  • Mixed-origin products. Goods built from non-North American materials may or may not qualify; that is a rule-of-origin question for the importer and broker.
  • Goods only warehoused in the U.S. Shipping from a U.S. warehouse does not make foreign-made goods CUSMA-originating.
  • A blanket certification. One certification can cover repeat shipments of the same goods over a stated blanket period; the broker can confirm the limits.

Common failure points

  • Claiming preference because the pickup is in the United States.
  • A certification missing data elements, or copied from a NAFTA form.
  • The invoice's origin disagrees with the certification.
  • Treating an unchecked surtax as zero.

Before requesting a quote

  • Product classification confirmed, or with the broker
  • Origin rule reviewed for the product
  • Supporting origin records available
  • Certification holds the minimum data elements
  • Customs broker has the certification
  • Current surtaxes and measures checked
  • Freight facts ready: lane, dimensions, weight, pieces, equipment

Common questions

Is there an official CUSMA certificate form?

No. Any format works if it contains the minimum data elements.

Who can certify origin?

The importer, the exporter or the producer.

Does CUSMA affect the freight rate?

No. It affects customs treatment. The transportation price depends on the lane, freight, equipment and timing.

Know the customs position, need the truck?

Send the freight and lane details, and we will price the transportation while the importer's broker handles the origin claim.

Request a Freight Quote

Official sources

Last verified: 27 September 2026 against the official sources listed.