BRIDGEWOOD
CUSTOMS BROKERAGE SERVICES
BRIDGEWOOD CUSTOMS
BROKERAGE SERVICES INC.
Compliant with all government rules and regulations.
Over 250,000 importers deal with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) annually. Most of which rely on the services of a licensed customs broker to get their shipments cleared at the border. For each of these transactions, reams of critical business data must be generated, about everything from country of origin and destinations, to suppliers, tariff classifications, routings, and intended use.
Traditionally, importers rely on customs brokers to pull that information together and clear the goods through customs. But many importers are learning that it is only part of the story. Customs brokers are now helping importers leverage that information, transforming data into critical business intelligence. Customs brokers are offering a growing range of specialized services to help importers develop new product lines, explore new markets, evaluate the impact of global change, and cut costs.
IMPORTING COMMERCIAL GOODS INTO CANADA?
Importing requirements include the following:
Obtain your import/export business number from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Identify what type of goods you want to import.
Determine the country of origin for the goods you are importing.
Verify whether the goods are controlled, regulated or prohibited by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or any other government department or agency.
Ensure that the goods are marked and labelled as required.
Determine the 10-digit tariff classification number and the applicable rate of duty for each of the items you are importing using the Customs Tariff.
Determine whether the goods are subject to any other duties or taxes including the goods and services tax (GST).
Obtain invoices, certificates of origin and any other required documents.
Determine the value for duty of the goods you are importing.
Select the method of shipping and communicate with the transportation company on cross-border requirements.
Await notification that your shipment has arrived.
Submit the required CBSA documents and pay any duties and taxes owing in order to have the goods released.
Note: Shipments valued at CAN$2,500 or less arriving by mail or courier may be assessed for duties and taxes and then released by the CBSA or the courier company.
Please note:
The shipment may be examined by government officials. Fees charged by authorized third parties to unload and reload goods are the responsibility of the importer.
If you make an error in the accounting information provided to the CBSA, you are required to correct the declaration if the change is revenue-neutral or if you owe money.
Keep records of your import documents for a period of six years following the importation.
Be aware that the CBSA uses the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) to assess monetary penalties against businesses that do not comply with customs legislation.
COMMERCIAL INVOICE
A commercial invoice is a customs document, when used in foreign trade. It is used as a customs declaration provided by the person or corporation that is exporting an item across international borders.
BILL OF LADING
A detailed list of a shipment of goods in the form of a receipt given by the carrier to the person consigning the goods.
NAFTA STATEMENT OF ORIGIN FOR LVS
NAFTA "LOW VALUE" ORIGIN STATEMENT is used if goods are valued at less than $1600 Canadian, the formal Certificate of Origin is not required.
IMPORTER/EXPORTER STATEMENT OF ORIGIN
This statement should be completed and signed by the importer/exporter in the beneficiary country where the goods were completed.
PERMISSION FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE
The Regional Director General of CBSA may authorize a Form C6 in certain cases, such as to allow an importer or broker to open a parcel in a warehouse to get documents that are needed to release goods.
The Canada Border Services Agency provides clearance, control and examination services, on behalf of other government departments and agencies. This applies to travelers, importers and exporters, at close to 1,200 points of entry (POE), including land border offices, international mail processing centers, airports, sufferance warehouses, and a number of other service locations.
