When it comes to purchasing specialized vehicles, many assume tariffs will apply just as they do in other industries. However, under the CUSMA agreement (Canada–United States–Mexico Free Trade Agreement), fire trucks are exempt from the 35% tariff. It is therefore essential to emphasize upfront that tariffs do not apply to the purchase of Canadian fire trucks.

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Tariff-Free Fire Trucks Under CUSMA/USMCA

When purchasing a new fire truck for your fire department, cost transparency is critical. One of the biggest concerns for U.S. municipalities working with Canadian manufacturers is:
“Will tariffs increase the final price of our fire apparatus?”

The answer is no. Thanks to the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA), fire trucks are fully exempt from tariffs and import duties. At Helie Fire Trucks, every vehicle we deliver to the United States is guaranteed to be tariff-free.

 

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Fire ApparatusExempt From Tariffs

Under CUSMA/USMCA (formerly NAFTA), essential emergency response vehicles, including fire trucks, pumpers, tankers, and aerials, are recognized as critical equipment. For this reason, they are specifically excluded from tariff charges. This means:

  • No tariffs or duties applied on the final sale price.
  • No hidden import costs when your truck crosses the border.
  • 100% budget clarity for your department or municipality.

By law, U.S. fire departments purchasing from Canadian manufacturers can rely on duty-free fire apparatus with no additional trade barriers.

 

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Why This Matters for Your Fire Department

When your community invests in a fire truck, every dollar counts. Tariff-free trade ensures:

  • Cost savings: Every cent of your budget goes directly into your apparatus, not into taxes or duties.
  • Transparency: What you see on your signed contract is what you pay.
  • Peace of mind: No unexpected fees when your truck arrives in the United States.

With Helie Fire Trucks, you get tariff-free pricing and a truck that meets all NFPA 1901 standards required for U.S. service.

 

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Built in CanadaTrusted Across North America

Located in Lanaudière, Québec, Canada, Helie Fire Trucks is a Canadian fire truck manufacturer serving communities across Canada and the United States. Every one of our trucks is:

  • 100% custom-built to match your fire department’s operational needs.
  • NFPA-compliant to U.S. fire service standards.
  • Designed to protect communities both small and large.

From pumpers and tankers to rescue trucks and aerials, we proudly deliver reliable, tariff-free fire apparatus throughout North America.

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Why Choose a Canadian Manufacturer?

Choosing a Canadian fire apparatus manufacturer gives U.S. fire departments unique advantages:

  • CUSMA/USMCA tariff-free trade = no duties on fire trucks.
  • Proven quality: Decades of experience building trucks for North American conditions.
  • Cross-border support: We serve U.S. municipalities from coast to coast.

Your fire department can confidently invest in a duty-free fire truck that’s built for performance, safety, and longevity.

 

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Get Your Tariff-Free Quote Today

Ready to purchase your next fire truck? With Helie Fire Trucks, you’ll benefit from:
No tariffs. No duties. No hidden costs.
Contact our team today to request a personalized tariff-free fire apparatus quote and discover why so many U.S. fire departments trust a Canadian fire truck manufacturer for their fleet.

 

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Purchased a 3000 imp/gal tanker from Helie last year. Keep in mind this was during the pandemic when good fortune was not on the side of supply chain. They worked closely with us through the design and RFP process. It was not the eskers of tasks I’m sure. Our committee included guys from backgrounds that lent to a very informed design and purchase. From the time we committed until we picked the truck up was about 9months. It would had been sooner if not for issues created by the pandemic. The truck has been in service several months with no major issues to date. There has been the odd little hiccup as with all custom trucks. I am sure if we were buying another truck we will definitely look to Helie. - Dawn-Euphemia Fire Department, Ontario, Canada

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Since these tankers arrived, 407 and 410, and went in service they have been busy. Our guys love the trucks and they are working out just as we had hoped they would. Mr. Helie was great to work with and they did an exceptional job in meeting the bid requirements. If we could get the money, we would order two more today. - Lincoln's County Volunteer Fire Department, TN, USA

- Lincoln's County Volunteer Fire Department - Doug Campbell - Fire Chief

Helie preformed above and beyond what anyone would expect during the Covid Pandemic. The discussions with Jacques at and during the pricing/tendering process was great and his experience was priceless to say the least. Dealing with Jean-Francois during the production of the Rescue was smooth going and professionally done to complete satisfaction on the build. The quality of workmanship was top notch to the point that when a retired fire truck manufacturer representative was in our Fire Hall, they admitted the workmanship was top notch and it was a very well built and a good-looking Rescue. The new Rescue is the pride of our fleet and I would recommend Helie to any Fire Department. Helie preformed above and beyond what anyone would expect during the Covid Pandemic. The discussions with Jacques at and during the pricing/tendering process was great and his experience was priceless to say the least. Dealing with Jean-Francois during the production of the Rescue was smooth going and professionally done to complete satisfaction on the build. The quality of workmanship was top notch to the point that when a retired fire truck manufacturer representative was in our Fire Hall, they admitted the workmanship was top notch and it was a very well built and a good-looking Rescue. The new Rescue is the pride of our fleet and I would recommend Helie to any Fire Department. Teulon Rockwood Fire Department, MB, Canada

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It’s more than a tanker truck; It’s a truck of trucks. I believe it’s the biggest tanker in the area and it’s ready to go. It will get the job done.

- Roanoke Wildwood Volunteer Fire department – Fire Chief Lorenzo Wilkins

The Fire fighters and our Council are really pleased with the truck and I will recommend your company to the Fire Chiefs in our area.

- Marmora & Lake Fire and Emergency Services – Fire Chief/CEMC Tony Brownson

I just wanted to thank you for all your help with us on this truck. I have nothing but good thing to say about your company.

- Gillies Fire Rescue – Captain/FPO/Training officer Corey Santorelli