Importing regulations 

Importing is a regulated process. If you wish to buy products from other countries, you will need to comply with a variety of regulations.

The importing process can often seem overwhelming, due to the amount of paperwork and the number of different rules and regulations that you need to consider. This document provides you with the guidance you need to navigate this process when buying goods from other countries.

Registering for an import/export account

Before you start importing, you must register your business for an import/export account.

• Business Number (BN)

  Your Business Number is your single account number for dealing with the federal government regarding taxes, payroll, import/export and other activities.

Navigating the border

There is nothing worse than having your goods turned away at the border or being held up at customs because you didn't have the right paperwork. Before you place your import order, be sure that you understand the rules and regulations involved in clearing your goods through customs.

You must:

• Determine if the goods you want to import are prohibited from coming into Canada
• Determine if the goods are subject to any restrictions that would require you to obtain approvals or permits before importing them
• Know how to classify the goods (tariff classification) and how any tariffs, duties or taxes are calculated
• Ensure that your supplier meets all labelling and marking requirements
• Ensure that you use a shipping company that understands and complies with customs formalities
• Make sure that all required paperwork is ready to be examined along with your shipment
• Be prepared to pay the duties and taxes owing.

All of this information and more can be found in A step-by-step guide to importing:

• A step-by-step guide to importing

  Learn the basics of the commercial importing process.

• Reporting your shipment

  Find out how to report the goods that you import into Canada.

• Customs Tariff

  Use the Customs Tariff to determine the classification of your imported and exported goods and the rate of duty you may need to pay on your imports.

• Advance Rulings for Tariff Classification

  Get confirmation on the rate of duty that will apply to goods you plan to import.

• SIMA Self-Assessment Guide

  Find out if you need to pay duties under the Special Import Measures Act for imported goods that cost less than they would in the country of export.

• Canada Border Services Agency sessions and seminars

  Learn more about border requirements for importing and exporting at these free information sessions offered at locations across the country.

• NAFTA Cross Border Movement of Business Persons

  Learn about temporary entry into the United States and Mexico as a business person under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

• Border Information Service

  Get telephone assistance in complying with border and customs regulations.

Warehousing or storing your shipment

When you are bringing goods across the border, you have the option of moving them to a facility that is convenient to you, before they clear customs. The goods remain under the control of the Canada Border Services Agency while being stored. There are several different options for storing your goods.

• Warehousing or storing your shipment

  Learn about storing your goods in sufferance warehouses, bonded warehouses and places of safekeeping before they are released from customs.

Additional information

Complying with importing regulations is important, but you should also read about policies and programs that may make it easier for you to import or save money on duties and tariffs.

• Simplifying trade

  Learn about programs that improve the flow of goods through the border or that save you from paying duties.