How to keep shipping to USA
**I’m not an expert, this is all based on my ADHD driven research. I advise you to do your own research and consult with experts when needed.
It turns out most packages sent from makers in Canada to customers in the United States would qualify for CUSMA but since the $800 de minimis existed there wasn't a huge need to spend the time worrying about that. Canada-United States- Mexico Agreement gives tariff free entry if the product meets the originating requirement.
TIP: Your pottery likely already qualifies for CUSMA
So What Qualifies for CUSMA?
To qualify for CUSMA, goods must generally meet one of the following criteria:
Wholly Obtained: If a product is entirely grown, extracted, or harvested in one of the CUSMA countries, it is considered originating.
Produced in CUSMA Countries: If a product is made in one or more CUSMA countries using materials from those countries, it can also qualify if it meets specific product-specific rules of origin (PSROs).
Significant Transformation: If a product is made with some non-originating materials, it can still qualify if the non-originating materials undergo a significant transformation within the CUSMA region, often defined by a change in tariff classification or a value-added requirement.
Handmade Pottery easily qualifies for CUSMA
Determine what the correct HS code is. HS codes to get confusing, 6 digit codes are used worldwide, Canada uses 8 digit codes and USA uses 10 digit. I went with 8 digit Canadian code, USA Customs will convert to 10 digit HTSUS code.
These are some of the HS Codes you may need for pottery
HS Code
Origin Criterion
Decide whether your pottery is CUSMA Criterion A (if all clay/glazes from North America) or Criterion B (if imported raw materials but fully transformed in Canada). I went with Criterion B as some of my raw ingredients may be from outside North America.
CUSMA Certificate
After a bunch of research I made up some CUSMA Certificate templates that I will use. I have separate ones for each Earthenware, Stoneware and Porcelain.
Format does not matter as long as it has all the required information: Certifier, Exporter, Producer, Importer, Description of goods, HS code, Origin criterion, Period, Certification statement, Signature
The Origin Certificate on the USA Customs and Border Protection website is there just as a template. When NAFTA was in place that document was required, in CUSMA there is not set document or format.
Download My CUSMA Certificate Templates
Again I’m not an expert, this is all based on my ADHD driven research. I advise you to do your own research and consult with experts when needed.
If you choose to use my templates select whichever one matches your clay body. Remove red text at the top. Fill in the highlighted fields, copy and paste 2 more copies into the document so there is now 3 copies over 1.5 pages. Print, cut in half and put in a clear 'documents enclosed' pouch and stick to your box.
**Again I’m not an expert, this is all based on my ADHD driven research. I advise you to do your own research and consult with experts when needed. I will update this page as I do more research, there is always the possibility I have been super wrong somewhere and will need to make some corrections
Keep in mind that things are constantly changing and you may need to revise your plan for shipping to USA frequently