Canada has federal regulations and requirements for food labels. Companies producing and selling food products must make sure their labels meet these requirements. The Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) require Nutrition Facts tables (NFt) and lists of ingredients on most prepackaged foods. This information must be presented in a specific format when it appears on a food label.

To help label designers and the food and packaging industry meet format specifications, we created the Compendium of Templates. The templates are actual-size graphic illustrations for various Nutrition Facts table formats permitted by the Food and Drug Regulations.

For lists of ingredients, there are many variations that could meet the graphic specifications detailed in the Food and Drug Regulations. Some examples have been provided within the compendium to demonstrate acceptable variations.

If you have any questions or need assistance ensuring that food labels meet the federal regulations and requirements in Canada, don’t hesitate to reach out to Argo Customs Brokers. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the specific format specifications for Nutrition Facts tables and lists of ingredients on your prepackaged foods. Contact us today for any import/export services you may require. We are committed to assisting you in following all necessary standards and regulations.

Helpful Links

Templates for label designers: nutrition facts table and list of ingredients: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/technical-documents-labelling-requirements/design-templates-nutrition-facts-list-ingredients.html

Directory of Nutrition Facts Table Formats: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/technical-documents-labelling-requirements/directory-nutrition-facts-table-formats.html

Related information from Canadian government websites

• Food labelling changes
• Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (Nutrition Labelling, Other Labelling Provisions and Food Colours)
• Food and Drugs Act
• Food and Drug Regulations

The article provides tips from experienced customs brokers to help you clear customs efficiently. The main objective is to offer practical guidance to individuals and businesses seeking to navigate the customs clearance process smoothly and effectively.

By examining key documents and paperwork, understanding customs regulations, emphasizing efficient communication with customs authorities, strategic planning and timing, and providing tips for handling customs inspections, we aim to equip readers with the necessary knowledge and strategies to streamline their customs clearance experience.

Key Takeaways

• Seamless border crossing for goods
• Timely and budget-friendly customs work
• Every shipment treated as a priority
• Expertise in managing customs clearance for commercial shipments
• ARGO Customs Brokers is available to assist

 

Key Documents and Paperwork

Key documents and paperwork are essential for the efficient clearance of goods through customs, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and enabling smooth border crossing. These documents serve as proof of the origin, value, and nature of the imported or exported goods. They provide customs authorities with the necessary information to determine the appropriate duties and taxes, verify the accuracy of the declared details, and identify any applicable restrictions or prohibitions.

Some examples of key documents include commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and permits or licenses for regulated goods. Customs declarations, such as import or export declarations, provide a detailed description of the goods, their quantity, and their classification according to the Harmonized System.

It is crucial to complete these documents accurately and in a timely manner to ensure efficient customs clearance and avoid delays, penalties, or inspections. Importers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of customs authorities in their respective countries to ensure the smooth processing of their goods.

Understanding Customs Regulations

Understanding customs regulations requires a comprehensive knowledge of the specific provisions outlined in trade agreements between countries. These provisions serve as guidelines for the import and export of goods, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and facilitating smooth cross-border trade. Trade agreements define the rules and procedures that govern the movement of goods, including tariff rates, customs valuation methods, and rules of origin. They also establish the framework for customs procedures, such as documentation requirements, inspection processes, and customs clearance timelines.

To efficiently navigate customs regulations, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the provisions specific to the countries involved in the trade. This includes knowledge of the relevant trade agreements, their provisions, and any amendments or updates that may have been made. It is also important to be aware of any special requirements or restrictions that may apply to certain types of goods or industries.

By staying informed about customs regulations and trade agreements, businesses can ensure compliance, avoid delays and penalties, and streamline their import and export processes. This requires ongoing monitoring of changes in customs regulations and trade agreements, as well as regular communication with customs authorities and trade partners to clarify any uncertainties or seek guidance when needed.

Additionally, businesses may seek the assistance of customs brokers or trade consultants who specialize in customs regulations to ensure compliance and facilitate efficient customs clearance.

