Notice to Industry: Updated Service Standards for Coasting Trade Applications
Effective January 6, 2026, the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) will implement new service standards for coasting trade applications. These changes are designed to accelerate processing times, enhance predictability, and maintain the integrity of Canadian domestic shipping interests while allowing the use of foreign vessels when no suitable Canadian-registered vessels are available.
As part of this initiative, the Agency is introducing specific standards for fast-track and tanker applications, recognizing their time-sensitive nature.
What’s Changing
The table below summarizes the updated service standards:
| Application Type | Previous Standard | New Standard* (as of January 6, 2026) | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Tanker |
90% within 14 business days | 80% within 7 business days | 50% faster |
| Uncontested Fast-track NEW |
90% within 24 business days (same as uncontested regular) | 80% within 7 business days | Aligned with tanker cases |
| Uncontested Regular | 90% within 24 business days | 80% within 15 business days | 38% faster |
| Contested Tanker NEW |
80% within 65 business days after close of pleadings (same as contested regular) | 80% within 30 business days | 54% faster |
| Contested Fast-track NEW |
80% within 65 business days after close of pleadings (same as contested regular) | 80% within 30 business days | Aligned with tanker cases |
| Contested Regular |
80% within 65 business days after close of pleadings | 80% within 65 business days | Start date changed to the filing of the complete application |
*All business days are calculated from the date the complete application is filed with the Agency.
For further information regarding the Agency’s new service standards for coasting trade applications, please do not hesitate to contact the Agency at: Maritime@otc-cta.gc.ca.
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