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

A streamlined import process has become essential for businesses looking to cut costs, avoid unnecessary delays, and save time. It facilitates seamless navigation through complex trade regulations, efficient logistics management, and compliance with standards. This blog highlights five proven strategies to streamline your import process, from optimizing documentation to leveraging automation. Why Streamlining Your Import Process Matters The ...

Importing for the first time?  You’ve found the perfect product, negotiated a great deal, and are ready to import it into Canada. But now comes the often-overlooked step: the customs process. Navigating customs clearance is a critical step in your importing journey and can significantly impact your success. Having worked with countless importers, we’ve seen how missing paperwork, unexpected duties, or lack of preparation can lead to costl...

Cross-border returns can be a logistical challenge for small businesses and they’re usually the most disruptive part of running a successful e-commerce business in Canada. Customers expect smooth and faster returns, and a well-managed procedure of handling these returns is more important than ever. How do you manage cross-border returns?  Here’s a detailed guide to help small businesses streamline their cross-border returns process. Deve...

If you run an online business or frequently shop online, you've likely noticed the rapid growth of e-commerce and its incredible momentum. Back in the 2000s and 2010s, Canadian retailers were slower to embrace digital sales channels compared to their international peers. However, the tide has turned. By 2024, over 36.7 million Canadians are projected to shop online, contributing to approximately 12% of the country's total retail sales—a clear s...

Everything You Need to Know About Canada's Non-Resident Importer Program What is a Non-Resident Importer (NRI)? A Non-Resident Importer (NRI) is a business or individual located outside of Canada that ships goods to customers within Canada while assuming responsibility for customs clearance and import requirements. This arrangement allows businesses to sell and compete in the Canadian market without the need for local infrastructure such as ...

While customs clearance is a requirement of international shipping, it causes delays for shipments to Canada. Usually, shipments are held at the border due to missing paperwork, incorrect product classifications, or unpaid duties. The good news is that most delays at customs can be avoided with proper preparation and a little planning. Businesses can prevent hold ups by knowing the common causes, such as incomplete forms or missing permits. We'll...

If you are an Amazon Seller importing from Canada or the U.S., maintaining a consistent inventory is absolutely essential. Whether you’re an established seller or scaling up, a delayed customs shipment can disrupt your inventory, customer satisfaction, and revenue streams. In such scenarios, it pays to have a good customs broker on your team. Think of a customs broker as a behind-the-scenes teammate. They handle all the tricky stuff you’d ...

Did you know that Canada imported over $600 billion worth of goods in 2023? Canada is one of the world leaders in being trade-friendly, with billions of goods crossing its borders every year. Its stable economy and varied market makes it an attractive destination for businesses and individuals alike to import a variety of products, from the most advanced machinery and heavy equipment to everyday consumer goods. The challenge, however, lies in ...

Canada’s closest neighbor, the United States, offers the perfect destination for quick getaways, day trips, and, of course, shopping excursions. With a shared land border, it’s easy for Canadians to hop across for a break, and the promise of lower prices on items like food, clothing, and electronics makes it all the more appealing—why so many Canadians take the opportunity to stock up during their trips south.  In fact, between October ...

Canadians consume vast amounts of coffee every year, and demand remains high, with millions of kilograms imported each month. In June 2024 alone, Canada imported over 20 million kilograms of green coffee beans from leading suppliers in Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala, catering to cafes, specialty roasters, and households across the country. Despite slight increases in coffee prices over the past year, Canadians’ collective love for a great drip...