Your Broker Knows Blog

You may have noticed a few more drink options on restaurant menus and grocery and liquor store shelves; non-alcoholic beverages. Although long-standing brands have held these spots, never before have there been so many options. They are referred to as mocktails, zero-proof cocktails, and contain little to no alcohol within them but all the flavor of favorite bar go-tos. With so many of these businesses opening up shop in Canada, and increasing demand, exporting to the US may be the next step of your commercial growth strategy.

Summer is in full swing, which means more reasons to travel, and what better way to do just that than with an RV escape to the US? Although Canada and the US share one of the world's most significant and robust relationships, recreational travel for Canadians could be subject to secondary inspection when going through Customs clearance.

Upcycled goods have generated increased interest over the past few years as more consumers and businesses seek ways to reduce waste

The US has many trade programs and agreements with numerous countries worldwide. With 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in place, there is ample opportunity for businesses to find benefit in these programs. Free trade agreements allow qualifying goods to be imported at a reduced rate and, in some instances, a duty-free rate, should they meet the eligibility requirements.

US President, Joe Biden, signed the Uygur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in 2021. Did you know under this act, your goods may be excluded from importation into the US? This is true; however, it depends on the country of origin where the goods were produced or manufactured.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) believes up to 85% of potential refunds of duty go unclaimed yearly. However, did you know that CBP has a program where an importer can request a refund of up to 99% of duties paid on goods that were later exported, destroyed, or returned to the supplier?

The global economy is as interesting as it is complicated. There are a host of factors that influence how not only nations but also people around the world do business together. Some factors include trading in the form of imports and exports and fluctuations in

This past November, just ahead of the holidays, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warned consumers of the perils of buying counterfeit goods with their "unbox real happiness" campaign. With Valentine’s Day ahead, this message still rings true. Not only for consumers looking to purchase a gift for that special someone but also for intellectual property-holding manufacturers trying to compete for business in a knockoff market. Let's delve into the world of counterfeit goods by unveiling the impacts these illegal tactics have on economies, businesses, and consumers throughout the year and how companies can protect their intellectual property, especially over holidays like Valentine's Day.

Picking out a present can be laborious, accompanied by gift limits and import tax on gifts regulated by federal governments making the entire process more taxing. Preparation is the key to getting the presents you want into the hands of those you love without the additional hassle. If you are shipping a gift or operate a business that ships gifts internationally or domestically, we can assist you in getting your cargo to the intended destinations with various trade, freight and customs brokerage services tailored to your shipping needs.

What is a tariff? In today’s world, a tariff is a tax enforced by the US federal government to protect domestic industries against environmental, safety and competitive threats. Tariff codes apply to goods imported from a foreign market, which is where the Harmonized System (HS) comes into play.