Labor Department Tracks High-Wage Jobs Under USMCA Trade Rules
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info on high-wage jobs under the USMCA trade deal without changing the rules. This helps make sure the paperwork is easy and fair for businesses involved. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until December 15, 2026, to share them—no extra costs or new forms coming your way!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
USMCA High‑Wage Data Collection Continues
If you are a business that produces or imports covered vehicles under USMCA, the Department of Labor plans to extend its existing information collection (OMB Control Number 1235-0032) for 3 more years, without changing requirements. The notice lists 9,343 total respondents, 6,221,407 total annual responses, 219,689 estimated annual burden hours, total burden costs of $10,202,357, an estimated time per response of 2 minutes to 2 hours, and states the current approval expires January 31, 2027; comments are due December 15, 2026.
Producers Must Make Payroll/Time Records Available
Producers and importers who claim USMCA preferential tariff treatment must make, keep, and, on request during verifications, render for examination records related to wages, hours, and job responsibilities. The Department says requested records will often include worker time records, payroll records, and information used to support certification calculations and are those required under 29 CFR 810.600 and 19 U.S.C. 1508(b)(4).
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Key Dates
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