Military and Technology

Guidance on Export Controls

My goods are under detention, what should I do?

1. Custom Border Services Agency will inform the exporter if and when a shipment is detained and/or seized

Detentions and seizures of shipments are carried out by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). At times, CBSA will ask DFAIT to carry out an assessment of the control status of the goods or technologies subject to Canada’s export controls.

2. Prior to contacting DFAIT, be sure CBSA provides you with a reference number.

Exporters often contact DFAIT in order to learn the status of their shipment, and to learn what steps must now be completed. It is important that the exporter has available the CBSA reference number relating to their shipment when they first contact DFAIT. This will assist DFAIT to correctly, and efficiently, identify the file in question.

3. The exporter should be prepared to provide DFAIT with information related to the detained or seized shipment, as needed.

Throughout the assessment process DFAIT may require technical, logistical or other types of information concerning the goods or technologies in question. It is in the best interest of the exporter to make available to DFAIT, as much of the requested data as possible, and as quickly as possible. Delays in the assessment process will affect the amount of time your shipment is held by CBSA.

4. Once DFAIT has assessed the shipment, CBSA is immediately informed and it is then the responsibility of CBSA to release the goods that were detained or seized.

Exporters should understand that once DFAIT has completed its assessment of a particular shipment, it is not responsible for the actual release of the goods in question. CBSA is the organization responsible for deciding if and when a shipment is released. CBSA is responsible for issuing fines and penalties.