FAQ

You should be able to do the clearance yourself if you allocate sufficient time and effort into the process, however there are a few factors to consider:

– A customs broker will ensure that the importer is compliant with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulations

– A customs broker will assist the importer with Customs tariff, applicable tariff treatments and Other Government Departments requirements

– A customs broker will work with the suppliers making sure that preferential regimes are utilized and the importer is supplied with the necessary certificates to legally obtain the lowers duty rate possible

– A customs broker role is essential for the timely delivery of goods

– The importer does not need to drive to the warehouse facility where the goods are awaiting clearance, take the documents to Customs and wait for the officers to process the shipment

– The importer does not have to worry about filling out all the required CBSA forms

– Customs brokerage fees are more than reasonable and constitute a fraction of the importing cost.

For clearance Customs require:
– a properly completed commercial invoice or Canada Customs invoice.

NAFTA Certificate (Form B232 ) or NAFTA Statement of Origin (for goods less than CAD 2500) can be issued & signed by Exporter or voluntarily by the producer (for use by the exporter) from the US’ side.
In you case please ask your US vendor/exporter to do it.You cannot issue a NAFTA as you are not having information about preference criteria.

Please be advised that NAFTA should be active at the date of release. CLVS shipment are submitting to CBSA later (by the 24th day of the month following the month of release). So in your case everything is good.

The exporter in the country where the goods were finished issues Form A, Certificate of Origin (for goods more than CAD 2500), or the Exporter’s Statement of Origin (for goods less than CAD 2500). Either may be used to support a claim for preferential treatment for goods imported under the General Preferential Tariff (GPT), Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff (CCCT), and, with the exception of textile and apparel goods, the Least Developed Country Tariff (LDCT).

The Form A and the Exporter’s Statement of Origin must be completed in English or French.

For more information, see D11-4-4, Rules of Origin Respecting the General Preferential Tariff and Least Developed Country Tariff, and D11-4-5, Rules of Origin Respecting Caribbean.

As a Fully Licensed Customs Brokers and according CBSA Notice 12-015 we are doing it under our Business Number and our CB Bond.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to enter Canada; however, you should carry proof of your citizenship such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization or a certificate of Indian Status, as well as a photo ID. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., you must bring your permanent resident card with you. For more information, consult the publication called Visitors to Canada and Other Temporary Residents on the CBSA Web site.

All travellers, including U.S. citizens, are encouraged to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Web site at www.cbp.gov for information on the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and its traveller requirements to enter or return to the United States.

If you have been outside Canada for:

Less than 24 hours, Personal exemptions do not apply to same-day cross-border shoppers;24 hours or more, you can bring in CAN$200 worth of goods free of duty and tax;If the goods you bring in are worth more than CAN$200 in total, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead you have to pay full applicable duties and taxes on all goods you bring in.

48 hours or more, you can bring in CAN$800 worth of goods free of duty and tax; Although you can include some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, a partial exemption may apply to cigarettes, tobacco products and manufactured tobacco.

7 days or more, you can bring in CAN$800 worth of goods free of duty and tax. With the exception of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, you do not need to have the goods with you when you arrive.

Young children and infants are also entitled to a personal exemption. As a parent or guardian, you can make a declaration to the CBSA for a child as long as the goods you are declaring are for the child’s use. Children are not entitled to alcohol or tobacco exemptions.You should have all purchases made abroad and your receipts readily available.

The United States of America is not rabies free.

Travellers and commercial importers are required to properly declare any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, animals or animal products they bring into the country. This includes end user products made from plant or animal matter.

Before you travel, verify the requirements of what you can bring into Canada by visiting the Food Plant and Animal Web page in conjunction with the information provided on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Web page and by referencing the Automated Import Reference System application.

If you bring these products into Canada, you may go through further inspections at the point of entry (that is, border crossings, airports, etc.).We’ll be happy to assist as we are having an experience with a such kind of goods.

Yes, you should go on-line https://argocustoms.com/NumberTracking/ insert your PARS number and see the cargo status in real time.

Live broilers, broiler hatching eggs, chicken, turkey, beef and veal, milk and cream, buttermilk, powdered whey, mixes and doughs, food preparations, ice cream and ice milk, eggs, margarine, cheese, yogurt, butter, dairy spreads, wheat products

A postal shipment valued at less than CAN $ 2,500 will be delivered to you by Canada Post. It will include Form E14, CBSA Postal Import Form, indicating the classification, value, and applicable rate of duty and taxes according to the information (invoice) accompanying your shipment. Canada Post will charge you a handling fee for this service.

For shipments that are valued at less than CAN $ 2,500 and forwarded by courier, the courier company may offer to complete the customs documentation on your behalf for a fee.

The following provisions of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Panama, signed on May 14, 2010, have the force of law in Canada:

(a) Articles 3.01 to 3.04;
(b) Article 3.05, paragraph 1;
(c) Articles 3.06 to 3.15;
and
(d) Annex 3.02.

Yes we do. We are working with Transport Canada goods.
Please contact us:

• info@argocustoms.com
• 587-887-5501 (Calgary)
• 647-832-7433 (Toronto)
• 438-238-4622 (Montreal)
• 778-300-4115 (Vancouver)

Yes we do importation corals to Canada.
Having an experience with CITES & all procedure.
You are welcome!

