Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What does a licensed customs broker do?

Accepted Answer

A licensed customs broker prepares and files the documentation required to clear commercial goods through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This includes classifying your goods under the Harmonized System (HS), calculating applicable duties and taxes, preparing the Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD), and managing any Other Government Department (OGD) requirements such as CFIA inspections or import permits. Quick Release Customs also reviews your documents before your shipment arrives to identify compliance issues while there is still time to address them.

Question 2

Do I need a customs broker to import goods into Canada?

Accepted Answer

You are not legally required to use a customs broker — importers can self-clear their goods. However, most commercial importers use a licensed broker because the process involves complex tariff classification, regulatory requirements, and CBSA filing deadlines. Errors can result in delays, penalties, or CBSA audits. A licensed broker is accountable to the CBSA and carries professional liability for the work they perform.

Question 3

What information do I need to provide to get a clearance quote?

Accepted Answer

To prepare an accurate quote, we typically need: • Country of origin of the goods • Transport mode (air, ocean, truck, or rail) • A description of the goods (what they are, what they're made of, what they're used for) • Estimated shipment value in CAD • Expected arrival date • Any relevant documents you already have (commercial invoice, packing list, permits) The more detail you provide, the more accurate our initial review will be.

Question 4

How quickly will you respond to a quote request?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to all quote requests within one business day. Our response will include a quote, a request for any missing information, or any immediate compliance concerns we identify during our initial review. For urgent shipments arriving within 72 hours or already in Canada, please indicate this in your submission so we can prioritize your file.

Question 5

Are you licensed to clear goods at all Canadian ports of entry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Quick Release Customs holds a customs broker licence issued by the CBSA, which authorizes us to transact business at all Canadian ports of entry. We serve importers across Canada, with a particular focus on Québec-based importers and bilingual service in English and French.

Question 6

What is CARM?

Accepted Answer

CARM stands for CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management. It is the CBSA's digital platform for managing commercial import accounting, duty and tax payments, and importer account management. Under CARM, importers are required to register on the CARM Client Portal and, for most commercial importers, enrol in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) program and post financial security. These requirements are the importer's responsibility — not the broker's.

Question 7

What is RPP (Release Prior to Payment)?

Accepted Answer

RPP stands for Release Prior to Payment. It is a CBSA program that allows commercial importers to obtain customs release of their goods before paying the applicable duties and taxes. To participate in RPP, importers must enrol in the CARM Client Portal and post financial security (a bond or cash deposit) with the CBSA. The amount of security required depends on your import volume. RPP enrolment and the posting of financial security are the importer's sole responsibility. Quick Release Customs can guide you through the process, but we do not enrol importers in RPP on their behalf or post security on behalf of importers.

Question 8

Do I need to be registered in CARM before you can clear my goods?

Accepted Answer

CARM registration is required for commercial importers. If you are not yet registered, we can guide you through the process. However, CARM registration, RPP enrolment, and the posting of financial security must be completed by the importer directly through the CARM Client Portal. We can help you understand what is required and what to expect at each step.

Question 9

What is the difference between CARM registration and RPP enrolment?

Accepted Answer

CARM registration means creating an account on the CARM Client Portal and linking your business number. This is required for all commercial importers. RPP enrolment is a separate step within CARM that allows you to obtain release of goods before paying duties and taxes. RPP requires posting financial security (a bond or cash deposit) with the CBSA. Both steps are the importer's responsibility. Quick Release Customs can explain what each step involves and help you understand the requirements, but we do not complete these steps on behalf of importers.

Question 10

What financial security is required for RPP?

Accepted Answer

The amount of financial security required for RPP is determined by the CBSA based on your import history and projected duty and tax liability. Security can be posted as a surety bond (through an approved bonding company) or as a cash deposit. The CBSA sets the minimum security amount. Quick Release Customs can help you understand the process, but the selection of a bonding company and the posting of security are the importer's responsibility.

Question 11

What documents are required to clear a commercial shipment?

Accepted Answer

The documents required depend on the type of goods, country of origin, and transport mode. For most commercial shipments, you will need: • Commercial invoice (showing seller, buyer, goods description, quantity, unit price, total value, and country of origin) • Packing list • Bill of lading (ocean), air waybill (air), or truck manifest (truck) • Arrival notice from your carrier or freight forwarder Additional documents may be required depending on the goods: CFIA import permits, phytosanitary certificates, Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licences, import permits for controlled goods, and others.

Question 12

What should a commercial invoice include?

