To us, simple customs clearance means providing you with the information and the tools you need to make smart and educated decisions when it comes to online brokerage. This page has been created for you. It highlights a few of the most important issues in regards to clearing goods and we have provided the answers to a number of questions we are frequently asked by our customers. If you are, however, not certain about your best option or you need assistance to ensure a smooth transition, don’t forget that our friendly service agents and skilled customs brokers are on call to provide you with solutions and advice.
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also called Harmonized System, (HS) is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers to classify trade products. It came into effect in 1988 and is regulated by the WCO (World Customs Organization) with more than 200 member countries. It classifies trade products with the help of a 6-digit standardized number and assists customs to identify products for the application of taxes and duties.
Looking at the overwhelming options there are, it can be tricky to choose the correct code for your online brokerage needs. That’s why we have created a Quick HS code search and connected it to our LIVE Chat window. Simply start typing a product description in the window at the bottom right and you will be automatically connected to an agent who will help you properly identify your HS Codes.
Any goods coming into Canada require a proper declaration. That includes items being imported by mail. When an item is mailed to Canada from abroad, the sender must complete a customs declaration form and the item requires clearance. To find out more on how to import goods by mail, you can visit CBSA’s Postal Imports page. It will provide you with information on what you can import by mail, if and what duties or taxes will apply, how to track your package and more. Depending on their value and the time frame in which you need the goods, it might however be easier and faster to use a carrier such as UPS or FedEx and to obtain the services of a customs broker to ensure a smooth transaction.
Another term that is often used in relation to online brokerage in Canada is the Advance Commercial Information program or ACI. It refers to a program that provides and supports CBSA officers with electronic pre-arrival information, which helps them identify health, safety and security threats related to commercial cargo before the cargo arrives in Canada. The ACI program introduces more effective risk management processes and tools to identify possible threats. More information on this program is available on the official CBSA site.
For Ships, we can begin to customs clear your goods as soon as the manifest arrives from your forwarder. However, please keep in mind that goods must have arrived at the port and have been unloaded from the ship and into the warehouse, for the customs clearance process to begin. That transaction usually takes between 24-48 hours.
For air cargo, the process is much quicker. Once the plane has landed and been unloaded, and you have your airway bill, we can prepare your goods for customs before they even become available for delivery.
Our services range from
If it has to do with shipping and clearing – Clearit will handle it.