Canada Counter-Tariffs on U.S.-Origin Packaging
Canada has announced new counter-tariffs on selected U.S.-origin goods effective September 8, 2026. For rigid packaging buyers, the most important point is that this is not a blanket tariff on every bottle, container or closure entering Canada from the United States.
Last Reviewed: September 3, 2026This page specifically covers Canada's September 8, 2026 counter-tariff action on selected U.S.-origin goods. It should not be interpreted as a complete list of every Canadian duty, surtax or trade measure that could apply to packaging. For the separate U.S. tariffs affecting selected Canadian-origin packaging entering the United States, see the August U.S. Tariff Update →
Canada's September 8 counter-tariffs do not represent a blanket tariff on U.S.-origin rigid packaging. Canada's current list includes certain glass containers at a 50% rate, certain polyethylene sacks and bags at 50%, certain self-adhesive plastic materials at 50%, and specified molds for rubber or plastics at 15%. Standard plastic bottle heading 3923.30 and standard plastic closure heading 3923.50 do not appear on the current September 8 list reviewed by Empire EMCO as of September 3, 2026. Product classification and country of origin must still be reviewed for each item.
How Do I Know if My U.S.-Origin Packaging Is Affected by Canada's Tariffs?
Start by confirming the specific product, Canadian tariff classification and country of origin. Then determine whether that tariff item appears on Canada's September 8 counter-tariff list.
A product should not be assumed to be subject to a tariff simply because it ships from the United States. Likewise, a general description such as "plastic bottle," "closure" or "container" does not replace the need to confirm the applicable tariff classification.
Why Did Canada Announce New Counter-Tariffs?
Canada's September 2026 countermeasures follow new U.S. tariffs imposed on selected Canadian-origin goods. Those U.S. additional duties took effect August 22, 2026.
Canada subsequently announced that it would impose counter-tariffs of 15%, 25% and 50% on selected U.S.-origin goods beginning September 8, 2026. Individual rates depend on the specific Canadian tariff item.
Three Things Packaging Buyers Should Know
Effective September 8
Canada's new countermeasures are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026.
U.S. Origin Matters
The measures apply to qualifying goods originating in the United States, not simply every product shipped from a U.S. warehouse or distributor.
Classification Matters
Canada's tariff rates are tied to specific tariff items. Packaging should therefore be reviewed product by product.
What Do Canada's September Tariffs Mean for Rigid Packaging Buyers?
For many Empire EMCO customers, the most important distinction is between products that actually appear on Canada's September 8 list and familiar rigid-packaging headings that currently do not.
Standard Plastic Bottles
Standard plastic bottle heading 3923.30 does not appear on Canada's current September 8 counter-tariff list reviewed as of September 3, 2026.
Plastic Caps & Closures
Standard plastic closure heading 3923.50 does not appear on the current September 8 list reviewed as of September 3, 2026.
Glass, Materials & Tooling
Certain glass containers, packaging-related plastic materials and molds for rubber or plastics do appear on the current Canadian list.
"Not listed" does not mean "tariff free." It means the standard heading does not appear on Canada's specific September 8, 2026 counter-tariff list reviewed by Empire EMCO. Other duties, surtaxes, classification issues or trade measures may still apply to an individual product.
Which Packaging-Related Products Are on Canada's September 8 List?
The table below highlights tariff items that may be particularly relevant to packaging manufacturers and buyers. It is not a complete reproduction of Canada's counter-tariff schedule.
| Packaging / Product | Canadian Tariff Item | Sept. 8 Status | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certain glass bottles, jars, flasks, pots, phials and other qualifying glass containers for packing goods | 7010.90.00 | Included | 50% |
| Certain polyethylene sacks and bags | 3923.21.90 | Included | 50% |
| Certain self-adhesive plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and similar flat shapes in qualifying rolls | 3919.10.99 | Included | 50% |
| Injection or compression molds for rubber or plastics | 8480.71.00 | Included | 15% |
| Other qualifying molds for rubber or plastics | 8480.79.00 | Included | 15% |
| Standard plastic bottles, carboys, flasks and similar containers | Heading 3923.30 | Not Listed on Current Sept. 8 List | Confirm Product |
| Standard plastic stoppers, lids, caps and closures | Heading 3923.50 | Not Listed on Current Sept. 8 List | Confirm Product |
Important: "Not listed" refers specifically to Canada's September 8, 2026 counter-tariff list reviewed as of September 3, 2026. Product origin, classification and current customs requirements should be confirmed for each item.