The “Hand-Carried Goods (HCG) Release Process” provides importers and customs brokers with the option of using a Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS, since 2019- SWI-IID) (including Other Government Department (OGD) PARS) or Release on Minimal Documentation (RMD, since 2019-SWI-IID) release option in order to obtain release of commercial goods being transported to Canada by an individual who is not a carrier. The release must take place at the First Point of Arrival in Canada (FPOA).The HCG Release Process is applicable to all modes for qualifying shipments and may be used as an alternative release option to submitting a paper Form B3-3 Canada Customs Coding Form. In bond shipments are not eligible for the HCG Release Process.An example of how the HCG CCN would look for a shipment being imported in the highway mode is shown below:
HCGH1055500001

HS code: if industrial 8716.80.20.10, if other 8716.80.20.90, duty 6.5% for TT 02 (MFN) & TT 09 (GPT)

(a) on summary conviction – to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or both;

or

(b) on conviction upon indictment – to a fine not exceeding $25,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both.

For importing to US: Generally, classic or antique vehicles are exempt from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) pollution and safety requirements.If the vehicle is at least 21 years old, there are no EPA compliance requirements upon importation.A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle’s manufacture.The importer must file with CBP, upon entry, an EPA form 3520-1.Some more paperwork should be done, please ask our broker.

Non-NAFTA goods shall be marked in English or French.The marking of goods shall be legible, sufficiently permanent and capable of being seen easily during normal handling of the goods or their container. Where the words “Canada” or “Canadian” or any abbreviation thereof, or the name of any country or place other than the country of origin of the goods appears on any goods elsewhere than in the country of origin marking, and the presence of the words can be expected to mislead the ultimate purchaser or the ultimate recipient, as the case may be, the country of origin marking shall be located in close proximity to those words and shall contain the expression “made in,” “produced in” or “printed in” or any other expression, in any of the languages used in accordance with subsection 4(1) or (2), that indicates to the ultimate purchaser or to the ultimate recipient, as the case may be, the country of origin of the goods. An abbreviation of a country name may be used in a country of origin marking if the abbreviation clearly indicates to the ultimate purchaser or to the ultimate recipient, as the case may be, the country of origin of the goods.

When you return to Canada, you may qualify for a personal exemption. This allows you to bring goods of a certain value into the country without paying regular duty and taxes, except for a minimum duty that may apply to some tobacco products.You are eligible for a personal exemption if you are one of the following:

• a Canadian resident returning from a trip outside Canada
• a former resident of Canada returning to live in this country
• or a temporary resident of Canada returning from a trip outside Canada

Even young children and infants are entitled to a personal exemption. As a parent or guardian, you can make a declaration to the CBSA for a child as long as the goods you are declaring are for the child’s use.

Mangoes are CFIA regulated, approved. You have to have a Fresh Produce Licence / or Exemption of it . Duty free, GST zero rate.

ARGO Customs Brokers are doing entries with a new and used tires.

Used tires are CFIA and Transport Canada (TC) regulated. It is our part of the job to get AIRS codes and submit to CBSA. Duty rates could be vary (depends)

New tires are TC regulated (CFIA not). Regular duty rate is 7%.

ARGO Customs Brokers are doing Cosmetics. Please have a look at the Cosmetic regulations here:

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._869/FullText.html

Outboard motors are generally interchangeable and not committed by design for any particular boat. Therefore, outboard motors and motorboats are classified separately regardless of how the goods are invoiced. Outboard motors are classified under tariff item 8407.21.00 or 8408.10.00 as the case may be, and outboard motorboats are classified under subheading 8903.99.

Exhibit Articles (Tariff Item No. 9818.00.00).

Articles imported by or for public museums, public libraries, universities, colleges or schools, to be placed in such institutions as exhibits, accompanied by a certificate, in duplicate, in the prescribed form with the information to be provided with the form, and signed by a responsible official of the institution in which the articles are to be exhibited.

A complete inventory of all goods imported in the shipment must be attached to the signed certification. Each article on the list is to be numbered in consecutive order and a detailed description of the good provided.

Tariff code is 25.21. (with some exemptions).Cover only products which are in the crude state or which have been washed (even with chemical substances eliminating the impurities without changing the structure of the product), crushed, ground, powdered, levigated, sifted, screened, concentrated by flotation, magnetic separation, or other mechanical or physical processes (except crystallization), but not products which have been roasted, calcined, obtained by mixing, or subjected to processing beyond that mentioned in each heading.

YES, ARGO Customs Brokers are doing such kind of shipments at all Canadian Ports (Toronto as well).

0603.11.00.00 UOM- DZN (Dozen) CFIA

– Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage

– Cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared.

– Fresh:

– Roses,

duty rate 10.5%

6307.90.50 00 – Shells for use in the manufacture of articles of subheading 9404.90.

“Shells” are articles of textile that are used in the manufacture of articles of subheading 9404.90. The shells, which are sometime called “casings”, are first filled with either feathers, down, wool, silk, or a synthetic fibre and then finished, for example, as duvets, comforters, cushions, or pillows.

The tariff item does not include finished products, such as pillowcases of heading 63.02 or cushion covers (shams) of heading 63.04.

