Softwood Lumber U.S. Trade Remedy Proceedings – Extension to deadline to request an administrative review

The following message is from Global Affairs Canada.

To customs brokers representing softwood lumber companies, we would be grateful for onward transmission of this notice to your clients.

As you may know, on January 25, 2019, the U.S. announced a temporary, three week end to the government shutdown.

On January 29, 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced that they have extended the deadline for companies to file their request(s) to be included in the administrative review process. The new deadline for filing these requests is February 28, 2019. Given the possibility that the U.S. government might close down again February 15, 2019, however, we recommend that companies file their requests electronically through the regular ACCESS procedures by no later than February 15, 2019.

We understand that Commerce is working towards approving outstanding requests for e-filer accounts though it is not yet clear when they will complete approvals for all outstanding requests. Any companies that have not yet requested an e-filer account should do so as soon as possible.

Upon confirmation of the approval of their e-filer accounts, companies should file their administrative review request(s) electronically through ACCESS, following the regular filing procedures. Companies should file in this manner whether or not they have already mailed a physical copy of their request(s) to Commerce. Given that the U.S. government has reopened and has extended the deadline for filing administrative review requests, it is no longer necessary to physically mail a copy to Commerce nor is it necessary to insert any additional language in the administrative review request.

Information on how to file through the regular procedures can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage at: https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/softwood-bois_oeuvre/other-autres/faq.aspx?lang=eng. Specifically, under the question “How do I submit a request to be included in an administrative review”, Step 3.

As a reminder, please feel free to reach out to us directly by e-mail with any questions or comments at softwood.boisdoeuvre@international.gc.ca.