CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND INFORMATION FOR IMPORTS

>> Customs Clearance notes

VERY IMPORTANT Upon arrival into the Airport in Canada as an immigrant / returning Canadian / Seasonal Resident, You MUST report to "Canada Immigration" if you have unaccompanied "Goods to Follow” (Sea / Air or Land). If you do not do this, Canada customs will interpret this as you forfeiting your rights for a tax exemption on your shipment and you may be subject to full duties and taxes when it arrives!!!

You will be asked to submit their inventory list with the B4E and B4A, (which are attached below as links). The Canada Immigration officer will give you a receipt (B15). You MUST keep these documents for the customs clearance process! 

 

Customs clearance will take place once the shipment arrives to destination terminal in Canada. At this time, you will be required to submit the receipt that you received from the Canadian Immigration officer that you met at the airport / Boarder. Please note that Canada customs requires you to be present for the customs clearance process.

 

B4E:   http://www.orbitmoving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/CanadaB4E.pdf (Submit to the officer with the inventory list and write "As per attached list" rather than writing the whole content of the shipment. For more info, please visit: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

B4A:   http://www.orbitmoving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CanadaB4A.pdf (Print this only if you do not have an inventory list with you or if you have one more shipment which you will move in the future.)

 

>> Alcoholic Beverages

It is better NOT to bring any alcohol since the shipment will probably go to examination. If your customer has more, let us know and we will take you through the process as it is different for each province. 

 

>> Documents Required

Free Entry will be granted for the following clients: 

 

Landed Immigrant (Settlers) Requirements

1.Passport including the immigration identification validated upon arrival to Canada

2.Advice Notice, obtained from the moving company (We will provide this)

3.Your 'Goods to Follow List' for all shipments, including values (English / French) - Detailed inventories. (This is your inventory list and a list of further goods to follow that is not in this shipment - if applicable)

4.All documentation proving ownership, possession and use (If Applicable, For Vehicles...)

5.All receipts for new items being imported

6.B4E and Previous airport or US / Canada border declaration papers including the B15 (B-15 is obtained when you cross the border into Canada. This is a Landscape document with a blue outline.)

7.Liquor import declaration (if applicable)  

 

Returning Canadians 

1.Passport

2.Advice Notice, obtained from the moving company (We will provide this)

3.Your 'Goods to Follow List' for all shipments, including values (English / French) - Detailed inventories. (This is your inventory list and a list of further goods to follow that is not in this shipment - if applicable)

4.All documentation proving ownership, possession and use (If Applicable, For Vehicles...)

Proof of residency and duration outside Canada, at least 1 year, (Foreign work permit / letter from employer / statement from Canadian Consulate at origin / rent receipts / foreign drivers license / etc.)

5.Receipts of items purchased outside Canada (proof or ownership of minimum 6 months is required). Any one individual item with a value of less than $10,000 Cdn is entitled to be imported duty free.

6.Liquor import declaration (if applicable)

7.List of items with a value over $10,000 Cdn (including vehicles)

8.B4E and Previous airport or US / Canada border declaration papers including the B15 (B-15 is obtained when you cross the border into Canada. This is a Landscape document with a blue outline.)  

 

Work Visa / Student Visa / Visitor Visa Requirements 

1.Passport including a valid Visa issued by Canada Employment & Immigration

2.Advice Notice, obtained from the moving company

3.A complete list of all items being imported for your personal use while you remain in Canada (English / French) – detailed inventories

4.All documentation roving ownership, possession and use

5.All receipts for new items being imported

6.Previous airport or US / Canada border declaration papers (see note below)

7.Liquor import declaration (if applicable)

Note:

1. All items imported must be for your personal use during your stay

2. All goods must be exported when you leave Canada

3. The goods may not be disposed of in Canada without Customs Authorization 

 

Diplomats

On initial arrival in Canada, Diplomats may clear their household effects duty and tax free under tariff item No. 9808.00.00 by presenting their identification card. If an individual has not yet been issued an identification card, his/her status must be verified by contacting Val Morin, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), at (613) 954-5718 . You may also contact the Office of Protocol, DFAIT, at the following telephone numbers: 

For persons from countries or organizations starting with the letters A to G: (613) 996-8687,  H to PA:(613) 995-5957, Others:(613) 943-1076 

Upon arrival into the Airport in Canada Your client should report to "Canada Immigration" and indicate that they have unaccompanied "Goods to Follow".

 

They will be asked to submit their inventory list with the B4E and B4A, (which are attached below as links). The Canada Immigration officer will give them a receipt (B15). The customer MUST keep these documents for the customs clearance process! 

 

Customs clearance will take place once the shipment arrives to destination terminal in Canada.

 

B4E:   http://www.orbitmoving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CanadaB4E.pdf(Submit to the officer with the inventory list provided by you and instruct the customer to write "As per attached list" rather than writing the whole content of the shipment. For more info, please visit: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)

B4A:   http://www.orbitmoving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CanadaB4A.pdf (Print this only if the client does not have an inventory list with him or if they have one more shipment in addition to the one that you are shipping for them in the future)

 

Documents:

1.B4 / B15, Casual Goods Accounting Document, is be completed to account for imported goods.

2.Copy of Diplomatic Passport.

3.Power of attorney allowing us to clear customs on their behalf. (Add $100 for this option. This is in the event that the client wants us to attend customs instead of them)

4.Letter of employment – Original stamped by the local Canadian consulate indicating that the client is working in the consulate.

5.Inventory list

6.Work permit with letter from LOCAL Embassy / Consulate.

 

Seasonal Resident in Canada

Any person who is not a resident of Canada but owns a residential property or has leased a residence for at least 3 years for his / her personal use. Proof of purchase / copy of lease agreement is required.

 

1.Passport

2.Proof of ownership of a property in Canada.

3.A detailed list of all items being imported in English. Import of used household & personal effects is duty free on a ONE time entry basis only and the goods cannot be sold for at least 1 year.

 

When you arrive in Canada to occupy your seasonal residence, for the first time, you must give both copies of your list of goods to the border services officer, as well as provide proof of ownership or a long-term lease for your seasonal residence.

 

Based on the list of goods you submitted, the border services officer, at the first port of entry, will complete a B4 for you, assign a file number and give you a copy of the completed form, as a receipt. Keep this receipt as proof that you have permanently imported these goods.

 

Inheritance or Gifts in Anticipation of Death Requirements

1.Personal identification

2.A detailed list of all items (English / French)

3.Advice Notice, obtained from the moving company

4.A copy of the Death Certificate, a copy of the will or a letter from the Executor of the Estate stating you are a beneficiary

5.A signed statement from the donor giving reason for the gift or a statement from the Executor of the Estate. (Gifts could be subject to import duties and taxes)

  

The following client may be subject to taxes and duties: 

Canadians who are importing goods into Canada and their goods arriving to Canada does not fit any of the descriptions above may be subject to taxes and duties.

Shipments for clients with no status in Canada may be subject to paying full taxes and duties or being denied entry – depending on the customs officer.