Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Canada’s Duty relief and drawback program continues to be available to importers for duties, including surtaxes, paid or owed by Canadian businesses that meet the requirements of the program.

Many U.S. companies looking to serve Canadian customers more efficiently have benefited from registering as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI). The benefits of serving the Canadian market as a “virtual Canadian” are numerous and include:

• Fewer delays at customs through simplified documentation
• Develop no surprise, inclusive pricing for your Canadian customers by fully understanding your landed costs
• Ensure compliance with government regulations
• Reduce costs and gain competitive advantage by decreasing paperwork and customs charges

Importers are responsible for correctly classifying and valuing the goods they bring into Canada so that the Canadian board Services Agency (CBSA) can properly assess duties, collect statistics and determine whether all legal requirements are met. Importers are also responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their import and export transactions, as well as any Administrative Monetary Penalties Systems (AMPs) penalties that may be issued for non-compliance.

A Customs Broker acts as an agent for companies that import into Canada and acts as their liaison with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Customs Brokers provide all necessary paperwork to the CRA for clearance into Canada, classify the goods to determine the most favourable duty rates and consults with importers on various international trade issues. No matter how often you import or export goods, your Customs Broker is an essential business partner. Their expertise can save you a considerable amount of time and money, as well as prevent unnecessary headaches.

Once you have an account with your Customs Broker, the broker will pay whatever is owed for duties and taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency on your behalf. You will then be forwarded an invoice and generally have a period of 15 days to remit.

HS is short form for Harmonized System. Every product that crosses a border is given a 10 digit harmonized code based on standards set by the World Trade Organization. This allows for global classification of any product.

A Customs Broker charges a "brokerage fee" for each shipment. This is generally based on the value of the shipment in Canadian dollars, but can vary depending on the type of goods.

Certain products are restricted by quotas and legislation. These restrictions are determined on a product by product basis. Your Customs Broker can advise you on any potential issues regarding any restrictions that may exist.

Yes! Link+ can arrange international air and ocean freight into Canada or overseas as well as North American truckload or LTL into Canada or the U.S. One phone call to Link+ and we can provide complete transportation services in addition to Customs Clearance—and you'll only receive one invoice.

Paperwork requirements are different in each country, but for goods entering Canada a commercial invoice will typically suffice. It must be completed properly, showing the total amount of the goods, the currency, the country of origin, the shipper, the consignee and a detailed description of the goods. Also, a North American Free Trade Certificate (NAFTA) is required to take advantage of preferential duty rates, if applicable. Please visit our downloads section for a copy of these forms. Certain goods such as meat products, seafood and lumber require specified documentation. Please contact us for more information.

Yes! In addition to Customs Clearance and transportation services, Link+ has a great deal of experience in the exporting of goods to anywhere in the world.

However, as trade barriers and security measures are ever increasing, we suggest you contact Link+ for up-to-date advice.