The abatement of duties on imported goods that have suffered damage, deterioration or destruction or a loss in volume or weight (Regulations), importers/owners who are of the opinion that goods have suffered damage, deterioration or destruction from the time of shipment to Canada to the time of release from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) must:

• 1 – in the case of perishable goods or brittle goods, provide to the CBSA a written statement from a qualified appraiser, which clearly outlines the extent of the damage, deterioration or destruction. The statement must fully outline the amount or percentage of loss in relation to the value of the goods imported.
• 2 – in the case of sugar or any saccharine product, which has suffered damage or deterioration from salt water, a test will be conducted by an officer of the Science and Engineering Directorate of the CBSA to provide the certification referred to in-paragraph 3(1)(b)(ii) of the Regulations.

Imported fish products that are not covered under theFish Inspection Act and Regulations would include:

• fish product intended for personal consumption. This also includes product imported by foreign embassies or consulates for their personal use;
• fish products not intended for human consumption such as bait or pet food;
• fish products such as functional foods or nutraceuticals that are the responsibility of Health Canada;
• products imported as trade samples;
• fish products for research only.

Although these products do not fall under the jurisdiction of the CFIA, they are still considered an import and must be reported to Canada Border Services Agency.

As a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident returning to Canada, duties and taxes are applicable on all purchases unless you qualify for a personal exemption. Personal exemptions allow you to bring goods of a certain value into the country without paying the regular duties. If you have been outside Canada for:

• Less than 24 hours, Personal exemptions do not apply to same-day cross-border shoppers.

HS code 8708.95.90 – An airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint system consisting of a flexible fabric envelope, or cushion, designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. Its purpose is to cushion occupants during a crash and provide protection to their bodies when they strike interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window.

It should be noted that the other elements of the airbag supplemental restraint system (e.g., sensors, sensor brackets, airbag monitor assembly, and monitor bracket) are classified elsewhere in the Nomenclature, each in their own right. This also includes the wiring assemblies, which connect the airbag module assemblies to the airbag monitor and sensors.

EXTENDABLE TROLLEY electric cargo bike doesn’t need a RIV Form 1 with Transport Canada.

HS code is8709.11.90.90

The following HS Tariff codes are exemption to HST at the time of import:8703,8704,8705,8709,8711,8716Taxable non-commercial goods imported into a participating province by a resident of such a province are subject to the HST on importation, ___except___ for motor vehicles required to be registered in a participating province, or a mobile home or floating home that has been used or occupied in Canada by an individual. So when create the B3 Import declaration GST 5% will be calculated. HST should be paid (according the province) when registered with Transport Canada.

ARGO Customs can assist with a 72 h notice to CBP, if it is coming from US.

If you are importing from overseas, 72 h notice is not needed.

ARGO Customs will be happy to assist. Sunflower seeds are GST exempt when not salted (as a basic groceries), duty free.

CFIA regulated (our part of the job to get an AIRS codes and submit to CBSA).

ARGO Customs is doingCustoms clearance for a herbal tea. HS code 1211.90, 10.20 if not certified organic, CFIA regulated, approved.

Duty free, GST exempt.

ARGO Customs Brokers are doing Customs clearance in Vancouver and BC for a personal goods.

We can provide the local delivery as well.

You have to show your import/export account on your customs documents. This applies to most shipments that enter Canada.

You only use your import/export account for importing or exporting. If you do not use it, your account will expire after two years. You can reactivate it by contacting any customs office. If there is any change in your status (e.g.,name or address change), you must report these changes to us as soon as possible.

1. Before Importing Commercial Goods you have to obtain your Import/Export Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

For an import-export (RM) account:

• Call 1-800-959-5525; or
• Use Business Registration Online (BRO).

You are welcome to use our duty & TAX calculator every time when you need to know if your goods are dutiable.

https://www.argocustoms.com/import-duty-tax-calculator.php

For Glass Bollles HS code – 7010.90.0091 or 93, duty free.

Security can be provided in the form of cash, certified cheque, money order, transferable bond issued by the Government of Canada, and/or a D120 Customs Bond issued by either a surety or financial institution.Security is to be posted in the legal entity name associated with their business number.

Security for resident importers is based on their average monthly duties and taxes owing (less the GST), up to a maximum of CAN $10 million.

HS Tariff code as 3301.29. CFIA regulated, for most countries of origin CFIA approved; duty free.Essential oils (terpeneless or not), including concretes and absolutes; resinoids; extracted oleoresins; concentrates of essential oils in fats, in fixed oils, in waxes or the like, obtained by enfleurage or maceration; terpenic by-products of the deterpenation of essential oils; aqueous distillates and aqueous solutions of essential oils.

3301.24.00.00 -Of peppermint (Mentha piperita); duty is 3%; 3301.25.00.- Of spear mint: duty free.

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers can check the rate of duty (depends on the Country of Origin and Country of direct shipping) for you. Or you can use our on-line duty & TAX calculator:

https://www.argocustoms.com/import-duty-tax-calculator.php

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers are having an experience with a big salt shipments. HS code 2501.00.90.00

Duty free, + GST 5%.

