The Vietnamese delegation in Geneva provided information regarding Canada's initiation of a global safeguard investigation into certain wood products imported into Canada.

According to information from the Trade Remedies Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), which received information from the Vietnamese Delegation in Geneva, Canada has officially sent a Notification to the WTO Safeguards Committee regarding the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) initiating an investigation into the application of global safeguard measures against certain wood products imported into Canada.

According to the announcement, on April 21, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal officially initiated a global safeguard investigation at the request of the Canadian Government (based on a recommendation from the Canadian Minister of Finance ), pursuant to Section 20 of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Act.

The scope of wood products under investigation includes three product groups: solid and engineered wood cabinets and vanities; solid and engineered hardwood flooring; and engineered wood storage furniture.

The products under investigation are typically classified under the following HS codes: 9403.40.00.10; 9403.50.00.90; 9403.60.10.10; 9403.60.10.31; 9403.60.10.39; 9403.60.10.60; 9403.60.10.91; 4409.29.10.00; 4409.29.90.41; 4409.29.90.49; 4418.74.00.00; 4418.75.00.10; 4418.75.00.90; 4418.79.00.00.

Key timelines in the case: May 15, 2026, the CITT will issue an investigation questionnaire to domestic producers, importers, and foreign producers; this is also the deadline for interested parties to submit Notice of Participation and Notice of Representation to the CITT; June 5, 2026, is the deadline for submitting responses to the investigation questionnaire; and October 1, 2026, the CITT will begin holding hearings (in a hybrid format of in-person and online).

To effectively respond to the case, the Trade Remedies Department recommends that associations and businesses producing and exporting related products review the export situation of the items under investigation to the Canadian market; carefully study the Notice of Initiation of Investigation along with the regulations, procedures, and processes of Canada's safeguard investigation to prepare appropriate response plans.

In addition, relevant businesses should consider registering to participate in the case as interested parties (submitting a Notice of Participation to CITT before May 15, 2026) to protect their legitimate rights and interests; and prepare sufficient data and documents to respond to the investigation questionnaire on time (before June 5, 2026).

In addition, closely monitor developments in the case; diversify export markets and assess the financial impact in scenarios where Canada applies safeguard measures; regularly coordinate and exchange information with the Trade Remedies Department to receive timely support during participation in the case.

Source: Vietnam.vn