Canada therefore supports an approach that will allow for early tariff elimination for some products in order to provide exporters the opportunity to expand trade quickly and reduce costs for consumers. At the same time it is recognised that all countries have domestic industries which may require time to adjust to increased import competition. Consequently, it is anticipated that a transition period that allows for the phased elimination of some tariffs will also be negotiated. Canada has made one submission suggesting modalities for negotiation. Non-tariff measures can also affect market access.
Some countries maintain a variety of measures such as charges or fees on imports.
A Canadian objective is to negotiate the elimination of such measures should it be determined that they restrict trade among FTAA countries. Canada was made submissions related to notifications of non-tariff measures to be made by participants in order to develop an inventory for negotiation. To ensure that only goods produced in the hemisphere benefit from preferential tariff treatment, a Canadian objective will be to negotiate appropriate rules of origin. These rules need to be supported by customs practices designed to provide effective verification procedures together with a transparent and predictable border system. Canada has made two submissions on each of customs procedures and rules of origin.