Are Standard Plastic Bottles Included in Canada's September 8 Tariffs?
As of Empire EMCO's September 3, 2026 review of Canada's current counter-tariff list, standard plastic bottle heading 3923.30 does not appear on the new September 8 list.
This is important because Canada's announcement should not be interpreted as a blanket 50% tariff on every U.S.-origin plastic bottle or container entering Canada.
Buyers should still confirm the exact Canadian tariff item and country of origin for the individual product.
Why Must the Exact Product Still Be Reviewed?
Products commonly described as "plastic containers" may not all receive the same tariff classification. Design, material, function and intended use can affect classification.
Other Canadian trade measures may also exist independently of the September 8 action.
Are Standard Plastic Caps and Closures Included?
As of Empire EMCO's September 3, 2026 review, standard plastic closure heading 3923.50 does not appear on Canada's current September 8 counter-tariff list.
Closures made from other materials or products classified under different tariff items should be reviewed separately.
For rigid-packaging buyers, this distinction is important: Canada's September 8 action includes selected products—not every plastic bottle, closure or packaging component originating in the United States.
Shipped From the United States Does Not Always Mean U.S.-Origin
Canada's September countermeasures apply to qualifying goods originating in the United States.
A packaging component may move through a U.S. distributor, warehouse or fulfillment location while having been manufactured in another country. Shipment point and country of origin should therefore be evaluated separately.
Learn About Classification & Country of Origin →What About U.S. Goods Already in Transit to Canada?
Canada states that its September 8 countermeasures do not apply to U.S. goods that are already in transit to Canada on the day the countermeasures come into force.
Shipment timing should be documented and confirmed. Customers with shipments moving near the September 8 effective date should confirm the treatment of specific entries with their customs broker and logistics professionals.
What Should Packaging Buyers Review Now?
Early review may provide more sourcing, inventory and production-planning options before a packaging requirement becomes urgent.
Can Canadian Importers Request Tariff Remission?
The Government of Canada maintains a process for requesting remission of tariffs applying to certain goods from the United States.
Remission may be considered in exceptional circumstances, including some situations where necessary inputs cannot reasonably be sourced domestically or from non-U.S. suppliers.
Remission is not automatic. Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances and is determined by the Government of Canada. Empire EMCO does not determine remission eligibility or make formal customs determinations.
How Can Empire EMCO Help?
Tariff exposure is one part of a larger packaging supply-chain challenge. Empire EMCO helps manufacturers evaluate sourcing, engineering, inventory, logistics and total cost together.
Review Current Supply
Evaluate packaging sources, origin, lead times, inventory and supplier dependencies.
Evaluate Alternate Sources
Explore qualified domestic and global manufacturing alternatives where technically and economically practical.
Review Inventory Strategy
Evaluate forecasting, safety stock, warehousing and scheduled releases around production requirements.
Packaging Engineering
Evaluate alternate materials, package designs, molds and technical solutions where sourcing changes are required.
Evaluate Total Cost
Review tariffs, freight, tooling, inventory, sourcing and other landed-cost factors—not only component price.
Support Supply Continuity
Coordinate sourcing, inventory and logistics planning to help reduce production disruption.
Looking for the U.S. Tariffs on Canadian-Origin Packaging?
The August 2026 U.S. Section 338 action is a separate tariff measure involving selected Canadian-origin goods entering the United States.
That action includes certain rigid-packaging classifications such as plastic bottles and plastic caps and closures and should be reviewed separately from Canada's September action.
Where Can I Verify Canada's Current Counter-Tariff Requirements?
The Government of Canada publishes the official list of U.S.-origin goods subject to the September 8 counter-tariffs and maintains separate guidance for tariff-remission requests.
