No. We only deal with commercial merchandise.

• Make sure you have a GST number-activated for imports.
• Ensure you have a customs broker – Alpha Logistiques at your service!
• Ask your supplier to send you a copy of the commercial invoice.
• Ask your supplier for a CUSMA (also called USMCA) Certificate, duly completed and signed – if goods are manufactured in North America. See FORMS section for other certificates.

• Ask your supplier for a copy of the packing list.
• Verify with your broker the duties on your goods – you don’t want any surprises once the goods arrive into Canada.
• Speak with your customs broker about any other potential fees such as Customs Inspection fees, demurrage, storage, etc…
• Call Canada Border Services to ascertain if any permits are required before importation (i.e. Fish Import Licenses, Phytosanitary Certificates, etc…)

Three.

Only when the goods are MANUFACTURED in North America (Mexico, USA, Canada).

• Complete a CERS (B13A) Export Declaration, if the goods are valued over $2000.00 CAD.  You must apply to the CERS program to obtain an authorization code if you wish to complete your own CERS.  Alpha Logistiques can also complete one on your behalf.  Please contact us for our rates.
• Complete a commercial invoice – see FORMS section.
• Complete a CUSMA (USMCA) certificate if shipping to another country in North America only. See FORMS section.
• If shipping to the USA, ask the consignee for their TAX ID number. It is mandatory for US Customs.
• Ensure you have a customs broker – Alpha Logistiques at your service!

No. Only when the goods are valued over $2000.00 CAD. There is an exception though. You do not need to complete a B13-A when shipping to the USA, regardless of the value.

Approximately one hour. Shipments that require OGD may take up to three or four hours for release.

Health Canada (HC), Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Transport Canada (TC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) have changed the way they want customs brokers to do their customs entries.  Going forward when we do a customs entry we must verify all HS codes with these agencies to see if they are subject to IID.  IID stands for Integrated Import Declaration and encompasses all of the regulatory agencies named above.  Those agencies now form a group called PGA (Participating Government Departments and Agencies).

PARS is an acronym for Pre Arrival Review System. Shipments coming in by TRUCK from the USA are pre-released before the truck arrives at the border. The driver affixes his PARS barcode to the commercial invoice. The driver must fax his documents to the customs broker at least two (2) hours before crossing. Otherwise the PARS will most likely fail.

PAPS is an acronym for Pre-Arrival Processing System.  Shipments coming in by TRUCK from Canada destined to the USA are pre-released before the truck arrives at the American border.  The driver affixes his PAPS barcode to the commercial invoice.  The driver must email/fax his PAPS documents to the customs broker at least two (2) hours before crossing.