Tax & Trade Blog

As a firm specializing in International Trade and related regulatory issues, we have noticed a marked increase in recent inquiries regarding the new regulatory requirements for Nicotine Pouches.  This uptick coincides with Health Canada’s recent announcement effectively restricting the sale of Nicotine Replacement Therapies (“NRTs”), including Nicotine Pouches, to pharmacies – and the need to understand how comprehensive these apply to current business, and what options there are for moving forward.

With May 31^st deadline quickly approaching for Canada’s first mandatory Annual Reports on Forced Labour, many in the Oil, Gas & Petrochem sector may have missed these requirements completely!

Making matters worse, Public Safety Canada’s recently released updated guidance (the “New Guidance”) on Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the “FCLA”) leaves a number of “scope” questions unanswered.

The new year brings an important new reporting obligation likely affecting most Canadian and many US-based Oil, Gas and Petroleum businesses – and sadly, the in-house Customs & Trade Professionals they employ!

New Canadian Forced Labour Legislation / Reporting Requirements

Canada’s Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the “FCLA” and “Forced Labour”), came into force on January 1, 2024.  These new Forced Labour rules are broadly aimed at eradicating Forced Labour from Canadian supply chains, by establishing annual reporting requirements, banning related imports and increasing non-compliance penalties.