FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A CUSTOMS BROKER?

Licensed customs brokers carry out customs-related responsibilities on behalf of their clients.

A broker's services include:

• obtaining release of the imported goods.

• paying any duties that apply.

• obtaining, preparing, and presenting or transmitting the necessary documents or data.

• maintaining records.

• responding to any CBSA concerns after payment.

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Brokers do not work for the federal government-they are not federal public servants.

As the importer, you remain liable for all duties owing until either you or your broker pays them. This applies regardless of whether or not you paid the amount to your broker.

WHY USE BRIDGEWOOD?

• We will work together to forecast and evaluate possible financial risks, while identifying possible procedures to avoid or minimize their impact.

• We will ensure that the importer is meeting the many new conditions under Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on-site compliance. The CBSA has embarked on a new and aggressive method of checking compliance - new on-site compliance will target all importers taking advantage of NAFTA, duty reductions, and other duty relief programs.

• We will assist the importer with the updated NAFTA regulations, allowing customers to take advantage of NAFTA and other trade agreement opportunities that can have a significant impact on the business's bottom line in reducing duties and taxes.

• We follow and remain up to date with all of the growing number of rules, regulations, and conditions that allow the importer to qualify for NAFTA.

• We will do our best to ensure the timely delivery of goods, which is critical for good client service.

• We have flexible hours and staffing.

• We can reduce the need for importers to have staff with specialized customs knowledge; doing so frees up our clients to concentrate on revenue-generating core abilities.

• We will manage all of the ups and downs of importing volumes, creating automated entry documents from previously classified goods.

• We will take care of the post-entry work that may take the form of a refund or other payment amendment request to the CBSA.

• We will provide you with shipping advice and monitoring and tracking of goods.
  
  We can decreases the importer's fixed costs by providing:

• IT support.

• Hardware.

• Software.

• Hardware/Software maintenance.

• Personnel and associated overheads.

WHAT PAPERWORK/DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

When importing to Canada a Commercial Invoice can be used. The vendor or exporter (the person or company that sold you the goods) should give you a sales receipt or invoice that describes the goods in detail and shows the purchase price.

The following information must be noted on the invoice:

• total value of goods

• currency of purchase

• country of origin

• shipper and consignee (full name and address)

• a piece count and detailed description of the product(s)

• A North American Free Trade Certificate (NAFTA) is required to take advantage of preferential duty rates when applicable.

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*Changes in information regarding the description, value, quantity or origin of the imported goods often require further processing.*