Efficient Communication With Customs Authorities

Efficient communication with customs authorities is crucial for businesses to comply with customs regulations and facilitate seamless cross-border trade. Customs authorities play a vital role in regulating the movement of goods across borders, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and verifying accurate classification and valuation. Effective communication enables businesses to submit accurate documentation, provide necessary information, and promptly address any queries or concerns. This helps streamline the customs clearance process, prevent delays, and avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Clear and concise communication is particularly important when dealing with customs authorities, as it fosters mutual understanding and trust between businesses and customs officials. Businesses should ensure the timely provision of all required information, promptly respond to requests for additional information or documentation, and maintain open lines of communication throughout the customs clearance process. This includes promptly notifying customs authorities of any changes or discrepancies in shipment details and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.

Strategic Planning and Timing

Strategic planning and timing are crucial elements in optimizing the customs clearance process and ensuring seamless cross-border trade operations.

Effective strategic planning involves gaining a comprehensive understanding of the customs requirements and regulations of both the exporting and importing countries. This includes identifying any potential risks, such as prohibited or restricted items, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order.

Moreover, strategic planning entails coordinating the logistics of the shipment, selecting the most suitable transportation mode, and identifying any potential bottlenecks in the supply chain.

Timing is also of utmost importance in the customs clearance process. The submission of required documents must be meticulously scheduled to ensure their timely processing. Delays in the customs clearance process can lead to increased costs and potential penalties.

Additionally, strategic timing allows for efficient coordination with other stakeholders involved in cross-border trade, such as carriers and suppliers. For instance, aligning the customs clearance process with the shipment’s arrival can streamline operations and reduce unnecessary storage or demurrage charges.

Tips for Handling Customs Inspections

To effectively navigate customs inspections, businesses should prioritize thorough documentation, adherence to regulations, and clear communication with customs officials.

Thorough documentation is crucial as it provides evidence of the contents, value, and origin of the goods being imported or exported. This documentation includes commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and any relevant permits or licenses.

Adherence to regulations is essential to ensuring compliance with customs laws and regulations. This involves understanding and following import and export requirements, tariff classifications, and any specific regulations related to the goods being transported.

Clear communication with customs officials is necessary to address any inquiries or concerns they may have regarding the shipment. This includes promptly responding to requests for additional information or providing any necessary clarification. It is also important to maintain open lines of communication throughout the customs clearance process to address any issues that may arise.

ARGO Customs Brokers Is At Your Service

ARGO Customs Brokers would be pleased to consult with you about your specific needs and requirements. Our team of experienced customs brokers can provide expert advice and guidance to ensure a smooth and efficient import/export process.

Whether you are shipping goods for personal use or for your business, understanding the customs requirements and regulations is crucial to avoiding delays, penalties, or any other complications. Our customs brokers will work closely with you to assess your unique situation and provide tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Some of the services we offer include:

1. Customs clearance: Our team will handle all the necessary paperwork and documentation required for customs clearance, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
2. Tariff classification: We will assist in determining the correct tariff classification for your goods, which is essential for accurate duty and tax calculations.
3. Duty and tax assessment: Our customs brokers will help you understand and calculate any applicable duties and taxes, ensuring you are aware of any potential costs involved in the import/export process.
4. Trade compliance: We will ensure that all your shipments comply with import/export regulations, including any specific requirements for restricted or controlled goods.
5. Consultation and advice: Our customs brokers are available to provide consultation and advice on any customs-related matters, helping you navigate through the complexities of international trade.

At ARGO Customs Brokers, we pride ourselves on our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and expertise in customs clearance. We understand that every shipment is unique, and we strive to provide personalized solutions to meet your specific needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced customs brokers. Let us help you ensure a seamless and hassle-free import/export process for your goods.

The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) entered into force on July 1, 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). There was no transition period.

Any claims for preferential tariff treatment must satisfy the rules of origin requirements of the CUSMA. For many goods, however, there are no differences between the NAFTA and the CUSMA rules of origin.

