Ordering online has never been easier. But when it comes to cross-border shopping, especially when items are coming into Canada, the process isn’t always as quick as we might hope. International shipments need to cross the border, and that means going through customs clearance.

So, how long does that take in 2024? Well, that depends on a few things, like how busy customs is, what kind of shipment you’re bringing in, and whether all your paperwork is in order. Understanding the ins and outs of customs clearance and partnering with a customs broker can help prevent unexpected delays.

 

Understanding the Customs Clearance Process

Once your package arrives at the Canadian border, it goes through several steps before it reaches its final destination:

  1. Presentation to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA): All incoming international shipments are presented to the CBSA for review. This includes everything from small parcels to large freight shipments. The CBSA is responsible for ensuring that packages comply with Canadian import laws.
  2. Documentation check: You’ll need to have all the necessary Harmonized System (HS) code classification and paperwork, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Missing or incorrect documents can delay clearance.
  3. Visual inspection: The CBSA will perform a visual inspection of each package. If the shipment contains legal goods and doesn’t require duties or taxes, it’s usually released at this stage and continues on to delivery. If the package needs further review, it will be flagged for additional inspection.
  4. Assessment of duties and taxes: For shipments that require further review, the CBSA will assess the duties and taxes based on the value and origin of the goods. Any required fees must be paid before the goods can be released.
  5. Further inspection: In some cases, the CBSA may need to physically inspect the goods. This could involve opening the package to ensure that the contents match the declared items and comply with Canadian regulations.
  6. Release for delivery: Once the package has cleared customs, it will be released to the shipping carrier for final delivery. At this point, you can expect tracking updates as the package makes its way to its destination.

 

How Long Does it Take A Package to Clear Customs?

In many cases, customs clearance is a quick process—taking as little as 20 minutes. Once the required documentation is submitted, it’s typically transmitted to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) within that time frame. From there, it’s up to the CBSA officer to review and accept the shipment, which can sometimes happen just as quickly.

However, the process isn’t always that straightforward. If your shipment is flagged for inspection, it may be held in a bonded warehouse, and customs officials will check it when they have time. This can add anywhere from 12 to 48 hours, or even longer (up to weeks), depending on the volume of shipments being processed and whether you’re shipping during peak periods like the holidays. 

So while most packages clear customs quickly, it’s always a good idea to plan for possible delays—especially during busier times of the year.

 

Why is My Package Stuck in Customs?

Understanding why your package is stuck is the first step in getting it cleared and back on track. Once you identify the issue, you can take the necessary steps to resolve it and get your shipment moving again.

If your package isn’t clearing customs, it could be for one of several reasons:

  • Missing or incomplete documentation
  • Undervalued shipments
  • Incorrect tariff or Harmonized System (HS) codes
  • Prohibited or restricted items
  • Unpaid duties or taxes

 

Customs Clearance Delay

There’s no such thing as a guaranteed release. If customs finds errors or discrepancies in the paperwork or questionable items in the package, you may experience one of the following types of delays.

Temporary Rejections

Temporary rejections are usually caused by minor errors or discrepancies in the paperwork. Maybe something on the customs entry doesn’t match the shipment’s details—like a mistake in the Cargo Control Number. While frustrating, these issues can be corrected, and your shipment will move forward once the problem is fixed.

Permanent Rejections

Permanent rejections are much more serious. If customs finds a major issue, like misclassifying goods or undervaluing the shipment, your package could be turned back or even destroyed. And certain items, like weapons, illegal drugs, and hazardous materials, are outright banned from entering Canada. If you’re caught trying to import prohibited goods, customs will permanently reject the shipment, and you’ll either have to arrange for the goods to be sent back to the supplier or face a total loss (and the shipment’s seizure).

 

How Long Can Customs Hold My Package?

If your package is held by Canadian customs, it can typically be stored for up to 40 days in a CBSA office or a sufferance warehouse. If it’s in a customs bonded warehouse, it can be held for up to four years. However, customs can extend these time limits if your package is under review or pending legal determination. If certain restricted items, like firearms or tobacco, aren’t cleared within 14 to 21 days, they may be forfeited.

For more information on the extension of time limits on stored/held goods, see Memorandum D4-1-7.

 

How to Avoid Customs Clearance Complications

Taking a few proactive steps can significantly reduce the chances of your package getting stuck in customs:

  • Make sure your shipment doesn’t include any prohibited or restricted items
  • Always double-check that your documentation, such as invoices and packing lists, is accurate and complete
  • Provide clear and detailed descriptions of your goods to avoid any confusion or misclassification
  • Pay any duties or taxes in advance when possible to prevent hold ups at the border
  • Work with an experienced customs broker like Clearit to help ensure your shipments clear customs without unnecessary complications

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