Ottawa, June 20 -- Canada will impose a 10% surtax on most imported canned vegetables for up to 200 days as the government seeks to protect domestic producers from a surge in foreign shipments that it says threatens the country's processing industry.

The tariff took effect on June 19 and will remain in place while the Canadian International Trade Tribunal completes an investigation into whether rising imports are causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury to Canadian producers.

The tribunal launched its safeguard inquiry in March and is expected to deliver its findings by Sept. 9. If it determines that imports are not harming domestic producers, the provisional tariff will be lifted immediately.

Should the tribunal find evidence ...