The NAFTA Certificate is Replaced by the CUSMA/USMCA

If your business uses the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to ship, note that it has been replaced by the CUSMA. Here’s what you need to know.

The NAFTA Certificate is Replaced by the CUSMA/USMCA

Posted by Tania

If your business uses the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to ship products, make sure to stay updated as there is an important documentation change for export and import shipments. On July 1st, 2020, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA / USMCA) replaced the NAFTA. If a NAFTA certificate is submitted with a shipment rather than the new CUSMA/USMCA, it will not be accepted and duties will be applied. Click to DOWNLOAD the form now. 

What is the CUSMA / USMCA and do I need to complete one? 

In Canada the agreement is referred to as CUSMA whereas in the United States, it is known as the USMCA and in Mexico, it is called the T-MEC. The CUSMA preserves key elements of the trading relationship between Canada, the United States and Mexico as stated in the original NAFTA, and incorporates new and updated provisions that seek to address 21st-century trade issues and promote opportunities for the nearly half a billion North Americans. 

The CUSMA / USMCA must be completed if: 

  • Your product was made within Canada, US or Mexico. 
  • For all export or import shipments to / from U.S. and Mexico. 

This form must be completed and included with the commercial invoice on your shipment, with the label, to avoid additional charges.  

Tip for FlagShip customers: send us the completed CUSMA form so we can keep it on file to help you save time when shipping to/from the U.S. and Mexico with UPS. Click to DOWNLOAD the form now. 

*For more information on the CUSMA form, please contact your custom broker for more details* 

If you have any questions regarding import/export shipping, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts at 1-866-320-8383 or send us an e-mail at support@flagshipcompany.com.