Sanctions and counter-sanctions ratcheted up last week in the increasingly tense standoff between the West and Russia over Ukraine. Following the annexation of Crimea by Russia and its alleged support for rebels in eastern Ukraine, Canada and other governments issued successive proscriptions against doing business with Russia. In reply, Russia barred imports of Western food, including Canada’s for a year. It is complicating further sanctions, such as barring European airlines from transiting Russian airspace.

It gets worse. If you do business in the U.S., European Union, Australia or Japan, you’ll need to consult their sanctions lists as well before shipping goods to Russia or other sanctioned nations. The Americans may file civil charges as well as criminal ones if you do business south of the border as well as trade with forbidden Russian entities. Plus there is inevitable reputation damage – no one wants to see news stories about how their company was selling to people who may have played a role in the downing of a Malaysian airliner.

ARGO Customs Brokers are doing 72 h notice to CBP.U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) require notification of all self-propelled vehicles being permanently exported from the United States. You must provide CBP with your vehicle title documents, registration and sales receipts.

Required documentation must be submitted at least 72 business hours prior to export; and the vehicle must be presented to U.S. Customs at the time of export.

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers will be happy to assist with aHalloween costumes importations.

HS Tariff code – 9505.90.00.90, duty free.

ARGO Customs Brokers:Bluetooth Head Phones Sets HS code8525.50.00.99, duty free.

ARGO Vancouver Customs Brokers are doing personal importations in British Columbia using ARGO’ Business Number. The final consignee has to pay duty (if applicable) and GST 5%.

On April 1, 2013 the 12% HST was replaced by the 5% GST.

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers – Aluminum panels, Prefabricated buildings, HS Tariff Code is 9406.00.90.20.

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers: CertainCertain Mattress Innerspring Units Originating In or Exported From the People’s Republic of ChinaOriginating In or Exported From the People’s Republic of China. The SIMA duty is applied as a result of the finding of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT). HS Tariff codes:

7320.20.00.10
7320.20.00.90
9404.10.00.00
9404.29.00.00

anti-dumping duty is equal to 170% of the export price, plus a regular duty (when applicable).

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers:

certain representational gifts qualify for customsduty-freeentry, GSTand excise tax relief, and customs duties relief.

The customs duty relief is provided by tariff item 9833.00.00 of the schedule to the Customs Tariff.

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers: HS code is 8459.29.00.00, duty free (TT 02)

ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers: yes you can. For example if Lithium batteries, regular duty is 7% (for some countries having Certificate of Origin and direct shipping) could be less (GPT TT 09-5%, for LDCT, CCCT-free. If you want to ship by Air, please talk to your Air Line first, as they may have some requirements regarding the safety certificates.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: 2201.10.00.90/ or2201.10.00.10; duty free, if carbonated – GST 5%, if non-carbonated – GST free.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers:When you return to Canada, you may qualify for a personal exemption.The length of your absence from Canada determines the amount of goods you can bring back, without paying any duties.

You are eligible for a personal exemption if you are one of the following:

• A Canadian resident returning from a trip outside Canada.
• A former resident of Canada returning to live in this country.
• A temporary resident of Canada returning from a trip outside Canada.

Please ask ARGO Canadian Customs Brokers for more details.

ARGO Calgary Customs Brokers:For an item to qualify as a “gift”, a friend or relative must send it to you personally and include a card or other notice indicating that it is a gift.

• If you receive an imported gift by mail that isworth CAN$60 or less, you will not have to pay duty or tax on it.
• If the gift is worth more than CAN$60, you will have to pay any applicable duty and taxes on any amount over CAN$60.
  
  For example, if a relative sends you a gift worth CAN$200, you must pay any applicable duty, GST or HST and PST on CAN$140.

Items that do not qualify for the CAN$60 gift exemption include the following:

• tobacco;
• alcoholic beverages;
• advertising material; and
• items sent by a business.

As well, the CAN$60 gift exemption cannot be combined with the CAN$20 exemption that is available on most items valued at CAN$20 or less.

ARGO Montreal Customs Brokers:The following products are exempt from all requirements of the CPLA:

• Prepackaged products that are produced or manufactured for commercial or industrial enterprises or institutions for use by such enterprises or institutions without being sold by them as prepackaged products to other consumers.
• Prepackaged products that are produced or manufactured only for export or for sale to a duty-free store.

This means that these foods are exempt from all requirements in the CPLA, such as container sizes and claims, as well as the labelling requirements.

Only foods that are manufactured for export are also exempt from the labelling requirements of the FDA. Foods for commercial or industrial enterprises and foods for sale to a duty-free store are subject to the labelling requirements of the FDR.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers; depends what is the Country of Origin and direct shipping from. Please ask our broker for details.

info@argocustoms.com

The Harmonized System (HS) is the standardized coding system of names and numbers used in international trade. Over 200 countries representing about 98 percent of world trade use the HS as a basis for customs tariffs and the compilation of international trade data and statistics. HS compliance refers to the mandatory proper classification and declaration of goods coming into or leaving Canada. As an importer or exporter, you are responsible for the correct declaration of your goods. ARGO Customs Brokers can advise you the proper HS code, our consultations are free.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers:FROM CFIA

Canadian Goods returning to Canada, regulated and classified between chapter 1 and 97

AIRS have an end use option of ‘Canadian goods returning’ which should be selected for these products. For EDI, the AIRS tool will require the Importer/Broker to declare the ‘Country of Origin’ as the country from which the goods are being sent and select the end use of “Canadian goods returning” in order to identify the proper import requirements.