Key Takeaways

• The certification of origin under the CUSMA has no prescribed format.
• Either the exporter, producer, or importer of the goods may complete the certification of origin.
• Importers must have the CUSMA certification of origin that was filled out by either the exporter, the producer, or the importer at the time of importation in their possession in order to claim preferential tariff treatment under the CUSMA.
• For Canada, records must be kept for a period of six years from the date of importation.

The importer may claim preferential tariff treatment under the CUSMA for goods released on or after July 1, 2020. It is not possible to claim preferential tariff treatment under NAFTA for goods released after July 1, 2020.

The CBSA does not require a certification of origin to claim preferential tariff treatment where the value in duty does not exceed $3,300. Certain conditions apply, please refer to Customs Notice 20-15: Increase to the Low Value Shipment (LVS) Threshold and Simplification to the Proof of Origin Requirements for Goods Imported into Canada for details.

The certification of origin under the CUSMA has no prescribed format and only requires a set of minimum data elements that indicate that the good is an originating good. These elements include:

• identification and address of the certifier
• exporter
• producer
• importer
• description of the good
• rule of origin

The exporter, producer, or importer of the goods may complete the certification of origin and include it on an invoice or other document. Furthermore, the certification of origin may be completed, signed, and submitted electronically.

Importers must have the CUSMA certification of origin that was filled out by either the exporter, the producer, or the importer at the time of importation in their possession in order to claim preferential tariff treatment under the CUSMA.

Goods imported prior to July 1, 2020, for which NAFTA preferential tariff treatment was claimed, could be subject to compliance verification or be eligible for a refund in line with the provisions of NAFTA after July 1, 2020.

For goods that claimed NAFTA preferential tariff treatment, the CUSMA provides that the NAFTA Chapter Five Customs Procedures remain applicable, including NAFTA Article 505 for the record keeping period of the country of import. For Canada, records must be kept for a period of six years from the date of importation.

Useful Links

• The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (international.gc.ca)
• Customs Notice 20-15: Increase to the Low Value Shipment (LVS) Threshold and Simplification to the Proof of Origin Requirements for Goods Imported into Canada
• NAFTA Chapter Five Customs Procedures

Every importer wants to know the amount of duty they will have to pay to import goods. It is crucial to determine the proper classification and HS Tariff codes. The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) forms the basis of the Customs Tariff.

The HS was developed and is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), an independent intergovernmental organization with over 179 members based in Brussels, Belgium. The HS is the standard coding structure and related product descriptions used in international trade.

The following principles shall govern the nomenclature’s classification of goods, and it is wise to be aware of them.

1- The titles of Sections, Chapters, and Sub-Chapters are provided for ease of reference only.

2-

a) Any reference in a heading to an article shall be taken to include a reference to that article as incomplete or unfinished, provided that, as presented, the incomplete or unfinished article has the essential character of the complete or finished article. It shall also be taken to include a reference to that article as complete or finished (or falling to be classified as complete or finished by virtue of this Rule), presented unassembled or disassembled.

b) Any reference in a heading to a material or substance shall be taken to include a reference to mixtures or combinations of that material or substance with other materials or substances. Any reference to goods of a given material or substance shall be taken to include a reference to goods consisting wholly or partly of such material or substance. The classification of goods consisting of more than one material or substance shall be according to the principles of Rule 3.

3- When, by application of Rule 2 b) or for any other reason, goods are, prima facie, classifiable under two or more headings, classification shall be effected as follows:

a) The heading that provides the most specific description shall be preferred to headings that provide a more general description. However, when two or more headings each refer to part only of the materials or substances contained in mixed or composite goods or to part only of the items in a set put up for retail sale, those headings are to be regarded as equally specific in relation to those goods, even if one of them gives a more complete or precise description of the goods.

b) Mixtures, composite goods consisting of different materials or made up of different components, and goods put up in sets for retail sale, which cannot be classified by reference to Rule 3 (a), shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character, insofar as this criterion is applicable.

c)When goods cannot be classified by reference to Rule 3 (a) or 3 (b), they shall be classified under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration.

