Textiles & Clothing

Note: Click here for information on for textiles and clothing

Canada’s free trade agreements (FTA) with the United States, Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica and Honduras contain tariff preference level (TPL) provisions for certain textile and apparel goods being imported or exported within the respective free trade zones.  TPL-eligible goods are goods that do not meet the requirements of the FTA Rules of Origin but can still receive the same preferential tariff treatment as originating goods, up to a negotiated quantity, as long as they meet certain conditions (such as being cut, sewn, and assembled in a Party from non-originating material).  Trade of non-originating textiles and apparel commodities not covered by the above FTAs, or with countries other than those listed above, have no Canadian permit or certification requirements and are subject to Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duties.

TPL-eligible imports and exports are subject to controls under Canada’s Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA). All TPL-eligible imports require an import permit issued by the Canadian government. Only TPL-eligible exports to the United States and Mexico require a Certificate of Eligibility. TPL-eligible exports to Chile, Costa Rica and Honduras have no Canadian documentation requirements.  Below you will find information related to TPL administration.  In particular, the Notices to Importers and exporters; the Canadian Border Services Agency memorandum D11-4-22; and Sections E (textiles and apparel imports) and F (textiles and apparel exports) of the Handbook of Export and Import Commodity Codes provide details on FTA TPL coverage and the related administrative requirements. 

Inquiries on TPL imports and exports can be directed to TPL-NPT@international.gc.ca.