Industry Updates

Aug 9, 2016

Importing or Exporting? Have You Heard About Drawbacks?

Industry Updates

A drawback is a refund of customs duties on imported goods that are eventually exported. Under CBSA’s Duty Drawback Program, you can even claim a drawback on imported goods that were sourced from a supplier in the domestic market! Qualifying for a Drawback If you are the importer, exporter, processor, owner or producer of the goods,

Aug 1, 2016

Importing Large Equipment in Multiple Loads?

Industry Updates

When purchasing a commodity as a single transaction that must be broken down into multiple loads for shipping purposes, written authorization is required from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) prior to the first shipment leaving the vendor’s facility to come to Canada. This authorization may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to obtain. There are two

Jun 13, 2016

Notice – New Container Weight Verification Requirements Under SOLAS Effective July 1, 2016

Industry Updates

To improve maritime safety and mitigate risks to the safety and security of the crew, ship, and cargo, the IMO recently adopted amendments to the International Convention of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requiring mandatory weight verification for packed containers being loaded onto vessels. Effective July 1, 2016, all shippers must provide the Verified

Jun 1, 2016

Should NAFTA Be Applied to Duty Free Goods?

Industry Updates

In 2013, a case between Frito-Lay and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided significant insight to Canadian importers regarding the application of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff treatment versus applying benefits under NAFTA, particularly refund processes and limitation periods applicable to claims under NAFTA tariff preference. In Frito-Lay v. President of the CBSA, the Canadian International

Apr 26, 2016

Importing or Exporting? What You Should Know About Customs Audits

Industry Updates

Importers and exporters are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with import/export laws and regulations related to their shipments and declarations made to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA manages trade compliance on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin programs by performing audits either randomly or through risk-based verification priorities. Targeted goods may be carried over from previous years

Mar 24, 2016

Update – Leniency Period for Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA)

Industry Updates

As of March 15, 2016, select visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). However, from March 15, 2016 until fall 2016, travellers who do not have an eTA can board their flight, as long as they have appropriate travel documents, such as a valid passport.