Why is Customs Clearance Complicated?

Are you looking at moving to Canada from the United States? And if so, are you planning to bring most of your belongings with you? And if so, does this list of belongings include major ticket items like your vehicle?

Obviously, this would be a smart choice, as it is probably easier to bring your car with you than to have to try organizing selling it and then buying a new one. Of course, the importation of your vehicle into Canada can be complicated; that is to say, of course, if you are not prepared for it.

PREPARING FOR AUTOMOBILE IMPORT TO CANADA

Before you can move any of your major belongings across the US-Canada border, you need to get a Business number from the Canada Revenue Agency. This process is completely free and does not take very long, as you can register this account online with CRA Business.

As part of your preparation, though, you will also want to gather as much information as possible on all of the things you want to bring with you across the border. The more concise you can be, the faster this process will be, too, especially in terms of paying your taxes and fees.

Once you have finished these things you are ready to open communication with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Of course you can conduct these communications in person or—as it is often recommended—you can have an authorized Licensed Customs Broker do it for you. Hiring professional Clearit customs brokerage can expedite this process by:

Obtaining your import goods release
Paying all applicable duties
Obtaining, preparing, and transmitting the necessary documents
Maintaining and monitoring your records
Responding to all CBSA concerns (after your fees are paid)

In addition, you will need to be ready to declare the country of origin for the goods you want to import.

CLASSIFYING YOUR GOODS FOR IMPORT TO CANADA

Preparation is the biggest step; once it is complete you need to acquire a 10-digit tariff classification number. And you will need one of these for each item you plan to import.

PAY YOUR FEES

Every item you have classified will have an associated duty or tax. These duties will be revealed to you when you declare your goods for import.

SHIPPING OF YOUR GOODS

Finally, you are ready to transport your vehicle and other goods across the border. How you do so is up to you, of course.