How to Get Certified for USMCA and Save on the New 25% Tariffs

If you’ve already paid the new 25% U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada or Mexico—don’t panic. You may be able to get that money back.

Many importers assume that once tariffs are paid, the cost is final—but that’s not necessarily true. If your goods were imported on or after March 7, 2025, and meet USMCA certification requirements, you may be eligible for a full refund.

That means if you imported $200,000 worth of goods, you could recover $50,000 in tariffs—money that would otherwise be lost. (However, tariffs paid before March 7, 2025, are NOT refundable under the current exemption rules.¹)

And if you haven’t paid the tariffs yet? You still have time to avoid them entirely—but only if you file for USMCA certification before April 2, 2025.

What Is USMCA?

The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), is a free trade agreement designed to streamline trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by reducing or eliminating tariffs on qualifying goods. To benefit, goods must meet specific Rules of Origin outlined in the agreement, ensuring they’re predominantly produced or assembled within North America.

What Are the New U.S. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico?

Effective March 4, 2025, the United States implemented substantial new tariffs affecting trade with Canada and Mexico. Most goods imported from these two countries now face an additional 25% tariff. Additionally, certain Canadian energy products, such as oil and gas, have a reduced tariff of 10%.

How Extensive Are the Tariffs?

Mexico: Around 50% of Mexican exports to the U.S. initially fall outside USMCA certification, putting them at risk of these tariffs. However, roughly 90% of these goods could become exempt if properly certified under USMCA (source).
Canada: Approximately 62% of Canadian exports currently face the tariff risk, as only about 38% of Canadian goods are already certified under USMCA (source).

With substantial portions of trade potentially facing steep tariffs, it’s crucial for logistics professionals to clearly understand how USMCA certification can mitigate these costs.

How Does USMCA Certification Impact Tariffs?

Goods certified under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) currently enjoy a temporary exemption from these new tariffs, but this exemption ends on April 2, 2025. Certification provides immediate relief, enabling businesses to import qualifying goods duty-free during this period.

Immediate Savings Through USMCA Certification

USMCA certification directly reduces import costs by eliminating tariffs. For example, automotive imports, electronics, and industrial machinery—categories often imported by logistics companies—typically qualify under USMCA rules, allowing substantial immediate savings.

Considering nearly 90% of currently non-certified Mexican exports could qualify for certification, importers have significant opportunities for savings (source).

Why Should Importers Still File for USMCA Certification?

You might wonder why it’s still beneficial to pursue USMCA certification given the exemption expires soon on April 2, 2025. The answer is straightforward: even short-term certification can provide immediate, substantial savings, minimize risks, and potentially position your business for future benefits.

Immediate Cost Savings

Securing USMCA certification now means you avoid paying an extra 25% tariff on eligible goods imported before the exemption deadline. For businesses importing high-value goods—such as automotive parts, industrial equipment, or electronics—this translates directly into significant cost savings.

Protecting Competitiveness and Profitability

Failure to certify under USMCA immediately exposes businesses to unnecessary financial risk. Competitors leveraging certification will maintain lower operating costs, potentially pricing uncertified businesses out of the market. Immediate compliance protects both your competitive position and bottom line.

Long-Term Compliance Advantages

Even though the current exemption expires soon, establishing certification processes now positions your business effectively for any future extensions, policy adjustments, or new trade agreements. The documentation, procedures, and compliance framework you establish now will streamline future compliance efforts, ensuring you’re well-prepared for evolving trade policies.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Businesses neglecting to certify under USMCA face not just immediate financial penalties but also operational risks. Non-compliant goods risk costly customs delays, intensive audits, and potential penalties for incorrect declarations, significantly impacting your supply chain’s reliability.

Bottom Line: Securing USMCA certification—even temporarily—is a prudent business decision, safeguarding your company financially and operationally against rapidly changing tariff environments.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Certified for USMCA

Getting certified under USMCA doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your business efficiently meets USMCA requirements and avoids unnecessary tariffs.

Step 1: Locate the USMCA Rules of Origin

The first step is understanding whether your goods qualify under USMCA’s Rules of Origin. Each product category has specific requirements for eligibility.

Step 2: Gather Required Certification Information

To complete your USMCA certification, ensure you have the following information prepared:

Certifier details: Name, title, address, phone number, email
Exporter information: Name, address, phone number, email (if different from certifier)
Producer information: Name, address, phone number, email (use “Various” if multiple producers)
Importer details: Name, address, phone number, email (if known)
Product description: Clear description and HS tariff classification (6-digit level)
Origin criterion: Specify under which rule your goods qualify
Blanket period: Time period certification applies (maximum 12 months)

Step 3: Complete Your USMCA Certificate of Origin

Unlike previous trade agreements, USMCA doesn’t require a standard form. Instead, the certification can appear on an invoice or any accompanying document clearly listing all required data elements.

