Exporting to the United States – A Team Canada Inc Publication

10.5 Informal entry of goods

Your goods are considered an informal entry if their value is less than US$2,000.00, and provided they aren't controlled goods. As we also mentioned earlier, informal entry doesn't require a broker if the shipment is accompanied by the exporter, or if the consignee comes to the port of entry to collect it.

A downloadable guide, called Exporting Small Commercial Shipments to the U.S., will be useful if you're routinely sending informal, non-controlled exports over the border.

Documentation for informal entry is less stringent than it is for formal entry. The shipment must have its commercial invoice with it. You should also include a NAFTA Certificate of Origin; while this isn't legally required by U.S. Customs, providing one will smooth your shipment's path across the border.