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

If you're considering expanding your business into Canada, you're not alone. Many U.S. and global businesses see major opportunities in this growing market. However, cross-border expansion also brings unique challenges—regulations, tariffs, documentation, and more. This guide breaks down what you need to know, from planning to execution, so you can grow confidently in Canada’s market. 1. Why Expand into Canada? Market access: Canada's p...

If you’re importing goods into Canada, a commercial invoice is one of the most crucial documents in your shipment. Whether you're a first-time importer or a small business handling the process independently, completing this document correctly can save you time, money, and avoid unnecessary customs complications. This guide walks you through every step of completing a commercial invoice, explains what each section means, and helps you avoid c...

In early 2025, the U.S. government imposed significant tariffs on Canadian imports, 25% on most goods and 10% on energy products. This unexpected move has disrupted trade and increased costs for Canadian businesses. In response, Canada implemented its tariffs on U.S. goods, leading to a challenging environment for importers.  If you're a Canadian importer sourcing from the U.S., these developments may have caught you off guard. But with the r...

For Canadian importers, few things are more frustrating than a shipment getting stuck at the border. Whether it’s a last-minute compliance issue or an unexpected customs inspection, border delays can derail delivery timelines, strain supplier relationships, and cost businesses real money, especially for small and mid-sized importers who rely on consistent turnover. Fortunately, with proper planning, many of these delays can be entirely preve...

Importing electronics into Canada comes with its fair share of challenges and opportunities. Whether you bring in smart home gadgets, laptops, or industrial tools, there's more to the process than just clicking "buy." Knowing what you're getting into is essential, from HS codes to import permits and tariffs to compliance with Canadian safety standards. Here's a step-by-step guide to help importers, especially small businesses, understand how t...

Rising tariffs pose a significant challenge for small importers in Canada. Although small businesses may not have the financial resources of large companies, they must still serve customers and protect profit margins. This guide offers simple strategies for small businesses tackling tariffs on a limited budget. Why Tariffs Matter for Small Importers Whenever you import goods into Canada, you have to pay taxes or duties on them. These taxes o...

Have you noticed that milk, cheese, and yoghurt cost more each time you shop? You’re not alone. Canada’s unique dairy system—supply management—keeps prices stable for farmers but often higher for consumers. As we saw in Tariff-Affected Food Prices Are Rising in Canadian Grocery Stores, several factors push food costs up. Understanding this system is key to managing your expenses if you run a restaurant, café, or food-processing busine...

Canada’s grocery shelves are changing. Many stores now place a clear “T” label on products hit by recent tariffs. This simple tag helps shoppers spot items whose prices rose due to extra import taxes. Whether you buy peanut butter, wine, or kitchen appliances, the “T” label tells you that a tariff has been added to the cost. In this blog, we will discuss: What the “T” label means Why retailers are using it How shoppers...

You're not alone if you've noticed your grocery bill creeping up. While inflation is easing overall, the price of food keeps climbing. Why? One primary reason is tariffs or extra taxes on imported goods. Recent decisions by the Canadian government, the U.S., and China have directly influenced food prices, especially for imported items. The good news? Canada has taken steps to avoid making things worse for shoppers. However, tensions with trade...

The recent surge in U.S. tariff measures is sending shockwaves through Canadian industries. Beyond stark economic figures, real-life stories reveal business owners and employees grappling with rising import costs, supply chain disruptions, and increasing uncertainty. This blog explores the challenges Canadian importers face, how industry leaders are uniting, and presents a vision for a resilient trade future. Navigating the Trade Storm Under...