Frequently Asked Questions

A customs broker facilitates customs clearance of goods imported into Canada.

1. On your behalf, we receive documents from the carrier that your shipment is arriving or has arrived. We then ensure all the required documents are in order. This includes permits, licenses or certificates, and any other special documents required by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to clear customs. If there are missing documents or information, we will either contact you or your supplier to obtain the documents. In some cases, we can generate the documents ourselves.

2. The mode of transport in which your goods arrive also require different documents and fees, or confirmation of goods that have arrived. We ensure these documents are in order and fees are paid so that we can then submit the necessary paperwork for your imported goods to clear customs through the CBSA.

3. We compile all the necessary information and submit it to the CBSA. Generally speaking, this is done by sending details of your shipment to the CBSA electronically. In some cases, we have to prepare a package with the documents and either courier or deliver it to the CBSA ourselves.

4. Once your goods have been processed and cleared customs by the CBSA, we calculate the amount of duties and taxes owed by classifying each commodity in your shipment and determining the country of origin for each commodity. We’ll send you an invoice to let you know that your goods are ready for pickup. If you don’t have transportation prepared for the delivery of your goods, we can arrange this for you.

At Summit, we also:

• Offer six locations across British Columbia, including a head office at the Vancouver International Airport, to provide the best personalized service.
• Keep current with changes in processes and documents required by the CBSA and other government departments that dictate the importation of goods into Canada.
• Pay the Receiver General the duties and taxes for each shipment on your behalf so that you can get your shipment quickly.
• Clear customs entering Canada in any province
• Assist you with exporting goods from Canada
• Offer trade consulting services
• Keep you up to date on all relevant information as it pertains to importing into Canada

1. Research the goods you are thinking of importing.

It’s important to make sure that the goods you are planning on importing are actually allowed entry into Canada. There are various government departments that may have regulations on the products you are thinking of importing. Certain commodities require permits, licenses or other formal permission to allow them entry into Canada. This stage would include calculating the actual costs of importing — freight, duties, taxes and other service fees.

2. Set up an account with Summit Customs Brokers & Trade Consultants.

This gives Summit Customs Brokers & Trade Consultants the power to act on your behalf with the CBSA, with a General Agency Agreement. We can calculate the actual costs of importing for you, as well as help you with all required documents.

3. Order the shipment from your supplier.

Generally you would make arrangements for how the goods would be shipped (mode of transport) to you at this time as well. Let your supplier know that Summit is going to be your customs broker so that they notify us when your goods are coming into Canada (and we can get everything ready to clear customs with the CBSA).

*See the FAQ: What paperwork does my supplier need to provide?

4. The goods are shipped.

Once the goods are on their way to Canada, your supplier will inform Summit when and where your goods are coming into Canada. Summit will make arrangements with the CBSA to release the goods and pay any duties and taxes that are owed. We will then invoice you.

5. The goods are delivered.

Once the goods have been cleared by the CBSA, they can be delivered to you. Depending on the credit arrangements made with Summit, you will either be required to remit payment prior to delivery or on the terms of credit we have arranged with you.

Set up your account here.

Once you have made a purchase from your supplier, you and your supplier will need to prepare for the shipping of the goods. Generally, you will agree how the goods are going to be shipped and who is responsible for the freight. When the goods are shipped, it is usually the freight company/carrier that sends documents to your customs broker to let them know when and where they will be arriving in Canada. But it is the supplier of the goods that provides the carrier with the proper documents as outlined below.

Required Documents:

1. Invoice

This can be a Canada Customs Invoice or a regular commercial invoice, so long as it shows the information listed below:

• Purchaser or Importer of goods: Name and Address
• Delivery Address of goods
• Supplier: Full Name and Address
• Clear Description of Goods (to classify for duties and tax purposes)
• Date: When goods leave Supplier
• Origin of Goods: Where the goods were manufactured
• Fair Market Value ($ and Currency) of the Goods
• Purchase Order or Invoice Number

2. CUSMA Certificate of Origin

If the goods are manufactured or produced in the USA or Mexico, your supplier needs to provide a CUSMA Certificate of Origin.

3. Other Certificates

Any certificates and other documents that might apply to the goods being imported.

HST is charged based on the province where your goods are cleared by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). For example, if you are a BC-based business, but your goods are cleared in a province that charges HST, you will be charged HST.

• Commercial Goods: The CBSA only collects the federal portion, which is equivalent to GST (5%)
• Personal and Casual Goods: The CBSA collects the whole HST, which is GST plus provincial taxes.

First, you need to ensure that the vehicle you wish to import is allowed into Canada. To ensure that you follow all the regulations for importing a vehicle into Canada, visit: Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) or Transport Canada.

What we need from you:

1. Copy of the title/certificate. (If it exists)

2. Bill of Sale

3. When and where the vehicle will arrive in Canada

4. Fees

• $100 excise tax for air conditioning
• $209 to register the vehicle
• $1000-$4000 if low fuel economy. (This is only for cars and SUV’s — Trucks are not included.)
• GST (PST is normally paid when the vehicle is insured)
• 6.1% Duty – Note: If the car is manufactured in the United States or Mexico, there would be no duty payable, if you can provide a NAFTA Certificate of Origin.
• Customs brokerage fee to Summit

Please Note:

*US Customs Service requires 72 hours (only business days count) advance notice for any vehicle leaving the US.

*Most of the US border crossings won’t clear vehicles except during normal business hours. (8:30 – 4:00pm Mondays to Fridays and not on holidays)

Duty rates vary. We can help you if you provide the following information:

• Description of the goods
• Origin of the goods (where it was manufactured)
• What the goods will be used for

We can make the appeal on your behalf. Just contact us at our head office by filling out our Contact Us form below or by calling us at: 604.278.3551

It’s easy.

Just send us a note through our contact form below.

Or call us: 604.278.3551

We’re here for you 24/7.

It’s easy.

Just visit our Set up Account page, fill and sign the forms, and email them to us!