There are numerous reasons that you should work with a customs broker or courier when you are importing goods into Canada. Professional brokers have years of experience dealing with the bureaucracy which surrounds global trade and can advise you on the best way to move your goods into the country while minimizing delays or extra costs. More importantly, they can help you avoid any legal entanglements which could cause delays, fees, or even more serious charges.
Now, there’s yet another reason to work with a professional broker or courier when importing goods into the country from either the United States or Mexico. When you’re importing only small amounts of product, the duties can potentially be waived when sending them via courier.
How The Courier Imports Remission Order (CIRO) Reduces Canadian Duties
Under the law, a courier is defined as “a commercial carrier that is engaged in scheduled international transportation of shipments of goods other than goods imported by mail,” and this applies to any other form of transport. It also includes freight forwarders in its definition of “courier.”
Under CIRO, when goods from the United States or Mexico are imported via courier, fees are reduced in these situations:
- Customs duties are waived if the goods would owe CAD$150 or less in duties, and
- Taxes are waived on the goods if those goods would generate taxes of CAD$40 or less.
So, these rules do not apply to large shipments, but they could be highly useful to specialist importers who only deal in small amounts of stock. However, there are a number of exceptions to be aware of.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol or tobacco products
- Items being sent as gifts, as per tariff item number 9816.00.00
- Items ordered from a Canadian retailer, which are drop-shipped directly from a foreign country to the purchaser
- Items ordered from an address or PO Box in Canada
- Goods imported by someone other than the purchaser
The list of restrictions is relatively long and complicated, with numerous exceptions. This is a situation where working with an experienced Canadian customs broker can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
ARGO Customs Sees Your Imports Safely Through the Border
We are specialists in Canadian importation, with deep knowledge of the laws and regulations which govern Canadian trade. When you work with us, you can rest assured your shipments will arrive in Canada quickly and affordably. Contact us to learn more.