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

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...

Importing goods from one country to another comes with a lot of complexity—managing documents, ensuring compliance, calculating duties and tariffs, and dealing with customs. It’s a lot for any business owner to handle, especially when you’re already focused on important daily activities like developing new products, nurturing relationships with customers, and running marketing campaigns. Adding the intricacies of international shipping to y...

With vast natural resources and a strong industrial base, Canada engages in extensive international trade, both exporting and importing goods that fuel its economy. In 2023 alone, Canada’s exports crossed the $768 billion threshold, while imports rose by 1.4%, reaching $770.2 billion. These numbers reflect Canada’s unique position in the global market. The country exports a wide range of natural resources and locally produced goods, while ...

In 2023, the value of Canada’s annual imports rose 1.4% to an impressive $770.2 billion. These goods made their way across the border on trucks and carriers each day, with large items like cars and furniture moving through customs together with scores of smaller goods, like clothing, toys, and handheld electronics. With such a high volume of items and containers all facing the same bottleneck, even the slightest issue could lead to delays in cu...