Investigation Launched into Wood Product Imports

The federal government has formally launched a safeguard inquiry into imports of certain wood products, directing the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to assess the impact on domestic manufacturers.

The investigation targets three categories: engineered wood storage furniture, solid and engineered wood cabinets and vanities, and hardwood flooring.

Canadian manufacturers, importers and foreign suppliers are urged to prepare immediately for participation in the inquiry, with key filing deadlines starting May 15. Those wishing to participate must file by that date. Counsel representing parties must also submit notice of representation and declaration and undertaking forms by then. Failure to comply could prevent companies from obtaining party status or accessing confidential information filed during the proceeding.

The tribunal is scheduled to issue industry questionnaires on May 15 to domestic producers, importers and foreign manufacturers. Completed responses must be filed by June 5.

Trade lawyers and industry advisors say companies should not wait until the questionnaires are issued before organizing internal data collection. CITT questionnaires typically require detailed information on production, imports, sales, pricing, employment and financial performance covering multiple years.

Stakeholders are expected to file submissions through the tribunal’s secure e-filing service or registry. Companies participating for the first time in a trade case are encouraged to retain counsel early, as safeguard proceedings operate on compressed statutory timelines with limited flexibility for late submissions.

Industry participants should expect several stages in the process following the filing of questionnaires. A case management conference is anticipated for early June, followed by written briefs and replies later in the summer. Public hearings are currently scheduled for Oct. 1-9, in a hybrid in-person and virtual format.

Advisors familiar with recent safeguard cases note the CITT typically moves quickly once an inquiry begins. In the recent vegetable goods safeguard inquiry, questionnaires were issued at the outset of proceedings, with only several weeks allowed for responses.

This safeguard inquiry follows a request from the Canadian Wood Products Alliance and aims to determine whether specific wood products are being imported in increased quantities under conditions that constitute a principal cause of serious injury or threat to Canadian producers.

The CITT has been given 270 days to complete its investigation and report its findings to the Minister of Finance by Jan. 15, 2027. If the tribunal determines that injury or threat of injury exists, it will recommend appropriate safeguard measures. These could include temporary trade remedies applied over a period of up to three years, consistent with Canada’s international trade obligations.

The tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that is responsible for examining evidence from industry participants and other stakeholders. Its mandate is to assess import trends, market conditions and the overall impact on domestic production.

The federal government has positioned the investigation as part of broader efforts to address shifting global trade dynamics and prevent harmful trade diversion. Officials indicated that monitoring import activity and maintaining a competitive domestic manufacturing base are key priorities amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.