Canadian Customs Brokerage Services

Pacific Customs Brokers recognizes that in the world of International Trade, time of day means nothing. Somewhere in the world someone needs answers always. Pacific Customs Brokers is open 24 hours, 7 days per week at our head office to assist in handling your shipments. Staff on site can either answer your questions or find someone who can. We provide a toll free phone number and a toll free fax number to make it simple to communicate with us.

We handle all shipments, including simple single line shipments, very complex multi product shipments, temporary imports, trade show displays, etc. Our Senior Customs Consultants can advise you on the most effective and cost efficient method of importing to Canada.

Commercial Goods Clearance

FAQs

Click on question for desired answer.

1) What is a Customs Broker?

2) What does it cost to use a Customs Broker?

3) What paperwork is required

4) How do I pay Duties and Taxes?

5) What if my goods are crossing at a port in Canada where Pacific Customs Brokers does not have an office?

6) The courier I use offers customs brokerage service, is there a difference?

7) Can Pacific Customs Brokers Arrange the Shipping of my Goods?

8) Can Pacific Customs Brokers assist with the export of goods to the USA?

Customs Clearance

Pacific Customs Brokers can provide exceptional brokerage services for any and all types of companies. As new windows of opportunity open in the market of international trade, the requirements and regulations for importing products are constantly changing. Our team of experts will ensure that all requirements are met to expedite the clearance of your shipment. Without the services of a broker, an uniformed importer could face many fines and penalties, issued by various forms of government if requirements are not met. Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd. can handle the following on your behalf:

Completion of all government and other required forms
Preparation and submission of release documentation to Canada Customs
Application for a GST number if not already applied for.
Application for a Business number
Setting up an account with Revenue Canada to pay all applicable duties and taxes directly.
Application of permits issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs for various products such as textiles, lumber, steel, and food items.
Storage and/or delivery of goods if required

Duties & Taxes

The challenge of determining the various costs that can be associated with a product when importing to Canada can be huge. Calculating the costs required by Canada Customs and other government agencies, such as duty rates, applicable GST, excise or luxury tax, can become complicated. Pacific Customs Brokers are professionals that can provide the appropriate H.S. Tariff classification number for any product that may be entering Canada. (A Tariff number determines applicable duties and taxes for a product). Our team of experts will also ensure that any refunds and/or drawbacks that a client may be entitled too are received. Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd. can provide the following:

Determine the appropriate H.S. Tariff classifications number
Advise you if any trade agreements apply to your product
All drawbacks and/or remission have been recognized
Assessment of all duties and taxes that must be applied
Payment of duties/taxes on your behalf to allow for immediate clearance of goods. (provided that a line of credit has been established)
Payment to any of the other government agencies that may be required

Client Requirements

The following forms must be completed to become a client of Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd.

A signed Power of Attorney
A credit applications. (by choice) If credit is not established, all applicable duties, taxes and all other fees must be paid prior to the release of the shipment.
Business Number Application (Pacific will complete for you)

Personal Goods Clearance

FAQs

1) If I'm importing personal goods into Canada, do I need a Customs Broker?

It is not required that you have a customs broker clear your goods through Customs. You may choose to clear them on your own.

2) Are there any restrictions on certain items that can be brought into Canada?

Yes, there are many things to take into account. Canada Customs enforces all the regulations required by almost 60 other government agencies. Many different items can be prohibited from entering Canada if they do not meet the necessary criteria.

Customs Clearance

Pacific Customs Brokers can provide services for clients when importing personal effects, however we strongly recommend that individuals clear their own personal shipments when possible. In order to comply with Canada Customs regulations, you will be required to supply the following information.

A complete list of each item being imported.
(penalties for undeclared items can be severe.)
The country of original manufacture for each item being imported
The value of each item stated at current market value stated in the currency used for valuation

Duties & Taxes

Individuals importing personal effects should be prepared to pay Canada Customs, who collect several charges that may be applicable.

