On November 29, 2023, Canada-Poland Chamber of Commerce hosted a compelling seminar titled “Unlocking North America: Mastering CETA and CUSMA for Market Entry Success.” This insightful event delved into the practical applications of CETA (the free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union) and CUSMA (the free trade agreement between Canada, the USA, and Mexico) within the North American market. The seminar focused on key aspects, including labor mobility, tariffs, duties related to the building/construction materials sector, and customs valuation. A networking reception followed allowing for one on one discussions with the panelists and idea exchanges between participants.
The seminar was hosted at the offices of Green and Spiegel LLP, a Toronto-based immigration law firm. The event garnered significant interest, with over 40 representatives from companies in Poland, other European Union countries, Canadian businesses, and numerous CCPC members in attendance.
The Chamber curated a panel of experts, each addressing crucial topics covered during the seminar:
- Canadian Immigration Law: Alexandra Cole and Alannah Glintz, Associate Lawyers at Green and Spiegel LLP, discussed opportunities for business expansion and obtaining work authorization for temporary foreign workers in Canada.
- Logistics and Freight: Vitek Manitius, Founder of Polimex Forwarding Corp., highlighted the benefits of CETA in reducing duties/tariffs and simplifying customs formalities, emphasizing the advantages of Canada’s proximity to the United States.
- Customs Law: Greg Kanargelidis, Lawyer, and Founder of Kanargelidis Global Trade and Customs Law, provided insights into planning and compliance for the importation and exportation of goods and services, covering tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, and export/import controls.
Here are some select takeaways:
- Immigration Laws: CETA facilitates labor movement, allowing business visitors from the EU to engage in various activities in Canada. Work permits for EU-based staff are streamlined for durations under 12 months.
- Logistics and Freight: Companies can benefit from preferential tariff treatment by providing proper declarations. CETA offers advantages for moving goods from the EU to the US via Canada, capitalizing on proximity, customs efficiency, and opportunities for Canadian-made products.
- Customs Laws: Expanding business to Canada involves considerations such as cross-border sales, non-resident importer status, or establishing a presence in Canada. Compliance complexities increase when transitioning from doing business “with” to “in” Canada.
For detailed consultations on these topics, reach out to the experts: Alexandra Cole, Polimex Forwarding, and Greg Kanargelidis.
To stay informed about future seminars and meetings, consider joining Canada-Poland Chamber of Commerce.
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