Note: AIRS is designed for the purpose of import so there is no option for Canada as a ‘country of origin’ available in the AIRS tool.

For example: A Canadian good has gone across the border into New York, US and is being shipped back to Canada. In this case, the origin submitted to CBSA is Canada. CFIA will require that US (New York) be declared as the Country of Origin, and the end code of “Canadian Goods Returning” selected in AIRS tool. Both data elements for the Country of Origin (CBSA and CFIA) will be required in order to receive an EDI release.

Reasoning: There may be potential risk associated with different geographical regions/countries. In order to control the risk, AIRS is structured to work by identifying risk associated with different geographical regions/countries for any given commodity which CFIA regulates.

Canadian Good returning classified under headings 9813 and 9814,

CFIA regulated goods declared under chapter 98 must be submitted using paper. Transaction(s) will be rejected if EDI is used. Brokers have been advised that until further notice they are to select the “OGD requirement” box on the CBSA exception lead sheet for CFIA regulated commodities declared in headings 9813 and 9814 as there is not enough information for CFIA to make an electronic release decision using these HS headings.

If the broker chooses to use EDI to obtain release of “Canadian Goods Returned” (CGR) and the goods are regulated by CFIA, they would need to classify the goods under the applicable chapter (1-97) and then when they file their final accounting would specify the appropriate CGR tariff and Canada as country of origin. This is to confirm that the information on the final accounting documentation would be changed so that the importer may then benefit from the CGR duty/tax assessment. Difference in this information between the interim accounting and final accounting would not be considered inaccurate data by the CBSA since current provisions allow for this “way around” which supports EDI without compromising the importer’s entitlement for relief under CGR tariff.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: please check the Memorandum D7-3-2.

This memorandum outlines and explains the general conditions under which a drawback may be paid in respect of new motor vehicles purchased and used temporarily in Canada prior to exportation. This memorandum may interest those persons who are taking up residence outside of Canada and intend to purchase a new motor vehicle in Canada prior to departure. It may also be of interest to motor vehicle dealers.

1. The editing revisions made in this memorandum do not affect or change any of the existing policies or procedures.
2. This memorandum has been revised to reflect changes to the Canada Border Services Agency’s organizational structure.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: D-MemoD10-14-61.This memorandum outlines the policy and procedures of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in respect of the administration of tariff item 9937.00.00 and the recognition of an ethno-cultural group.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers – Restriction on live birds, eggs, raw poultry products, raw pet foods from Oregon and Washington.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing measures to protect Canada’s poultry resources from an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in poultry in the states of Oregon and Washington, USA.

Due to this outbreak, all birds, all raw poultry and all poultry products and by-products that are not fully cooked, including eggs and raw pet foods, sourced, processed, packaged or shipped from the states of Oregon and Washington are prohibited from entry into Canada until further notice.

These measures are a normal part of Canada’s animal disease control efforts and are consistent with international guidelines on trade.

Examples of prohibited items include:

• live birds and hatching eggs
• eggs, yolks, egg whites (albumen)
• poultry meat (other than fully cooked, canned, commercially sterile meat products)
• raw pet foods containing poultry products
• feathers
• poultry manure and litter
• laboratory material containing poultry products/by-products

There is no food safety risk associated with these products. These measures are being taken to prevent the introduction of avian influenza into other parts of Canada.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers:1604.31.00.00, a regular duty rate is 3% (MFN TT 02), GST free (basic groceries).

CFIA Fish Import Licence needed.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: Wood packaging material (WPM) import requirements are strict guidelines put in place to protect Canadian ecosystems from non-native pests found in WPM. Invasive pests can result in economic losses — stemming from eradication and control costs in the millions of dollars, loss of export markets, and loss of Canadian industry and tourism jobs and dollars – as well as irreversible damage or loss of forests and forest ecosystems.

When the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepts non-compliant WPM, it takes immediate action to limit the risk. If non-compliant shipments: Both the shipment and the WPM will be removed from Canada.

Wood packaging (e.g. pallets, containers, drums, etc.), excluding wood packaging made wholly from processed wood shipped to any country that has adopted ISPM 15 must be:

• Produced by or purchased from a facility approved by the national plant protection organization as complying with ISPM 15
• Heat treated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C for at least 30 minutes in a CFIA approved Heat Treatment facility.
• Debarked so that any number of visually separate and clearly distinct small pieces of bark remaining are less than 3 cm in width (regardless of the length), or if greater than 3 cm in width or length, the total surface area of any individual piece of bark should not exceed 50 square cm.
• Treated wood must be marked with an IPPC mark.

Use of A.T.A. Carnets and Canada/Chinese Taipei Carnets for the Temporary Admission of Goods.

A.T.A. Convention – the International Customs Convention on the A.T.A. (Admission Temporaire / Temporary Admission) Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods.

Goods that qualify for temporary importation are normally documented on Form E29B,Temporary Admission Permit. However, these goods may instead be documented on a carnet.