Make sure your document explicitly includes a certification statement affirming compliance with USMCA requirements, and is signed and dated by the certifier.

Step 4: Provide Certification Documentation to Your Importer

Once completed, forward the USMCA certificate directly to your importer. The importer must have this document on file to claim duty-free entry upon importation. Customs does not initially require submission at entry but will request it if verifying compliance.

Step 5: Record-Keeping and Compliance

Maintain accurate records of all certifications and supporting documentation for a minimum of five years. Customs authorities may audit these records periodically.

Keep records easily accessible for Customs verification.
Conduct periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.

Step 6: Stay Updated with Policy Changes

Tariff and trade policies can evolve quickly. Regularly monitor official trade resources for updates:

What Happens After April 2, 2025?

The current temporary exemption from the additional tariffs for USMCA-certified goods is scheduled to expire on April 2, 2025. It’s crucial for logistics professionals and importers to understand what this means and how to prepare for potential scenarios.

Scenario 1: Tariff Exemption Expires (No Extension)

If no policy extension or adjustments occur, starting April 3, 2025, all goods—including those certified under USMCA—would again face the full 25% tariffs. This would result in significant immediate cost increases, affecting trade volumes and profitability for importers relying heavily on North American trade.

Scenario 2: Potential Extensions or Policy Adjustments

There’s a possibility that the U.S. government may extend the exemption period, introduce a new exemption framework, or adjust tariff rates based on ongoing negotiations and economic factors.

Regularly check for official announcements at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
Monitor trade news from reliable sources such as U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and authoritative news outlets like Reuters and Wall Street Journal.

Recommended Action for Importers

Given the uncertainty, logistics businesses should:

Prepare for both scenarios by calculating the potential financial impacts.
Maintain comprehensive documentation of USMCA certification and compliance.
Engage proactively with customs brokers or logistics providers for expert advice and timely updates.

Best Practices for Logistics Professionals

Tariff policies can shift rapidly, creating uncertainty for logistics providers and importers. To protect your supply chain operations and minimize financial risks, consider these practical strategies:

Conduct Regular USMCA Eligibility Audits

Regularly audit your products to confirm they continuously meet USMCA eligibility criteria:

Periodically verify product classifications and origin criteria.
Update documentation promptly to reflect changes in supply chains or production methods.

Maintain Accurate and Accessible Records

Effective record-keeping is essential for managing tariff compliance:

Store USMCA certifications and supporting documents securely.
Maintain digital copies for quick access during customs audits or inquiries.
Establish a clear internal process to keep records updated and accurate.

Implement Compliance Training for Your Team

Ensure your logistics and procurement teams are educated on USMCA requirements:

Regularly provide training sessions focused on compliance procedures and tariff updates.
Utilize resources such as official USMCA guidelines from CBP.gov and USTR.gov.

Proactively Engage Customs Brokers and Experts

Build a network of trusted customs brokers and trade compliance experts:

Seek professional guidance to navigate complex tariff rules.
Use brokers’ insights to proactively manage compliance risks and operational challenges.

Following these best practices will not only help manage immediate tariff risks but also position your business for smoother compliance and competitive advantage in the long run.

USMCA Certification Explained: What Importers Need to Know

What is the USMCA tariff exemption deadline?

The current tariff exemption for USMCA-certified goods expires on April 2, 2025. After this date, unless extended, all imports from Canada and Mexico, including previously exempt goods, will be subject to the new tariffs.

How can logistics professionals verify USMCA compliance?

Professionals can verify compliance by consulting the official USMCA Rules of Origin document, conducting regular product audits, and ensuring detailed records are consistently maintained. For further assistance, consult with customs brokers or trade compliance experts.

What penalties exist for non-compliance with USMCA certification requirements?

Non-compliance with USMCA certification may lead to significant financial penalties, including the retroactive payment of tariffs, fines for incorrect customs declarations, and potential customs audit costs. It can also lead to delays and disruptions in your supply chain.

Can I retroactively claim tariff exemptions under USMCA?

Yes. If duties were already paid, importers can file for retroactive claims within one year of importation by submitting appropriate USMCA certification documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Proper documentation is crucial, as customs will thoroughly verify eligibility.

Is there a specific form required for USMCA certification?

No specific form is required under USMCA. The certification can appear on any document—such as an invoice—that clearly lists all necessary data elements.

How long must businesses retain USMCA documentation?

All USMCA-related records, including certificates of origin and supporting documentation, must be retained for at least five years from the date of importation to comply with customs audits and verifications.

Where can I stay updated on tariff policy changes?

Regular updates and official announcements are provided through:

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The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Tariff policies and trade regulations are subject to change; therefore, consult official government resources (e.g., CBP.gov or USTR.gov) or a licensed customs broker for the most current guidance on USMCA certification and tariff exemptions. Be aware that submitting incorrect USMCA claims can result in fines, penalties, or seizure of goods. Additionally, Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) are non-refundable.