Today, we are diving into the top 10 most popular posts of 2023, and based on this list, it is clear that this year was all about learning and growing as international business professionals, a trend we hope to help you continue into 2024. Before we get to the list, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all so much for reading this year, and we hope you stay with us in 2024 as we continue our journey through the ever-changing landscape of international trade!

Shipping Gifts Into Canada | A Tale Of How A Tablet's Not A Turnip

In preparation for gift giving season, we would like to share with you a cross-border holiday tale about one tablet's journey to the Canadian border.A U.S. supplier of produce wanted to say thank you to its Canadian purchaser by way of a gift. A few days before Christmas, the supplier slipped in a popular tablet with the purchaser's order. Although this was a very nice gesture, it came with a very large consequence for the unknowing purchaser who was the importer of record.

The Rubber Band of Canada’s Single-Use Plastic Ban

In June 2019, the Government of Canada announced a plan to ban the sale, manufacture, and importation of single-use plastics starting as early as 2021, a plan that would come to full fruition in December 2022. On November 16th, 2023, the single-use plastic ban was overturned by a Canadian court, and while that decision may feel like a green light to you as an importer, we urge restraint and caution. Putting aside whether this overturn lasts at all, as an importer, you may find that Canada’s appetite for single-use plastics has significantly shrunk since the last time it was legal.

An Import Horror Story

It’s Halloween night, and rain pounds on the glass of your quiet office. “We’ve never had these issues at customs before,” you say to no one in particular. Your voice is low and shaky, your fingers tapping a hasty tune on your desk, a bit more frantic than perhaps you intend. You knew you should have gone with a reputable broker, but you took a chance, and now here you are.

What The New CARM Release Date Means For Canadian Importers

On August 14th, 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency announced that the import-altering aspects of CARM (CBSA’s Assessment and Revenue Management) Release 2 are now expected in May of 2024. Release 2 remains on schedule, releasing in October of 2023, but as a test environment for industry and software partners.

Value For Duty 'Last Sale' Proposed Changes

In May 2023, Canada Border Services Agency published a proposed amendment to the value for duty regulations. The intent of their proposal is to remove, in CBSA’s view, the unfair advantage to Non-Resident Importers (NRIs) by basing Value for Duty (VFD) on the last sale price in a series of sales, regardless of when that sale took place (either before or after importation). However, the proposed amendment does not limit the changes to NRIs but is an overall change to the regulations that therefore have a broader application leading to potentially unintended consequences for resident Canadian importers.

How To Import A Dog From The US Into Canada

If you are importing a dog or puppy from the US into Canada, it’s important to understand the current challenges. COVID-19 has put a kink in picking up your new furry member of the family when you’ve purchased them from a US breeder.

CBSA 2023 Trade Verification List

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released the verification priority list for July 2023. Today’s post will provide an overview of the list of verifications, their importance to Importers, trade compliance, and tips on how Importers can remain compliant.