Postal Program -- Commercial importations valued over $1,600 CAN

If you import a commercial item by mail and it's worth more than $1,600 CAN, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will hold the item until you present the customs documentation required to obtain its release:

• Release on Minimum Documentation (RMD) is allowed, provided that the importer/owner or customs broker has posted with the CBSA the required security for "release prior to payment" privileges.
• A Form B3, Canada Customs Coding Form (Type M [Mail] cash entries) is required for importers who haven't posted security for release prior to payment.

Canada Post's $5 CAN handling fee doesn't apply on items worth more than $1,600 CAN.

When you import commercial goods by mail, explain to the sender that the customs declaration attached to the outside of the package should clearly show:

• the value
• the origin
• a complete description of the goods

The country of origin may have to be marked on your goods (see D11-3-1 for details).

• If the country of origin is required but not indicated, we'll return the goods to their sender at their cost.

The accounting document to confirm the RMD must be presented or transmitted to the CBSA within the required time frame.

• For details on timing, see D17-1-5.