Trade shows move fast.

You have limited time, strict deadlines, and a lot riding on your booth, visibility, leads, sales conversations, and brand credibility. But for many exhibitors, the biggest challenge isn’t booth design, shipping logistics, or staffing.

It’s getting products into Canada smoothly, without unexpected duties, delays, or compliance issues.

Whether you’re a Canadian company bringing in foreign-sourced displays or an international business exhibiting in Canada, importing goods for trade shows works differently than standard commercial importing. The rules are strict, timelines are tight, and small mistakes can turn into costly problems.

This guide explains how importing for Canadian trade shows works, when duties apply, your options for temporary importation, and how to avoid the most common mistakes exhibitors make.

What Counts as “Trade Show Goods”?

Not everything entering Canada for an event is treated the same. Typically, trade show imports include:

  • Display products and demonstration units
    • Electronics, machinery, and equipment
    • Booth materials, fixtures, and props
    • Promotional displays and branded items
    • Samples, with or without value

Anything entering Canada for an exhibition, convention, or promotional event falls under CBSA oversight, and the intent of use matters, especially whether goods will stay in Canada or leave after the show.

If you want to know how to prepare for custom audits, read our guide here.

Do You Have to Pay Duties and Taxes on Trade Show Goods?

Maybe. It depends on what you’re doing with the goods.

If the goods are truly temporary and will leave Canada after the show, there are mechanisms to reduce or defer duties and taxes. But assuming “temporary = duty-free” is where many exhibitors go wrong.

In most cases, CBSA still expects:

  • Proper declaration
    • Accurate valuation
    • Proof of re-export (if temporary)
    • Compliance with import regulations

If any goods remain in Canada or are sold, duties and taxes generally apply. Planning how you intend to use the products, before you ship anything, is essential.

Your Main Import Options for Canadian Trade Shows

Temporary Importation

If your goods will be used during the event and then shipped back out, CBSA may allow temporary admission.

However, expectations are clear:

  • Goods must leave Canada within the allowed timeframe
    • You must prove re-export
    • Goods cannot be sold while in Canada

If plans change and the products stay in Canada, you’ll need to convert the entry and pay applicable duties and taxes.

ATA Carnet

For many exhibitors, an ATA Carnet is the simplest way to handle temporary imports.

An ATA Carnet acts like a “passport for goods,” allowing them to enter and exit participating countries without repetitive duty assessments, as long as the items are re-exported.

Benefits include:

  • Faster border processing
    • Predictable cost structure
    • Easier movement if attending multiple international shows

But Carnets also require accuracy and discipline. If goods don’t leave Canada as declared, financial penalties follow.

Permanent Importation

If:

  • You plan to sell products during or after the show
    • The goods will remain in Canada
    • They will be left with distributors, partners, or customers

Then permanent importation is the right path.

This means standard commercial import compliance applies, including HS classification, valuation, GST/HST, and any applicable duties. For many businesses planning Canadian market entry, this is more straightforward than forcing temporary status.

The Documentation You’ll Need

Trade show importing is still formal importing. CBSA expects proper documentation.

Typically required:

  • A detailed commercial invoice
    • Clear product descriptions and values
    • Proof of ownership
    • Trade show or exhibition identification
    • Carrier and shipping documentation

If using a Carnet, ensure all entries match. If importing temporarily, record-keeping and proof of exit become critical.

Learn more about the CLVS program and why businesses get this wrong here.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make With Trade Show Imports

Most trade show import problems fall into a few predictable categories.

Undervaluing goods because “they’re for display only”
Even if not sold, CBSA requires accurate, fair market value.

Assuming couriers will handle compliance
Couriers focus on delivery, not long-term compliance responsibility.

Bringing goods casually instead of commercially
Personal declarations for business use create problems, quickly.

Forgetting to re-export temporary goods
If CBSA can’t verify exit, duties may be reassessed.

Selling goods that were brought in temporarily
Once something is sold, it was never “temporary.”

None of these are minor issues. Mistakes delay release, create compliance exposure, and in some cases, lead to penalties.

What Happens After the Trade Show?

What you do after the event matters as much as what you declare on entry.

If goods are temporary, they must leave Canada. You’ll need:

  • Export documentation
    • Carnet exit validation (if applicable)
    • Proof of return shipment

If goods remain in Canada, they must be properly accounted for as permanent imports. Failing to reconcile temporary entries is one of the most common, and costly, oversights exhibitors make.

Timing, Risk, and Planning Considerations

Trade show imports live on tight deadlines. That makes last-minute decisions risky.

Consider:

  • Booking freight early
    • Confirming import method before shipping
    • Ensuring documentation is accurate, not rushed
    • Having clarity on whether products will be sold or returned

Trade shows showcase your business, but they also showcase your compliance discipline.

How Clearit Canada Helps Businesses Import Trade Show Goods Smoothly

Successful trade show importing isn’t just about crossing the border, it’s about:

  • Predictability
    • Compliance confidence
    • Cost visibility
    • Avoiding unnecessary stress

Clearit supports exhibitors with guidance on temporary vs permanent imports, documentation requirements, and CBSA expectations, so businesses spend less time worrying about customs and more time focusing on the event.

Check out our guide on commercial invoices and cross-border shipments.

Conclusion

Trade shows are high-visibility opportunities. Your import process shouldn’t be the weak link.

Understanding how CBSA treats trade show goods, knowing when duties apply, and choosing the right import pathway helps you avoid delays, surprise costs, and compliance headaches.

  • Temporary imports aren’t automatic.
  • Duty-free isn’t guaranteed.
  • Documentation always matters.

With the right plan, importing for Canadian trade shows can be straightforward, controlled, and stress-free. 

FAQs

Do I need a customs broker to import goods for a trade show?
Not legally required, but strongly recommended, especially for temporary imports or Carnets.

Are samples treated differently?
Some may qualify for special treatment, but they must still be declared correctly.

What if I decide to sell products after the show?
They must be converted to permanent imports and duties/taxes assessed.

Can I convert a temporary import to a permanent one?
Yes, but it must be done correctly to avoid reassessment issues.

What happens if I don’t export temporary goods?
CBSA can assess duties, taxes, and penalties retroactively.