Carnets are international customs documents designed to simplify and streamline customs temporary entry procedures. Carnets are particularly useful for goods that will be imported into more than one country during the period for which the carnet is valid. A carnet replaces the national temporary entry documents, and it also guarantees duties will be paid if the imported goods are not re-exported in the time period allowed by the CBSA. Consequently, carnets eliminate the requirement to post security with the CBSA.

Carnets are not issued by the CBSA. In those countries that participate in the A.T.A. Convention, carnets are generally issued by the chambers of commerce. Each country has only one guaranteeing association but it may have more than one issuing association. Canada/Chinese Taipei Carnets are issued in Canada by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and in Taiwan by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).

Carnets are valid for a limited period (one year from the date of issue). A carnet cannot be accepted once it has expired. If goods are being re-exported after the expiry date, duty and taxes apply and are non-refundable.

Goods intended for sale, lease, processing, or repair are not permitted for temporary importation on a carnet.

Goods such as plants, food, and other consumable items that may be given away, disposed of, or used up are not permitted on a carnet.

Additions or substitutions to the general list are not permitted once the carnet has been issued, unless these changes have been authorized in writing by the issuing association.

Export Controls are governed by Section 3 of the Export and Import Permits Act, which gives the Government the power to establish an Export Control List(ECL) to control the export of goods and technology.

The ECL includes seven groups as follows:

• Group 1: Dual Use List
• Group 2: Munitions List
• Group 3: Nuclear Non-proliferation List
• Group 4: Nuclear-Related Dual Use List
• Group 5: Miscellaneous Goods and Technology (U.S. origin goods and technology, roe herring, cedar shakes and shingles, logs, softwood lumber)
• Group 6: Missile Technology Control Regime List
• Group 7: Chemical and Biological Weapons Non-Proliferation List

Please note that even if an item does not appear on the ECL it may still need some sort of export authorization. Several other departments have responsibilities for certain export controls, namely: the Canadian Wheat Board, Health Canada, Agriculture Canada, Canadian Heritage, Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Natural Resources Canada; and Environment Canada.

Products subject to import controls include Agricultural Products,
Firearms, Textiles and Clothing and Steel. Although a product may not be subject to import controls, there may be a requirement for the issuance of an International Import Certificate.

Prohibitions

Sanctions related to Sudan were enacted under the United Nations Act to give effect to United Nations Security Council resolutions. Subject to certain exceptions, the measures imposed against Sudan include:

• a prohibition on the export of arms and related material to any person in Sudan;
• a prohibition on the provision, to any person in Sudan, of technical assistance related to arms and related material;
• an assets freeze against those persons designated by the Committee of the Security Council of the United Nations established by Resolution 1591 to oversee the sanctions measures (1591 Committee); and
• a travel ban against persons designated by the 1591 Committee.

Canada also has certain policy measures in place with regard to Sudan, outside the context of United Nations Security Council decisions. More information on these measures can be found on the Embassy of Canada to Sudan website

When you are importing to Canada:

1. for a personal goods you have to pay duty (if applicable) and HST (according the province), for example: for ON-13%. for AB-5%.

2. if you bring for commercial purpose (under your Business name & #) you have to pay duty (if so) and GST 5% only (and you can claim it back later, at the end of the fiscal year).

The BN is a unique nine digit number assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to identify a specific business. These nine digits form the root of the 15 character program account numbers. The program account number is used to identify the programs and specific accounts used by a business. A program account number has three parts: a nine numbers to identify the business, a two letter program identifier, used to identify the program type and a four-digit reference number to identify each account. In order to be considered an exporter, the BN must be activated and registered for export. Export declarations submitted with an invalid BN will be considered a failure to provide accurate information and would be subject to an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP). In addition, an export declaration reported to the CBSA with an incorrect BN or without a BN will be considered as providing information that is untrue or incomplete and may be subject to an AMP. The CBSA is not responsible for issuing business numbers to exporters. The BN may be obtained by contacting the CRA at 1-800-959-5525 (English) or 1-800-959-7775 (French). All exporters must periodically verify the validity and accuracy of their BN accounts.

B255 – Certificate of Origin – Textile and Apparel Goods Originating in a Least Developed Country.

The following has been updated and is available on the CBSA website

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: Please be advised, (CBSA) policy regarding the classification of marble and granite blocks or slabs of headings 25.15, 25.16 and 68.02 has been revised.

For more information please check D10-17-38.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: D7-4-3 memorandum outlines and explains the effects of Article 303 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the Duty Drawback and Duties Relief Programs.

NAFTA affects most non-originating goods used as materials in the manufacture of products exported to a NAFTA country (United States or Mexico). Memorandum D7-4-2,Duty Drawback Program outlines the conditions and circumstances under which a refund (drawback) of duties may be claimed. Memorandum D7-4-1,Duties Relief Program outlines the conditions and circumstances under which duties may be deferred at the time of importation. These memoranda should be reviewed prior to reading this Memorandum.

This document contains editing revisions that do not affect or change existing policies or procedures, including changes to the Canada Border Services Agency organizational structure.

D10-14-39: this memorandum outlines and explains the provisions of tariff item 9813.00.00 as it relates to Canadian diamonds.

