When goods arrive in Canada from abroad, they must go through a process called customs clearance. This ensures that all items entering the country comply with Canadian laws and that the correct duties and taxes are collected. The organization responsible for overseeing this process is the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
If you’re importing goods—whether for business or personal use—here’s what you need to know.
What Is CBSA?
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the federal agency that manages border security and trade compliance. One of its key roles is to review shipments entering Canada and ensure that all applicable duties, taxes, and regulations are properly followed.
What Is Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance is the process of declaring your goods to CBSA, paying any required duties and taxes, and receiving approval for the goods to enter Canada. This process applies to everything from commercial shipments to personal packages.
Duties and Taxes
CBSA calculates duties and taxes based on:
- The type of goods
- The declared value
- The country of origin
Common charges include:
- Import duties (rates vary by product)
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Other applicable fees depending on the item
How Our Company Helps
As a company that specializes in duty and tax collection, we work directly with importers to:
- Ensure accurate classification and valuation of goods
- Submit declarations to CBSA on your behalf
- Calculate and collect duties and taxes efficiently