4- Goods which cannot be classified in accordance with the above Rules shall be classified under the heading appropriate to the goods to which they are most akin.

5- In addition to the foregoing provisions, the following Rules shall apply in respect of the goods referred to therein:

a) Camera cases, musical instrument cases, gun cases, drawing instrument cases, necklace cases and similar containers, specially shaped or fitted to contain a specific article or set of articles, suitable for long-term use and presented with the articles for which they are intended, shall be classified with such articles when of a kind normally sold therewith. This Rule does not, however, apply to containers which give the whole its essential character.

b) Subject to the provisions of Rule 5 a) above, packing materials and packing containers presented with the goods therein shall be classified with the goods if they are of a kind normally used for packing such goods. However, this provision is not binding when such packing materials or packing containers are clearly suitable for repetitive use.

6- For legal purposes, the classification of goods in the subheadings of a heading shall be determined according to the terms of those subheadings and any related Subheading Notes and, mutatis mutandis, to the above Rules, on the understanding that only subheadings at the same level are comparable. For the purpose of this Rule the relative Section and Chapter Notes also apply, unless the context otherwise requires.

Argo Customs Brokers is Available to Assist

If you are an individual or represent a company that imports or exports goods, the Harmonized System and Classification of Goods Rules may affect your business operations. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions about importing and exporting and can help you understand the information provided by the CBSA. All inquiries are welcome.

Argo Customs Brokers is pleased to present pertinent points from a document issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The document titled Importing Fresh Fruit or Vegetables outlines requirements specific to importing Fresh Fruit or Vegetables (FFV).

In order to ensure that you will also meet the general import requirements for importing food and the preparation of your preventive control plan, please refer to Importing Food: A Step by Step Guide and Importer Guide: Prepare Your Preventive Control Plan.

The specific import requirements for importing FFV can be found in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). AIRS information is updated frequently, so prior to importing, you should verify AIRS to ensure that the import requirements have not changed.

To import fresh mangos, importers must first obtain an SFC CFIA licence and a DRC certificate (or an exemption letter when handling small volumes).  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) imported into Canada. Certain imported fruits or vegetables involve additional requirements from other Canadian regulations, such as the Plant Protection Act and Regulations, where a phytosanitary certification or an import permit may be required.

In addition to a licence to import, importers of FFV must also hold membership with the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC). This does not apply to nuts, wild fruits, or wild vegetables. Information regarding membership in the DRC can be found on the DRC website. There are some permitted exceptions to requiring DRC membership:

• any person who only sells fresh fruits or vegetables directly to consumers, less than $100,000 within the previous twelve months
• any person who sends or conveys from one province to another or imports or exports less than one metric ton (2,205 lb) of fresh fruits and vegetables per day
• any person who only sells fresh fruits or vegetables that they have grown themselves
• any organization that is a registered charity as defined in subsection 248(1) of the Income Tax Act or a club, society or association described in paragraph 149(1)(l) of that Act

Note that the above exceptions to the DRC membership requirement are not exceptions to the requirement to hold a licence to import under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).

Key Takeaways

• Importers must first obtain an SFC CFIA licence and a DRC certificate (or an exemption letter when handling small volumes).
• In addition to a licence to import, importers of FFV must also hold membership with the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC).

Associated Links

• Importing Fresh Fruit or Vegetables
• Importing food: a step by step guide
• Importer guide: prepare your preventive control plan.
• Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
• Membership in the DRC

Argo Customs Brokers is Available to Assist

ARGO Customs brokers specializes in the importation of fresh produce and provide knowledgeable personnel to ensure successful transactions. If you are an individual or represent a company that is involved with importing such products, ARGO Customs brokers can provide assistance. The team at Argo Customs Brokers is always available to answer questions about importing and exporting and can help you understand the effect that the information in this document can have on your plans. All inquiries are welcome.