The Tariff and Customs Advisory Program (TCAP) offers Atlantic Canadian companies expert guidance to manage tariffs, optimize supply chains and stay compliant with changing trade regulations.
What’s included:
- Up to $10,000 + HST in non-repayable consulting and professional support to assist with addressing challenges related to tariffs
- Expert consultants: Customs Brokers, Trade Consultants and Trade Lawyers (approved applicants can choose who they wish to work with)
- Cost: Administrative fee of $99 plus 25% of total consulting costs (HST excluded)
The TCAP program is open to registered companies of any size headquartered in Atlantic Canada with exportable goods or services that can demonstrate they have been impacted by foreign and Canadian tariffs (companies must be currently exporting outside of Canada). Companies must be in good standing with TCAP’s federal and provincial partners.
Deadline to apply: December 31, 2026, or until program funds are fully committed.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
Your Steps
- Click the application link and submit your TCAP application form.
- If you are approved for the program, you will receive notification and will be asked to pay the $99 program fee.
- Upon payment of the fee, you will be assigned a meeting with a trade consultant, who will discuss your tariff and customs-related needs and help plan a course of action.
- You will be notified of the financial contribution you will receive.
- You will work with a qualified vendor/consultant of your choosing and pay the consultant following completion of work. (It is recommended that you request 2-3 quotes for the work to be undertaken).
- You will receive a short program evaluation to complete.
- Once evaluation is complete you can submit your receipts for reimbursement along with proof of full payment to the consultant.
What Can You Use This Program For?
1. Understanding & Managing U.S. Tariffs
- Determine if your products are subject to U.S. tariffs and its financial impact.
- Identify strategies to minimize tariff costs, such as reclassifying goods or changing sourcing strategies.
- Explore opportunities to apply for tariff exemptions or reductions under U.S. trade laws.
2. Supply Chain Optimization
- Evaluate alternative sourcing strategies to reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers.
- Assess whether nearshoring or supplier diversification could lower costs and risk.
- Identify logistics efficiencies to avoid delays and reduce customs fees
3. Trade Agreements & Compliance
- Determine if you qualify for preferential trade treatment under agreements like CUSMA, Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), or Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Ensure proper tariff classification of your products to avoid overpaying duties.
- Understand documentation requirements for claiming preferential treatment, duty refunds, or re-export processes.
4. Customs & Regulatory Compliance
- Avoid customs penalties by ensuring accurate import/export declarations.
- Ensure proper labeling and product descriptions to meet U.S. import regulations.
- Get guidance on Harmonized System (HS) codes for correct product classification.
5. Legal Support for Complex Trade Issues
- Understand the impact of the application of trade defence measures like anti-dumping, safeguard or countervailing duties on your products.
- Resolve disputes with customs authorities over product classification or valuation.
- Assess the risk of retaliatory tariffs or future policy changes affecting exports.
6. Cost-Saving Opportunities
- Identify duty relief and drawback programs to recover duties paid on re-exported goods.
- Use bonded warehousing or free trade zones to defer tariff payments.
- Structure contracts and invoices to minimize tax liabilities.
Who Can Benefit?
- Manufacturers exporting goods to the U.S.
- Food & Beverage Companies affected by agricultural tariffs.
- Retailers & Distributors exporting consumer goods.
- Tech & Industrial Companies navigating complex trade policies.
Still have questions? Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions document or contact Erinn Smith at erinn.smith@cbdc.ca