All personal goods shipments will be subject to the following government charges:

Canadian Government: Goods & Services Tax - G.S.T. This is a 7% tax on most items purchased outside of Canada.
Provincial Government: Provincial Sales Tax - P.S.T. This charge applies to certain items only and will vary depending on province.
Duty Charges: This charge will vary based on the nature of the goods, the counrty that the goods were purchased in, the country the goods were manufactured in, and the value of the goods stated in Canadian dollars. (Duty may not be applied in some cases).
Other Government Agency Fees: Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is responsible for collecting fees on behalf of various other federal and provicial governments.

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency offers more information regarding clearance of personal effects into Canada. To access this information, please refer directly to the following web site page:
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency .

Non-Resident Importer

FAQ

1) Can a shipper / exporter to Canada take responsibility for all the fees associated when goods are imported into Canada?

Yes, the exporter may become a Non-resident importer. This is a company with no physical presence in Canada that wished to take responsibilty to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) for all entry issues. This includes all fees, declarations and penalties. As there are many rules and regulations that apply it can become very tedious keeping track of all the necessary forms. It makes good business sense to have professionals like Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd. handle this for you.

Pacific Customs Brokers welcomes clients whose primary place of business is in the USA or another country. Pacific Customs Brokers can assist any company in establishing an importing system into Canada. The Canadian Government has some procedures that must be followed to set this up properly.

Pacific Customs Brokers provides a unique service for foreign companies choosing to become Non-Resident Importers. Pacific Customs Brokers can work as an agent for a Non-Resident Importer. Acting on the clients behalf, Pacific Customs Brokers can provide the following services:

International Tariff

Pacific Customs Brokers' team of consultants can provide the most up-to-date duty rates and tariff requirements for products coming into Canada.

Duty Rates - The Canadian Government levies duty charges on many products entering the country. These rates typically vary from 0% - 35% or higher depending on a number of factors such as country of origin, strength of competing Canadian industry and the status of co-operative trade agreements. Only professionals, such as those at Pacific Customs Brokers that work full-time in this industry are able to stay current on these issues. Duty rates are set daily, weekly, monthly and annually depending on all trade factors.
Quotas
Permits (Import / Export)
Embargoes
Dump Duties
Trade Barriers, Restrictions, Prohibitions

Pacific Customs Brokers can also advise on tax evaluation, seizures, drawbacks, remissions and proper evaluation of your goods.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) - 7% on most goods
Excise Taxes - (luxury tax)
SIMA - dump duties
Drawbacks
Remissions
Valuation for determining fair market price
Tax Evaluation

Pacific Customs Brokers will determine what products qualify on various Global Trade Agreements.

North American Free Trade Agreement (Canada, USA & Mexico)
European Economic Council (Most European countries)
Most Favored Nation
Least Developing

International Business Management

Many companies are going one step further than moving goods across international borders; they are moving their business and their people as well!

This process takes some planning and some professional advice. Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd. have close relationships with several professional firms who specialize in cross- border issues.

Business Expansion into the USA
Business Relocation into the USA
Cross Border Taxation Issues
Cross Border Legal Issues
Canadian Corporate Law
Development Consulting
Immigration Advice
Payroll and Administration Support

When you require professional advice in any of the above areas, please complete the following information form and we will have someone contact you to qualify the request.

Signing up an Account

If you would like to become a client of Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd., you may complete and return the following forms. These forms are required to be received prior to your first shipment, as they will authorize Pacific Customs Brokers to act on your behalf when clearing a shipment through Canada Customs & Revenue Agency.

*****Important Instructions*****

Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or better is required to obtain these forms.

(Click Here to Download)

Note: Both of these forms require signatures to be valid. Pacific Customs Brokers must receive a copy with signatures by either:

FAX:
Toll Free (877)-538-1166
Local - Vancouver (604) 538-3984

MAIL:
Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd.
#101 - 17637 - 1st Avenue
Surrey, British Columbia
Canada, V3S 9S1

Required Forms to sign an account

Power of Attorney - Your legal company name must be provided. Two signatures are required when the company is a Corporation and/or Partnership.

Credit Application - It is recommended that a line of credit be established for any account, as this will simplify the process each time a shipment is cleared through Customs. Without a line of credit, it is required that all duties and taxes, that may apply, be paid in full in order for the shipment to even be released by Canada Customs.