Clearit.ca's Blog on Customs Brokerage and News Updates

If you import clothing into Canada, you need to understand tariff classification. Tariff classification determines the duties and taxes on your imported goods. The Canadian government regulates its garment labeling requirements, with each piece of clothing needing a specific code based on its material, design, and use, so getting this right is a must. Proper classification ensures you pay the correct duties and helps move the customs clearance pr...

What is CARM?: Regulations & Compliance  The CBSA's new CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) project is changing how imports are handled across Canadian borders, making it crucial for businesses to stay ahead. This initiative, which goes into effect in May, 2024, introduces a mandatory Canadian Customs Import Bond for both resident and non-resident commercial importers, ensuring duties and taxes are efficiently mana...

Importing vehicles between the United States and Canada entails navigating a complex process fraught with regulations, documentation requirements, and financial considerations. Whether you're a Canadian importer or a U.S. exporter, the endeavor demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to various guidelines. Transport Canada provides extensive resources covering transportation regulations, safety protocols, and security measures. W...

If you import manufactured foods into Canada, then you need a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) license. Starting Feb. 12, 2024, SFC licences will be automatically checked for imports of manufactured foods. Without a valid SFC licence, your shipment will be denied entry into Canada. If you’re working with a customs broker like Clearit, make sure to provide them with your SFC license number so that they can enter it on the import declaration....

Global Affairs Canada has updated the policies for importing restricted handguns into Canada to align with the amendments to the Firearms Act under Bill C-21. This Notice summarizes changes to the policy regarding the importation of restricted handguns, including eligible uses and import permit requirements. Any permit application for purposes other than those specified in this Notice will normally be denied. The new notice, called Not...

Canada has filed a notice of intent to challenge the United States International Trade Commission’s (USITC’s) decision to maintain duties on Canadian softwood lumber products, under Chapter 10 of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). In a statement, Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, said that the duties impacted the Canadian softwood industry. “And with the significant curr...

The Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a customs noticed stating that raw elephant ivory and raw rhinoceros horn are prohibited from being imported into Canada, unless the proper permits are obtained. These permits will be issued only for specimens destined for a museum or zoo, used in scientific research, or used in support of law enforcement activities. Permits are also required for the import of all items of ...

The Supply Chains Act, created to increase industry awareness and drive business to improve their practices around forced labour in Canadian supply chains, comes into force on Jan. 1, 2024, with the first report due on May 31, 2024. Background The International Labour Organization estimates that there are approximately 27.6 million victims of forced labour worldwide, including 17.3 million in the private economy. There ...

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released a new toolkit to help guide businesses through the process of registering for the CARM Client Portal – an action that must be done before May 2024. Download the CARM Toolkit here The toolkit includes: A flow chart to help small and medium businesses understand if they need to register on the CARM Client Portal 5 Steps to register your business on the CBSA Assessment and Revenue...

Canada, in coordination with its G7 partners, will impose new import restrictions on Russian diamonds and diamond jewellery products. According to a joint statement issued by the G7 countries, import restrictions on non-industrial diamonds that are mined, processed, or produced in Russia will be introduced by Jan. 1, 2024. This will be followed up by further phased restrictions on imports of Russian diamond products processed in third countri...