Official September 8 Tariff List
Review Canada's official list of products from the United States subject to counter-tariffs effective September 8, 2026.
Government list updated August 26, 2026.
Canadian Tariff Remission Process
Review Government of Canada guidance regarding requests for remission of tariffs applying to certain U.S. goods.
Always verify current requirements. Tariff schedules, customs administration, classifications and relief programs may change. Formal customs treatment should be confirmed with the importer of record, customs broker or qualified trade professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada's September Tariffs
These answers address Canada's September 8, 2026 counter-tariffs and their potential relationship to packaging.
When do Canada's new counter-tariffs take effect?
Canada's countermeasures are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8, 2026. Depending on the applicable tariff item, the announced rates are 15%, 25% or 50%.
Are all U.S.-origin rigid packaging products subject to Canada's September tariffs?
No. Canada's September 8 counter-tariffs apply to selected tariff items rather than every U.S.-origin rigid packaging product. Product classification and origin should be reviewed individually.
How do I know if my U.S.-origin packaging is affected?
Confirm the specific product, Canadian tariff classification and country of origin, then determine whether the tariff item appears on Canada's September 8 list. Formal treatment should be confirmed with a customs broker or qualified trade professional.
Are standard plastic bottles included in Canada's September 8 counter-tariffs?
Standard plastic bottle heading 3923.30 does not appear on Canada's current September 8 list reviewed by Empire EMCO as of September 3, 2026. Specific product classification and other applicable trade measures should still be confirmed.
Are standard plastic caps and closures included?
Standard plastic closure heading 3923.50 does not appear on Canada's current September 8 list reviewed as of September 3, 2026. Closures made from other materials or classified differently should be reviewed separately.
Are U.S.-origin glass bottles and jars affected?
Qualifying U.S.-origin glass bottles, jars and other glass containers classified under Canadian tariff item 7010.90.00 are included on the September 8 list at a 50% rate.
Can packaging molds be affected?
Yes. Injection or compression molds for rubber or plastics under Canadian tariff item 8480.71.00 and other qualifying molds under 8480.79.00 appear on the September 8 list at a 15% rate.
Does shipping from the United States make a product U.S.-origin?
Not necessarily. A product may ship from a U.S. warehouse or distributor while having been manufactured elsewhere. Country of origin should be reviewed separately from shipment point.
Are U.S. goods already in transit to Canada affected?
Canada states that the September 8 countermeasures do not apply to U.S. goods already in transit to Canada when the measures come into force. The treatment of individual shipments should be confirmed with customs and logistics professionals.
Can Canadian companies request tariff remission?
Canada maintains a tariff-remission process that may provide relief in certain circumstances. Eligibility is determined by the Government of Canada and should be reviewed with qualified customs or trade professionals.
How can manufacturers reduce packaging tariff and supply-chain risk?
Depending on the packaging program, manufacturers may review origin, classification, alternate suppliers, inventory levels, future purchasing, warehousing, alternate materials and other supply-continuity strategies.
Can Empire EMCO help evaluate alternate packaging sources?
Yes. Empire EMCO can help evaluate domestic and global packaging alternatives based on manufacturing capability, quality, tooling, cost, lead time, logistics, inventory and supply requirements.
Continue Your Packaging Tariff & Supply Chain Review
Tariff exposure is best reviewed as part of the complete packaging sourcing, inventory and supply-continuity strategy.
Could Canada's Tariffs Affect Your Packaging Program?
Talk with Empire EMCO about your packaging sources, upcoming production requirements, inventory and potential alternate supply strategies.
Discuss Your Packaging Tariff ExposureDisclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information reviewed as of September 3, 2026. Tariff classifications, rates, effective dates, exemptions, remission programs, country-of-origin requirements and implementation guidance may change. "Not listed" means only that the referenced heading was not identified on Canada's September 8, 2026 counter-tariff list reviewed by Empire EMCO as of that date; it should not be interpreted as a determination that no duty, surtax or other trade measure applies. Applicability depends on the specific product, classification, origin and circumstances of importation. This information should not be considered legal, tax or customs advice. Customers should consult their customs broker or other qualified trade professional regarding specific import transactions.