Canadian Customs & Logistics FAQ

A customs broker helps importers prepare and submit the information needed for Canadian customs clearance. This can include reviewing product classification, origin, value for duty and supporting documents, and communicating with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). SJK Global Inc provides customs brokerage and trade compliance support. Using a representative does not remove the importer's responsibility for accurate declarations and supporting records.

A customs broker can help you navigate import requirements, prepare declarations and identify documentation issues before goods arrive. This can be useful when importing unfamiliar products or managing recurring shipments. Using a broker is not mandatory: the CBSA allows commercial importers to handle their own customs transactions. The importer remains responsible for accurate information, records, duties and taxes, even when a representative handles the filing. Choose an approach that fits your goods and compliance capabilities.

There is no single brokerage price that applies to every commercial shipment. Fees are a private arrangement between the customs broker and the client and depend on the services and shipment requirements. Brokerage fees are separate from government duties and taxes, freight, storage and other third-party charges. Ask for a written quote that explains what is included and any potential additional costs. SJK Global can review your shipment details and provide a service quote.

Yes. SJK Global provides customs clearance support for commercial shipments through Canadian air, ocean and land ports of entry. The process depends on the carrier, port, commodity and any other government requirements affecting the goods. Share your planned routing, arrival details and product information so our team can confirm the arrangements for your shipment. Working with one team across customs and logistics helps keep the documents and transportation plan aligned.

Start with your company details, import account information, a clear description of the goods, commercial invoice, country of origin and intended shipping route. Product specifications, packing lists and transport documents may also be needed. Tell us whether this is your first commercial import and whether any permits or approvals are involved. This gives our team a useful starting point for reviewing the shipment and preparing a service quote.

Yes. A customs broker can review the original declaration and supporting records, identify the information that needs correcting and assist with the applicable CBSA correction or adjustment process, including through CARM. Classification, origin and valuation errors may affect duties, taxes or compliance obligations. Contact your customs team promptly and provide the transaction details and evidence supporting the change. The required procedure and time limits depend on the circumstances, and the importer remains responsible for its declarations.

Begin by identifying the goods and checking whether they are allowed into Canada or require permits. Establish your business number, import program account and CARM access. Determine the tariff classification, origin and value for duty, and collect the required shipment documents. Coordinate shipping, carrier reporting, customs release, accounting and payment under the applicable CBSA procedures. If you use a customs representative, arrange the appropriate delegation of authority in CARM. Review the current requirements before goods leave the supplier.

The required documents depend on the goods and shipping method. Common examples include a commercial invoice with a detailed product description and value, a packing list and the carrier's transport document. Origin documentation is needed when claiming a preferential tariff treatment, and regulated goods may require permits or certificates. Providing complete, consistent information early allows your customs team to identify missing details before the shipment reaches the border.

Some products are subject to requirements from agencies beyond the CBSA, such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or Health Canada. The applicable rules depend on the product, its intended use and other shipment details. Do not assume that a supplier's paperwork or a previous shipment establishes admissibility. Check the current requirements before ordering or shipping, and have any necessary permits, licences and certificates available for review.

There is no single clearance time that applies to every commercial shipment. Timing depends on the completeness of the documents, the goods, the carrier's reporting, required approvals and whether an examination or further review is needed. Preparing accurate information in advance can reduce avoidable delays, but release cannot be guaranteed. Share any delivery deadline with your customs and freight teams so they can plan around the shipment's requirements.

A shipment may need additional documents, an examination or review of whether the goods meet Canadian import requirements before it can be released. Ask your customs representative and carrier to confirm the reason and the information or action required. Provide complete records promptly and allow for possible changes to delivery arrangements. Storage, handling or examination-related third-party charges may apply. A customs broker can help coordinate the response, but cannot override a CBSA examination or guarantee release.

