6 Methods Of Determining Customs Valuation
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 value for duty. With an expectation to be compliant, customs valuation is one of the three main targets for a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) audit. Unfortunately, we see many importers spending the least amount of attention to this area. Valuation can be an intricate area to navigate if your foreign purchases involve situations which could change the declared value to CBSA.
So, let's take a look at the 6 Methods of Determining Customs Valuation by first understanding what valuations are.
What Is Valuation?
Valuation is the determination of the correct value of goods. CBSA requires all goods imported and declared into Canada have a value for duty which is the base figure on which you must calculate the duty and taxes you may owe the CBSA on your imported goods.
With items like samples, replacements, warranty items, short-shipped goods, you are still required to declare a fair market value although in the end payment of duties and taxes may be unnecessary.
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How Is Customs Value Determined?
The Customs Act identifies six methods of customs valuation.
The World Trade Organization's Valuation Agreement is the basis of the requirements of each of these methods. These rules ensure the value of the imported goods are in accordance with commercial reality, and they prohibit the use of arbitrary or fictitious customs values.
You must consider these methods in sequence, beginning with Transaction Value and moving through the remaining 5, ruling them out one by one, until use of a method that suits the goods is appropriate.
What Is Transaction Value?
Importers should use this method when determining the value for duty on the price paid or payable for imported goods with consideration to certain adjustments. This method is the most commonly used. When selling goods for export to Canada to a purchaser in Canada, the Transaction valuation applies. We have outlined the difference between the price paid and payable below:
Price Paid is the total of all payments made directly or indirectly by the purchaser to the vendor. Price Payable, however, is the total of all payments that are owed and made directly or indirectly by the purchaser to the vendor.
You must use the transaction value method whenever possible to determine the customs value of imported goods.
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What Is Transaction Value Of Identical Goods?
When you cannot use transaction value, you must use an established value for duty of identical goods. Identical goods are considered the same in all respects as the goods being appraised. They have one exception however and that is for minor differences in appearance. These difference cannot affect the value of the goods. For goods to qualify, production would have to be in the same country as the identical goods.
What Is Transaction Value Of Similar Goods?
When you cannot use transaction and identical goods, you must use an established value for duty of similar goods. For goods to qualify, the value of goods must be:
- Closely resembling the similar goods
- Capable of performing the same function
- Commercially interchangeable
- Produced in the same country and by the same manufacturer as the similar goods
What Is Deductive Method Of Valuation?
If none of the above methods apply, the deductive value method is the next method to consider. The basis of this method is on the Canadian importers most common selling price (per unit) of the goods sold to Canadian customers.
What Is Computed Method Of Valuation?
The computed value is the cost of production, profit and general expenses of the imported goods. These must be realized by producers in the exporting country when selling the same type of goods to Canadian importers.
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What Is Residual Method Of Valuation?
The residual method does not identify specific requirements for determining a value for duty. Instead, the value is based on one of the other methods (considered in sequence). It also requires the least amount of adjustment. The value must be fair market, and reflect commercial reality.
In the end, the final value for duty can also be influenced by:
- The relation between the parties involved.( i.e. a related buyer and seller)
- Condition where the goods were provided to the Canadian consignee at no charge (i.e. consignment)
- Allowable additions or deductions to the value of the goods
- Used goods
- Goods not sold in Canada (i.e., for rent or lease)
Now that you understand the 6 different methods of determine value for duty, the next step is to learn how to calculate your value for goods and why it's important to get valuation right. Receive in-class or online training from a Trade Advisor.
