Canada

Canada Customs Contacts

Website: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html  

Phone: 1-204-983-3500/ 1-506-636-5064

Canada is a country situated in North America, which extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It shares land borders with the USA, and has marine borders with France and Greenland. Canada is the world's 2nd largest country by total area. The country is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN/ dialogue partner), Council of Europe (observer), G7, International Chamber of Commerce, International Monetary Fund, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), World Trade Organization, World Customs Organization and other international organizations. 

Import tariffs

Canada applies import tariffs in correspondence with the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). There are Most-Favoured Nation tariffs, as well as preferential tariff rates.  In order benefit from one of these particular tariff treatments, the imported products must meet certification, direct shipment conditions and country of origin markings. 

Tariffs are calculated on the basis of the FOB (freight on board) value of the products in the country of export and can be ad valorem. In addition, importers will have to pay a Goods and Service Tax (GST). Duties are collected by the customs authorities at the time of importation.

Product certification and labeling

Most of the imported products do not require licenses and permits. However, some of the imported goods are subject to a quantitative import restriction, and require a permit for importation. These products include: 

- agricultural products

- firearms

- textiles and clothing

- steel

Many Canadian provinces restrict the importation of alcoholic beverages.

Regarding labeling requirements it should be mentioned that Canada is officially bilingual, and as a result labeling and packaging requirements have a particular importance. Thus, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act requires that all labels be bilingual, written in English and French. In addition, the following details must be indicated on the label/package:

- product identity

- net quantity

- dealer's name and principal place of business.

In Quebec, labeling of food products must be in French or have a French version displayed at least as prominently as the other language.

Concerning packaging requirements, it should be noticed that a certificate of disinfection is required for straw, hay, peat, moss, or other raw packing materials of the soil. Packing materials such as used sacks, bags and canvas are prohibited.

Documents for import

Pro-forma invoice

Commercial invoice

A Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) should be used for all shipments with a freight on board (FOB) value of C$1,600 and over. Commercial invoices can be used but must include all the information required in the CCI. 

For all fresh produce shipments, a Confirmation of Sale form is required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as evidence that a firm purchase agreement has been made. 

Bill of lading

Manifest/Cargo Control Document

Customs Coding Form (Form B3) 

The form includes the tariff classification, value for duty and the origin of the products, in addition to other information.

Certificate of origin

Packing list (optional)

Certificate of insurance

Public health requirements

Imports of animals, plants and their products (including fruit and vegetables, other foods, seeds, forest products) require health certificates. These imports are also subject to inspection upon arrival.

Fruit and vegetables, honey, meat, fish and processed foodstuffs are subject to specific regulations. Exporters must confirm with their importers that their products meet the full requirements of the Canadian legislation.

Quality standards and labeling requirements for drugs and patent medicines are prescribed. 

Sources:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/menu-eng.html 

http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/about-a_propos/impor/canada.aspx?lang=eng 

http://canadabusiness.ca/government/regulations/regulated-business-activities/importing-regulations/