Frequently Asked Questions

A customs broker prepares and submits customs entries to CBSA on your behalf. We help ensure your shipments are properly classified, valued, and declared, and that duties and taxes are calculated correctly in accordance with Canadian regulations.

Importers are legally responsible for their declarations. While you may self-clear, most businesses use a CBSA-licensed customs broker to reduce risk, avoid delays, and ensure compliance with CBSA requirements.

Typically we require a commercial invoice, packing list (if available), bill of lading or airway bill, detailed product descriptions, HS codes (if available), country of origin, and your Business Number (BN9) import program. Depending on the product, we may require permits, ingredient lists, technical specifications, or other supporting documents.

Timing depends on document readiness, commodity type, and whether CBSA selects the shipment for review. When invoices and product details are complete, clearance can often be processed quickly. Missing details are the most common cause of delay.

Contact us to review your importing structure. We’ll confirm your CARM setup, delegation, RPP status, and documentation requirements to support a smooth onboarding process.

CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is the platform used by CBSA to manage importer accounts, duty and tax payments, statements, broker delegation, and financial security.

Yes. Importers should register in the CARM Client Portal, link their Business Number (BN9) import program, and ensure account access is set up correctly.

Delegation is the authorization you provide to your customs broker within CARM. Without correct delegation, broker access may be restricted and shipments can face delays due to authorization issues.

Shipments may be delayed, broker access may be restricted, and Release Prior to Payment privileges may be impacted. Proper CARM setup helps ensure uninterrupted importing.

CARM supports statement-based accounting and payment workflows. Your payment timing depends on your account setup and whether you have Release Prior to Payment (RPP). We can help align your process to avoid late payments and clearance disruptions.

Duties are based on the HS tariff classification and country of origin. GST/HST is generally calculated on the value for duty plus applicable duties. Other taxes or excise charges may apply depending on the product.

Duty is determined primarily by HS classification and the applicable tariff treatment for the country of origin. The duty rate is applied to the value for duty.

GST/HST is generally calculated on the value for duty plus applicable duties (and other applicable charges/taxes). The exact base can vary by scenario. We ensure the entry reflects the correct valuation and tax calculation rules.

Common reasons include changes in HS classification, origin, value, currency conversion, or missing invoice details that required correction. Even minor product description differences can affect classification and duty outcomes.

Typically, the importer of record is responsible for paying duties and taxes to CBSA. Commercial terms (Incoterms) may define who bears costs commercially, but CBSA liability is tied to the importer/account.

Yes, an estimate is possible when we have accurate product details (materials, use, origin) and commercial values. Estimates are most accurate when HS classification is confirmed and invoices are complete.

In some cases, preferential tariff treatments may apply if eligibility requirements are met. Proper classification and origin determination are critical to ensure declarations remain compliant with Canadian regulations.

RPP allows eligible importers to obtain release of goods before duties and taxes are paid. Instead, duties and taxes are billed through a statement cycle.

Yes. Importers must post financial security (commonly a customs bond or other acceptable security) in accordance with CBSA requirements in order to maintain RPP privileges.

Duties and taxes may need to be paid before goods are released, which can delay shipments and impact cash flow.

Common disruption reasons include missing or insufficient financial security, account setup issues affecting release/payment workflows, broker authorization problems, or late payments/compliance issues that can affect eligibility.

HS classification assigns a tariff code to your product based on its composition and use. It determines duty rate and regulatory requirements. Incorrect classification can lead to penalties or reassessments.

Yes. The importer of record is legally responsible for the accuracy of declarations made to CBSA, even if a broker submits them on your behalf.

Importers must maintain customs records for the period required under Canadian regulations. Proper record-keeping supports audit readiness and compliance verification.

Common triggers include incomplete invoices, unclear product descriptions, missing permits, valuation anomalies, regulated goods, and random selection. Clean documentation reduces avoidable holds.