The Harmonized System identifies goods using internationally standardized classification codes. Canada uses a 10-digit tariff classification number for commercial imports. Classification, together with origin and the applicable tariff treatment, helps determine the duty rate and relevant trade measures. The correct classification depends on the goods' characteristics, materials and function—not just a supplier's description. Keep technical information and a documented rationale, and seek clarification when the treatment is uncertain.

Start with the goods' tariff classification, country of origin, applicable tariff treatment and value for duty. GST, surtaxes, excise charges or other measures may also apply, depending on the product and circumstances. An estimate should use the actual goods and current rules rather than a general percentage for all imports. Customs duties and taxes are separate from freight charges and professional service fees, so consider them together when estimating landed costs.

CUSMA is the trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico that replaced NAFTA. It provides preferential tariff treatment for goods that meet its applicable rules of origin and claim requirements. Buying from a U.S. supplier or shipping goods from the United States does not automatically make them duty-free. Importers need appropriate origin certification and supporting records, and must still check applicable taxes and other trade measures. Review the actual product and production information before claiming a preference.

The Canadian Duty Drawback Program may refund eligible duties on imported goods that are subsequently exported in the same condition, or used in goods produced for export. Eligibility depends on the circumstances, records and program restrictions, including applicable CUSMA limitations for exports to the United States or Mexico. Claims can be submitted through CARM with supporting evidence. A review of import, inventory and export records helps determine whether a recovery opportunity exists.

CARM stands for CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management. Its Client Portal is used for commercial import accounts and the administration of duties and taxes. Importers should establish access, understand their account responsibilities and authorize representatives where needed. Portal registration is not a substitute for checking a shipment's classification, origin, value or admissibility. Coordinate CARM administration with your finance and shipping processes so account issues are identified before goods move.

Choose who in your business will act as the business account manager. Use the official CARM Client Portal to create your user account and personal profile, then select Register my business and follow the instructions for your registration scenario. Have the required business and import account information available. Your business should control its own access and protect sign-in credentials. Once registered, authorize additional users and delegate the appropriate authority to your customs representative where needed.

Financial security is associated with the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) sub-program, which allows eligible goods to be released before duties and taxes are paid. RPP enrolment and its security requirements are separate from basic CARM registration. Do not assume that opening an account automatically enables RPP or that another business's security covers your imports. Confirm your intended release and payment arrangements against current CBSA guidance before shipping.

Delegation allows an authorized representative to perform the activities your business permits within CARM. The CBSA importing checklist identifies delegation as a step for importers using a customs broker. Review the requested permissions and ensure that the correct business account is involved. Delegating access does not transfer the importer's underlying responsibilities for its declarations, records or payments. Review access when your business or representation arrangements change.

SJK Global assists with international freight shipping, including ocean and air freight, as well as truck and rail options where applicable, alongside Canadian customs clearance. The suitable arrangement depends on the shipment's origin, destination, cargo characteristics and delivery requirements. Our team can help align the transportation plan with the information needed for customs processing. Share the shipment details early so we can review the route and service requirements rather than assuming one mode or schedule will suit every shipment.

Freight forwarding focuses on arranging the movement of goods, while customs brokerage focuses on the declarations and information needed for customs clearance. The two activities need to work together, but booking transport does not automatically complete the customs process. SJK Global supports coordination across both areas. Clarify who is responsible for each step, which documents are needed and what charges are included before goods are collected.

Compare the shipment's size, weight, value, origin, destination and required delivery date. Air freight may suit time-sensitive cargo, while ocean, truck or rail may offer practical options for other routes and volumes. Availability, handling requirements and the full landed cost also matter. Review the actual shipment with a logistics team rather than choosing a mode on price alone, and allow time for customs and any regulatory requirements.

Provide the pickup and delivery locations, cargo description, number of packages, dimensions, gross weight and preferred timing. Explain any special handling requirements and the agreed Incoterms, if known, so responsibilities can be assessed. Include whether you need Canadian customs clearance. A useful quote should distinguish the services included from duties, taxes and other potential charges, and identify any assumptions that may change once the final cargo details are confirmed.