ARGO Customs Brobers Vancouver: E 29B has been revised, as follows:

1. References to the coloured sheets of the Form E29B have been deleted.
2. The address for submitting national standing security bonds has been changed.

• (a) uncooked dough balls, whether or not shaped, in heading19.01;
• (b) cooked or pre-cooked crusts in heading 19.05;
• (c) cheese in heading 04.06;
• (d) sauce in heading 21.03; and
• (e) pepperoni in heading 16.01.

ARGO Vancouver Customs Brokers: Tariff item 9986.00.00:
Religious statues, statuettes, medals, crosses, figures, plaques or ancestral shrines, and communion sets, oil stocks, crosiers, benitiers, sprinklers, incensers, incense boats, baptismal shells or fonts, scapulars, chapelets, rosaries, Scroll sets, Chanuka candlesticks, Kiddush sets, Mezuzah boxes, Havdalah sets or Seder plates;
Parts of all the foregoing.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: tariff classification of printed textile flags and banners

49.11 Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs.
63.07 Other made up articles, including dress patterns.

Samples of Negligible Value Remission Order: please see Order-in-CouncilP.C. 1976-2984

Samples that meet the conditions of tariff item 9990.00.00 will qualify for the benefits of the Samples of Negligible Value Remission Order provided that:

• (a) There is not more than one sample of each kind or quality in a consignment. If there is more than one sample it must be a consignment of foodstuffs, non-alcoholic beverages, perfumes or chemical products that will be consumed or destroyed during demonstration and are packaged in a manner which precludes their being used otherwise than as samples.
• (b) The taxes imposed under DivisionIII of PartIX and under any other Part of the Excise Tax Act and the customs duties imposed under section 21 of the Customs Tariff payable on the sample would not exceed two dollars.
• (c) A chief officer of customs may require that a sample be made useless as merchandise by marking, tearing, perforating, gluing or otherwise altering it, but not in such a manner as to destroy its usefulness as a sample.

Toronto Customs Brokers: tariff classification of kit cars in Demo D10-14-45. (headings 87.03, 87.06, 87.07 and 87.08)
The tariff classification of these kits is dependent on the number and type of components in the kit at the time of importation. Kits fall into one of the following three main categories:

• (a) The first type of kits consists of all the components necessary to assemble a complete motor car without any additional parts or accessories after importation. Such kits would be considered as unassembled motor cars of heading 87.03 and would be classified under the appropriate tariff item.
• (b) Kits, which consist of the body, as specified in the Explanatory Notes to heading 87.07, and an incomplete chassis frame of tariff item 8706.00.20, are considered to be incomplete and unassembled motor cars of heading 87.03 and would be classified under the appropriate tariff item. Such kits normally have a complete chassis-frame but require the addition of one or more of the following major components: the engine, the transmission and/or the steering column after importation.
• (c) The third type of kits is made up of only a body and minor parts and accessories such as wheels, mufflers and steering wheels. These kits are not considered to be incomplete and unassembled motor cars of heading 87.03. In such cases, each component in the kit must be individually classified under the appropriate tariff item. Generally, the body would be classified under tariff item 8707.10.00. The remaining parts and accessories would for the most part be classified under the appropriate tariff items of heading 87.08. This type of kit lacks a complete chassis-frame, a transmission and an engine, but may include some minor elements of the chassis.

Toronto ARGO Customs Brokers: to parties who import commercial shipments into Canada, the correct 10-digit HS code will be required before the release.

Release of goods will be delayed, if the 10-digit HS code is not provided.

ARGO Calgary Customs Brokers: D2-6-4 Travellers’ Baggage Procedures was updated:

– Remove Appendix A, B and C and its references therein;
– Specify the bonded requirement for the inward movement of baggage;
– Include the option to re-route delayed baggage when applicable;
– Update the penalty information;
– Denote the Agency, Division and Branch names current appellations.

Toronto ARGO Customs Brokers: Goods transiting through the U.S. to a subsequent destination for consumption must be reported on an export declaration. Because the ultimate destination of the goods is a country other than the U.S., they must be reported if their value is CAN$2,000 or more. The CBSA is offering a six-month grace period, from December 1, 2015 to June 1, 2016, to companies who wish to voluntarily disclose exported shipments that transited through the U.S. prior to the issuance of this customs notice that should have been reported, but were not. Companies that report eligible unreported goods using this process (outlined below) will not be penalized.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: conditions under which bequests of personal and household effects may be imported by residents of Canada without the payment of duties:

1. Form B4,Personal Effects Accounting Document and B4A, Personal Effects Accounting Document (list of goods imported) have been renumbered BSF186 and BSF186A respectively.
2. Information concerning certain restricted goods has been changed or added.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: Imported equipment that is found to include a defective part or article that is removed and returned to the foreign supplier for credit is entitled to a partial refund of the duty assessed on the equipment at the time it was imported. The basis for calculating the amount of duties to be refunded is the value of the defective part or article at the trade level in which it was incorporated into the finished good. The value is to be established in accordance with the valuation methodologies. Where the value of the equipment or article that is removed from the good cannot be easily determined, at the trade level in which it was incorporated into the finished good, in accordance with section 79 of the Customs Act, the CBSA will accept a value based on 50% of the current value of a replacement part or article.

