Canadian International Trade Tribunal

Definition

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) is an independent tribunal which provides Canadian businesses and individuals with a fair and transparent forum to resolve trade conflicts and make decisions on trade-related matters.

What is the Canadian International Trade Tribunal?

CITT’s responsibilities include three main areas: trade remedies, government procurement, and tariff classification appeals. In terms of trade remedies, CITT conducts inquiries into complaints regarding the dumping of imported goods, which can harm Canadian industries by unfairly undercutting prices. Through these inquiries, CITT determines whether to impose anti-dumping duties on imported products to level the playing field for Canadian businesses.

Regarding government procurement, CITT hears complaints regarding federal procurement processes and supplier conflicts. It makes sure that government procurement practices comply with trade agreements and that Canadian suppliers receive fair treatment in bidding processes.

Additionally, CITT hears appeals related to the tariff classification of goods imported into Canada. This involves reviewing decisions made by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding the classification of goods under the customs tariff. CITT’s decisions provide clarity on the appropriate tariff classification, which impacts the duties and taxes applied to imported goods.

CITT operates independently of government departments. Its decisions are based on evidence presented during hearings, ensuring transparency and fairness in its process. By fulfilling its role, CITT contributes to the effective administration of Canada’s trade laws, supports fair competition in international trade, and protects the interests of Canadian businesses and consumers.

Example of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal

An example of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal in action is when a Canadian manufacturer files a complaint saying that imported steel is being sold in Canada at unfairly low prices, known as dumping.

CITT conducts an inquiry to determine if this practice harms the Canadian manufacturer by undercutting prices and damaging their market share. Based on its findings, CITT may recommend imposing anti-dumping duties on the imported steel to level the playing field and protect the interests of Canadian businesses.