Export Documentation

Export Documentation for Canada: Required Documents

Documents for shipping to or from Canada: core documents, certificates, restricted goods, and customs procedures.

Country
Canada
Customs authority
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Trading bloc
USMCA
Currency
CAD
Estimated clearance
1-3 days for compliant shipments

Business number required for importing

CARM (Assessment and Revenue Management) system

USMCA provisions for US/Mexico trade

GST/HST payable on import

Core documents

  • Commercial Invoice (required): Detailed invoice with values in CAD or USD
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (required): Transport document from carrier
  • Cargo Control Document (required): Pre-arrival declaration via CBSA
  • B3 Customs Declaration (required): Entry form for commercial goods
  • Packing List (required): Itemized contents list

Additional documents

  • Certificate of Origin: For USMCA or FTA preferential rates
  • CFIA Permit: For food, plants, animals
  • Health Canada License: For pharmaceuticals, medical devices

Special certificates

  • CFIA Import Permit: applies to Food, plants, animals, issued by CFIA.
  • Health Canada License: applies to Drugs, medical devices, issued by Health Canada.

Customs procedures

  • EDI filing
  • Release prior to payment available
  • Bonded warehouse options

Restricted goods

  • Firearms
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food products (CFIA)
  • Wildlife (CITES)

Prohibited goods

  • Counterfeit goods
  • Hate propaganda
  • Child pornography
  • Certain weapons

Tips

  • Get business number before importing
  • Understand USMCA rules of origin
  • GST/HST registration helpful

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a business number?

Yes, a business number with import/export account is required for commercial imports.

What is CARM?

CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management is Canada's new customs system for duties and taxes.