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Canadian Apparel Federation
FÉDÉRATION CANADIENNE DU VÊTEMENT
September, 2026
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The U.S.-Canada trade war and many other industry challenges are front and center in this issue of our revamped CAF Bulletin.....
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U.S. Tariffs
Canada-US Trade Update
Significant trade developments occurred as U.S. tariffs of 50% on a range of apparel and textiles took effect, matched by equivalent Canadian retaliatory tariffs/surtaxes on U.S. apparel products on September 8, 2026. CUSMA/USMCA products are subject to these duties. The Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF) is collaborating with U.S. and Canadian partner organizations to advocate for the exemption of apparel products from these tariffs and a resumption of bilateral negotiations.
Exporters should take note that US Customs is actively conducting unannounced site visits at the premises of Canadian exporters that have claimed preferential tariff treatment. Meanwhile, federal support programs such as the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) offer liquidity assistance to small and medium-sized businesses facing tariff liabilities. CAF members can access a full trade update: Canada-US Trade Update - Week of Sept. 7-11, 2026
More Info →
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canada-EU Trade
Canada-EU Relations Reach New Heights — CAF Already at the Table
Canada’s relationship with the EU reached a historic milestone this week when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to become the EU’s first "associate member." Alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney, she also proposed transitioning "from CETA to an Alliance for the Future"—a comprehensive partnership spanning technology, energy, defence, and AI, with further details expected at the October summit in Montreal.
For CAF, this momentum reinforces ongoing sector efforts. In April 2026, CAF and EURATEX signed a joint statement at Première Vision Montréal to deepen transatlantic cooperation and establish a new EU-Canada Apparel Dialogue.
More Info →
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Customs Compliance
US Customs Conducting USMCA Site Visits — Be Prepared
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is actively using its powers under USMCA/ CUSMA to conduct site visits — sometimes called “jump visits” — at the premises of Canadian textile and apparel exporters and producers claiming USMCA preferential tariff treatment. CAF is aware of at least one member that has received a formal CBP origin verification site visit in recent weeks. CAF has posted a briefing on what a CBP site visit involves and how to prepare in the member-only section of caf-fcv.ca.
More Info →
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Product Compliance
Health Canada receives comments on sleepwear regulations
Children's sleepwear is one of Canada's most tightly regulated apparel categories, governed by strict rules designed to reduce the risk of burn injuries. Earlier this summer, Health Canada launched a pre-consultation on amendments to the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. The consultation/regulatory changes focus on four key areas:
- Clearer product scope, including the formal inclusion of sleep sacks in the regulations.
- A new choking-hazard requirement.
- Mechanisms to allow standards to update automatically.
- Updates to definitions and flame-retardant testing methods.
Between April and July 2026 alone, flammability hazards prompted a dozen children's sleepwear recalls in Canada. Health Canada's pre-consultation closed on September 14, 2026. The Canadian Apparel Federation submitted initial comments. To learn more about the proposals, read our story from earlier this summer, linked below.
MORE INFO →
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call for proposals
Partner with CAF — Share Your Expertise
CAF produces a range of online and in-person events throughout the year, providing opportunities to reach apparel industry managers across the country. If your work focuses on sustainability, traceability, sourcing, supply chain, brand protection, or product safety — and you have practical experience to share — we want to hear from you. CAF is currently putting together its speaker roster for Fall/Winter 2026/27.
More Info →
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Key Members-Only Articles on CAF Website
CAF’s members-only news section on its website includes important trade, tariff, product, compliance, and other issues - with access available exclusively to our members. Follow the links below to these stories. Not a member yet, contact us for info on membership.
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Trade Compliance
Clarifying Section 338 Treatment of CUSMA/USMCA TPL Goods
Confusion has surfaced over whether goods entered under CUSMA/USMCA Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) are exempt from the 50% US Section 338 tariffs. CAF raised this with the Canadian government, which engaged its US counterparts for clarification.
More Info →'
USMCA Audits conducted by CBP - be prepared!
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is actively using Article 6.6 of the USMCA (CUSMA) to conduct site visits — sometimes called “jump visits” — at the premises of Canadian textile and apparel exporters and producers claiming USMCA preferential tariff treatment. CAF is aware of at least one member that has received a formal CBP notice/site visit of this kind.
More Info →'
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Canada-EU Trade
Romanian Apparel/Textile Trade Delegation Visiting Toronto/Montreal — October 2026
The Romanian Employers' Federation of the Textile, Apparel and Leather Industries (FEPAIUS) is bringing an eight-company trade delegation to Canada, October 20–29, 2026.
More Info →
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Welcome, New Members
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Black Coffee Apparel
Black Coffee Apparel & Goods is an independent, Ottawa-based clothing and lifestyle brand founded in 2015. The company produces small-batch apparel and goods featuring original artwork from independent artists, with a focus on community, creativity, and Canadian production partnerships.
Visit Website →
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Geodis Canada
Geodis Canada is part of GEODIS, a global transport and logistics provider with French roots, operating in nearly 170 countries. In Canada, Geodis operates contract logistics warehouses and freight forwarding offices coast to coast, offering freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and road transport services relevant to apparel and textile importers.
Visit Website →
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Events
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Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC)
Canada's premier apparel and textile trade show. September 23–25, The International Centre, Mississauga (Toronto); in-person, featuring exhibits, workshops, and networking on sourcing trends and industry innovations. CAF is the event's national partner.
More Info →
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Apparel Textile Sourcing — Montreal Matchmaking
One-day-only matchmaking event, September 28, Palais des congrès de Montréal. In-person, connecting international apparel and textile suppliers with Quebec and broader Canadian buyers.
More Info →
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Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS)
The 30th TITAS runs October 6–8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1. In-person, with a focus on sustainability and functional manufacturing in the textile and fashion industry.
More Info →
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2026 Textile Exchange Conference
October 12–16, Vancouver Convention Centre. In-person, bringing together brands, manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and NGOs to address the future of responsible material production.
More Info →
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Our Partners
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![[OUR PARTNERS]](/files/1197/)
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Canadian Apparel Federation /
Fédération canadienne du vêtement
440 Laurier Ave. W., Suite 225
Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6
caf-fcv.ca · bkirke@apparel.ca
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Distributed exclusively to CAF members and authorized recipients. Reproduction or redistribution without permission is prohibited. © 2026 Canadian Apparel Federation. All rights reserved.
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