Your Broker Knows Blog

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.

October 26, 2023

What The New CARM Release Date Means For Canadian Importers

Gloria Terhaar

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 Oct y of 2024. Release 2 will be releasing in October of 2024.

August 24, 2023

Value For Duty 'Last Sale' Proposed Changes

Gloria Terhaar

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.

August 3, 2023

How To Import A Dog From The US Into Canada

Gloria Terhaar

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.

July 18, 2023

CBSA 2023 Trade Verification List

Gloria Terhaar

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.

July 11, 2023

6 Methods Of Determining Customs Valuation

Mandy Miles

Are you uncertain of how to properly declare the value of your goods when importing into Canada? You are not alone. Many importers are. This lack of clarity is partly due to the many rules and factors when determining the value of duty.

June 28, 2023

Considerations When Importing Fresh Produce Into Canada

Gloria Terhaar

Importing produce into Canada represents a critically significant industry, accompanied by distinct challenges. Understanding the interaction between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is a primary challenge. Produce type, time of year, and packaging can all affect delays and costs at the border.

June 22, 2023

Importing Agricultural Equipment Into Canada

Gloria Terhaar

If you're searching for agricultural equipment in Canada, your best bet is to explore the vast US marketplace. With more manufacturers located there, you'll have access to a wider selection, better availability, and competitive pricing. Today we will guide you through the process of importing self-propelled or towable agricultural equipment into Canada, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free border crossing.

May 11, 2023

3 Trade Incentives That May Delight Your Finance Team

Maria Mate

Trade agreements save companies money, but what about the other trade incentives that can reduce importing and carrying costs in cross-border trade for importers and manufacturers?

March 29, 2023

Don’t Let Loose Threads Ruin Your Wedding Day

Gloria Terhaar

With wedding season fast approaching, Canadian event vendors are placing their orders. This year is forecasted to include the largest number of weddings worldwide, and many wedding dress shops will be looking for more inventory than ever before. With 80% of wedding dresses made in the US, many Canadian bridal shops will be importing these beautiful gowns. But did you know that a single cotton thread in the dress can impact rules of origin, and determine if a Free Trade Agreement can be used or not? This is an example of one of the many things to consider when importing textiles into Canada.

March 9, 2023