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

For years, Canadian e-commerce sellers enjoyed a frictionless route into the U.S. market, small, frequent shipments valued under $800 that breezed through customs without duty or formal entry. However, with the end of the U.S. de minimis threshold on the horizon, that era of effortless cross-border trade is nearing its end. Today, success for Canadian exporters depends on something bigger, shifting from one-off parcels to smarter, consolidate...

In 2025, cross-border shipping between Canada and the U.S. looks very different than it did a year ago. Following the elimination of the U.S. $800 De Minimis threshold, even low-value parcels now require formal customs clearance. Every compliant shipment starts with a complete, U.S.-ready commercial invoice. This guide breaks down what a U.S.-ready commercial invoice must include, the most common mistakes to avoid, and how Canadian busines...

As cross-border trade between Canada and the U.S. continues to grow, so does regulatory scrutiny. In 2025, Canadian importers and exporters now face stricter U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement — and a surge in post-entry audits. From USMCA origin verification to IEEPA tariff refunds and valuation checks, compliance standards are tightening, and Canadian businesses must adapt before the audit letter arrives. This article ...

The days of shipping dozens of low-value parcels to the U.S. duty-free are almost over. With the elimination of the U.S. $800 De Minimis threshold expected in 2025, Canadian e-commerce businesses that rely on small, frequent shipments are facing a new challenge, higher duties, more paperwork, and greater shipping costs. But not all hope is lost. Forward-thinking Canadian sellers are turning to shipment consolidation as a smarter, more cost-eff...

Canadian businesses shipping to U.S. customers often face an unexpected challenge when products are returned across the border — double duty. If not handled properly, goods that were originally exported from Canada and then returned, due to returns, warranty issues, or unsold stock, can be treated as new imports by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This can result in paying duties and taxes twice on the same goods — a costly and avoid...

As trade between Canada and the U.S. expands, refund claims under IEEPA tariffs and Section 1520(d) of USMCA have become increasingly important for cross-border businesses. For Canadian exporters, proper documentation is not just paperwork, it’s the difference between a smooth refund process and costly delays. In this article, we’ll walk Canadian exporters, SMBs, and logistics teams through the documentation needed to support U.S. refund ...

For Canadian exporters, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has opened the door to streamlined cross-border trade. Yet many businesses overlook one crucial aspect: refund and drawback rules. Whether you’re sending goods to the U.S. for resale or re-importing items back into Canada, understanding refund provisions can be the difference between profitability and unexpected costs. In this article, we’ll break down what refund ru...

The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner, and for thousands of Canadian businesses, selling to the U.S. is an essential growth strategy. However, the landscape for cross-border shipping is shifting dramatically. With the elimination of the U.S. $800 De Minimis threshold expected in 2025, Canadian exporters and e-commerce sellers must rethink how they manage low-value shipments to U.S. customers. This change means that nearly every packag...

For Canadian importers, few things are as crucial as staying on top of compliance with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). One of the most significant tools the CBSA uses to enforce trade compliance is the Trade Verification Priorities List, a roadmap of the product categories and customs issues the agency will be paying extra attention to. In 2025, importers need to understand how the list works, its impact on operations, and how to pre...

For Canadian retailers and distributors, managing seasonal demand can make or break the entire year. Holiday goods, back-to-school items, and summer inventory all need careful timing. Import too late and you miss sales. Import too early and you tie up cash. This guide gives clear, practical steps to manage seasonal imports. Use these tactics to reduce delays, protect margins, and keep customers happy. Understand the peak season problems Seas...