ARGO Calgary Customs Brokers: Apparel samples have to be classified under a dual classification system. Importers are required to keep a signed statement on file certifying the qualifying use of an eligible apparel sample and are thereby deemed to have specified the use of the apparel sample at the time of reporting the goods under the Customs Act. In the case of a company, an authorized signing officer must sign the written statement. Clients are to keep a copy of this record on file for the period of six years following the importation of the commercial goods and be prepared to present it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) when requested to do so.

ARGO Calgary Customs Brokers: Canadian residents may temporarily export personal effects for use on trips abroad. On returning to Canada, it is the individual’s responsibility to establish that such items were initially taken out of Canada and were not acquired abroad. To assist individuals in meeting this requirement, certain goods may be documented on an identification card before leaving Canada. At the time of reimportation, the border services officers will accept this identification card as satisfactory evidence of the origin of the goods. This procedure is optional and is provided free of charge at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Personal effects subject to temporary exportation may be presented for identification at a CBSA office any time prior to the individual’s departure from Canada. A border services officer will examine and identify the goods prior to exportation. The articles will be documented on a wallet-sized card called Form BSF407 (formerly Y38), Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. The individual will then be asked to sign the declaration on the front of Form BSF407, certifying that the goods listed were, to the best of his or her knowledge, either produced in Canada or lawfully imported into Canada. Individuals are not required to produce sales receipts or other proof of lawful purchase or importation when issuing Form BSF407.

Calgary ARGO Customs Brokers: The supply of basic groceries, which includes most supplies of food and beverages marketed for human consumption (including sweetening agents, seasonings and other ingredients to be mixed with or used in the preparation of such food or beverages), is zero-rated. However, certain categories of foodstuffs, for example, carbonated beverages, candies and confectionery, and snack foods are taxable. If a product’s tax status is in doubt, the CRA will consider the manner in which the product is displayed, labelled, packaged, invoiced and advertised to determine its tax status.

Adding accounts to your business number (BN)

The five major CRA business accounts are:

• RT – Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax
• RP – Payroll
• RC – Corporate Income Tax
• RM – Import/Export- this account you have to have for you or your Customs Broker can submit entries to CBSA.
• RZ– Information Return

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: Designer Remission Order, 2001, which was designed for producers of original designer apparel who met certain criteria. The producers were eligible for relief of customs duties at the time of importation until December 31, 2014, or a remission by way of drawback within four years of the date of importation of the fabrics and duty has been paid.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: While an error in the VFD would be considered inaccurate and incorrect information, it would not be a contravention that would attract a C005 AMPS NPA. When an error in the VFD Code is discovered during a CBSA compliance verification, the importer is advised to correct on a going-forward basis.

Calgary ARGO Customs Brokers: Currently, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) considers the USA and Mexico as the only two locations outside of Canada that will potentially be designated for the purposes of the maintenance of books and records, therefore, NRI status is limited to the USA and Mexico and is subject to approval by the CBSA.

ARGO Toronto Customs Brokers: You do not need a separate license. When you apply for a licence, you outline your operations – domestically and importing/exporting and one licence can cover everything.

HS code 1512.19.10.00, CFIA regulated & approved (our part of the job), duty 9.5%, GST free (as a basic groceries).
– Sunflower-seed oil and fractions thereof, refined

Vancouver ARGO Customs Brokers: all travellers have to carry a valid passport, If you are a U.S. citizen, ensure you carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card. We recommend that parents who share custody of their children carry copies of their legal custody documents, such as custody rights. If you share custody and the other parent is not travelling with you, or if you are travelling with minors for whom you are not the parent or legal guardian, we recommend you carry a consent letter to provide authorization for you to take them on a trip and enter Canada. A consent letter must include the custodial parents’ or legal guardians’ full name, address and telephone number. Some travellers choose to have the consent letter notarized, to further support its authenticity, especially if they are undertaking a significant trip and want to avoid any delay.

When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as their children or any minors they are accompanying.

Vancouver ARGO Customs Brokers: CBSA launched an investigation into whether or not certain gypsum board from the United States of America is being sold at unfair prices into the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, as well as the Yukon and Northwest Territories. CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being sold in Canada at unfair prices, and will make a preliminary decision by September 6, 2016.

ARGO Calgary Customs Brokers: Before Importing or Exporting Commercial Goods into Canada you have to obtain your Import/Export Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Please ask our brokers for details.

ARGO Vancouver Customs Brokers: in Canada, all non-manufactured WPM used in international trade must be compliant with ISPM 15. It is prohibited to import or move untreated, non-manufactured WPM into or through Canada, unless it originates from the continental U.S.

Both the shipment and the WPM will be removed from Canada. If compliant WPM is mixed with non-compliant WPM, the entire shipment will be deemed non-compliant and will be refused entry into Canada. Importers will not be allowed to remove the non-compliant WPM and repack the goods within Canada.

Please ask our Customs Broker if you need more information.

Since 06/09/2016: HS 6809.11.00.10 is under SIMA duty:

The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The CPTPP enters into force on December 30, 2018 between the first six countries to have ratified the Agreement: Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Singapore.
The CPTPP will result in comprehensive tariff elimination across all sectors. Once fully implemented, 99% of tariff lines among CPTPP parties will be duty-free.