U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA)

Overview

The U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade agreement between the named parties that entered into force on July 1, 2020.

To help coordinate the implementation of the USMCA, and provide comprehensive guidance to stakeholders, CBP stood up the USMCA Center in March 2020. The Center, located within CBP’s Office of Trade, Trade Programs and Policy Directorate, has successfully accomplished its mission for the past two and a half years.

As of February 12, 2023, this important work will continue to be carried out under CBP’s Office of Trade, Trade Policy and Programs Directorate, but will be transitioned to the Textiles and Trade Agreements Division, which will spearhead all USMCA issues and inquiries.

CBP intends this to be a seamless transition that will not affect CBP’s continued and consistent USMCA stakeholder support.

• There will be no change to the submission and processing of USMCA automotive certifications through the USMCA Automotive Portal.
• The point of contact for USMCA related inquires, the USMCA email inbox (usmca@cbp.dhs.gov) will remain unchanged.
• Stakeholders will be able to locate and access all the same information as before from this website.

USMCA Resource Center and Automotive Certification Portal

• The USMCA entered into force on July 1, 2020. NAFTA preferential treatment cannot be claimed on July 1, 2020 or afterwards.
• For merchandise entered into commerce on or before June 30, 2020, NAFTA rules will continue to apply.
• CSMS #45309245 - USMCA - Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 & End of Restrained Enforcement - On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 [H.R.133 – 116th Congress (2019-2020)] was signed into law. The Act contains technical corrections for the USMCA, including on merchandise processing fee refunds for post-entry claims (including for 520(d) and reconciliation claims) and on foreign trade zones. These technical corrections are retroactive to July 1, 2020.

Interim Final Rule (IFR) - Implementing Regulations Related to Textile and Apparel Goods, Automotive Goods, and Other USMCA Provisions

On January 17, 2025, CBP issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) of USMCA Implementing Regulations regarding Textile and Apparel Goods, Automotive Goods, and other USMCA Provisions, allowing CBP to improve enforcement, provide greater clarity for compliance, and reduce uncertainty for importers.

For more information see:

• The Cargo Systems Messaging Service – CSMS Notice (CSMS # 63772715)
• Federal Register - (90 FR 6456)

USMCA Interim Final Rule Frequently Asked Questions

Uniform Regulations, General Note, and Implementation Instructions - Final (as of June 30, 2020)

On April 20, 2020, CBP published interim implementing instructions. These interim implementing instruction have been subsequently updated to reflect the published Uniform Regulations (Federal Register)and General Note 11. 

• CSMS #43062320 - US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Updated Interim Implementation Instructions - On June 16, 2020, the U.S. Trade Representative published Updated Uniform Regulations for the USMCA’s Chapter 4 (Rules of Origin) and Chapter 5 (Origin Procedures). This version of the document replaces the Interim Implementing Instructions issued on April 20, 2020.
• CSMS #43215543 - US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementing Instructions (Final) - On June 30, 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission published General Note 11, incorporating the USMCA into the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and accordingly, CBP updated our USMCA Implementing Instructions. This version of the document replaces the Interim Implementing Instructions issued on June 16, 2020.
• On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriation Act (Pub. Law No. 116-260) was signed into law, including several changes to the implementation of the USMCA. These changes are detailed in a January 12, 2021 addendum to the USMCA Implementing Instructions. Available in Spanish and French Translations.

Compliance Guidance

• CBP will use this webpage to post informational links, compliance guidance materials, points of contact, and Frequently Asked Questions. Additional guidance on USMCA compliance for the trade community will be posted here as developed. This webpage will be continually updated.
• CBP has recorded a webinar regarding USMCA compliance for the private sector. Please visit CBP’s Trade Outreach via Webinar webpage for more information.
• CBP urges the import/export community to monitor CBP.gov/Trade, the Cargo System Messaging Service, and @CBPTradeGov on Twitter for updates on USMCA implementation dates; regulatory drafting; Frequently Asked Questions and other compliance resources.
• The USMCA contains provisions relating to the prohibition of the importation of goods sourced from forced labor. For additional information on CBP’s enforcement against this prohibition, please visit our Forced Labor webpage.
• The USMCA requires a “certification of origin.”
  • Any format is acceptable, provided it contains nine (9) minimum data elements set out in the USMCA, Annex 5-A.  To facilitate compliance, CBP has created a suggested template for the USMCA and other free trade agreements.  Please note: this PDF does not work on all Internet Browsers.  The form will work best on Internet Explorer.
  • Additional information on how to make USMCA preferential treatment claims can be found on this website, including an instructional video ("How to Make a USMCA Claim").

Additional Resources

• U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement Text
• U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law No: 116-113)