Accepted Answer

A compliant commercial invoice for Canadian customs should include: • Full name and address of the seller (exporter) • Full name and address of the buyer (importer) • Date of sale • Description of the goods (what they are, what they're made of, what they're used for) • Quantity and unit of measure • Unit price and total price • Currency of transaction • Country of origin of the goods • Delivery terms (Incoterms) Missing or incomplete invoice information is one of the most common causes of customs delays.

Question 13

What is PARS and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

PARS stands for Pre-Arrival Review System. It is a CBSA program for truck shipments that allows the broker to submit the release request before the truck arrives at the border. PARS is used for most commercial truck shipments entering Canada. The carrier assigns a PARS barcode to the shipment, and the broker submits the release request using that barcode. CBSA reviews the submission and, if approved, the truck can be released at the border without delay. To file PARS, we need your commercial invoice, packing list, and the PARS barcode from your carrier — ideally 24–48 hours before the truck arrives.

Question 14

What is HS tariff classification?

Accepted Answer

The Harmonized System (HS) is an international classification system used to identify goods for customs purposes. Every product imported into Canada is assigned a 10-digit tariff classification number from the Canadian Customs Tariff. The tariff number determines the rate of customs duty, any applicable excise taxes, and whether the goods are subject to import controls, permits, or OGD requirements. Accurate tariff classification is one of the most important parts of customs compliance. Incorrect classification can result in underpayment or overpayment of duties, CBSA audit flags, and penalties.

Question 15

How are customs duties calculated?

Accepted Answer

Customs duties in Canada are calculated on the customs value of the goods, which is generally the transaction value (the price paid or payable). The duty rate depends on the tariff classification number and the country of origin. Canada has free trade agreements with many countries (including the United States and Mexico under CUSMA, and the European Union under CETA) that reduce or eliminate duties for qualifying goods. To claim preferential duty rates, the goods must meet the applicable rules of origin and the importer must have a valid certificate or declaration of origin. GST (5%) is also assessed on most imported goods, calculated on the customs value plus any applicable duties.

Question 16

Can I find out the duty rate before my shipment arrives?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As part of our pre-shipment compliance review, we can classify your goods and advise on the applicable duty rate, any preferential rates available under free trade agreements, and any OGD requirements. This allows you to plan your landed cost before the shipment arrives and avoid surprises at the border.

Question 17

What are the requirements for importing food into Canada?

Accepted Answer

Importing food into Canada is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) under the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). Most importers of food for commercial purposes are required to hold a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence. The licence must cover the specific commodity and activity (importing). Some food categories are exempt from the licence requirement. In addition to the SFC licence, many food products require a CFIA import permit, phytosanitary certificate, or other documentation depending on the commodity and country of origin. We recommend contacting us before your first food shipment so we can identify the specific requirements for your product.

Question 18

Do I need a Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence to import food?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial food importers are required to hold an SFC licence that covers importing and the applicable commodity. The licence is issued by the CFIA through the My CFIA portal. Some food categories are exempt from the SFC licence requirement (for example, certain fresh fruits and vegetables). However, even exempt products may require a CFIA import permit or phytosanitary certificate. If you are unsure whether your product requires an SFC licence, we recommend contacting the CFIA directly or speaking with us before your shipment arrives.

Question 19

What is a phytosanitary certificate and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A phytosanitary certificate is an official document issued by the plant protection authority of the exporting country, certifying that the plants or plant products being exported meet the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country. It is required for most imports of fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and plant products into Canada. The certificate must accompany the shipment and be presented to the CFIA at the port of entry.

Question 20

Can you clear food shipments that are already held at the border?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but time is critical. If your food shipment is being held by the CBSA or CFIA, please contact us immediately with your arrival notice, bill of lading or air waybill, commercial invoice, and any CFIA documentation you have. We will review the situation and advise on next steps. Note that submitting a quote request does not guarantee immediate release — release timelines depend on CBSA and CFIA processing and the completeness of your documentation.

Question 21

What is an IID filing?

Accepted Answer

IID stands for Import/Export Inspection Declaration. It is a declaration filed with the CFIA for certain regulated commodities — primarily fresh fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural products — that are subject to inspection at the port of entry. The IID must be filed before the goods arrive at the port of entry. Quick Release Customs handles IID filings as part of our end-to-end clearance service for regulated food and agricultural products.

Question 22

What other CFIA requirements might apply to my shipment?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the commodity, CFIA requirements may include: • Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence • CFIA import permit (for meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, honey, and certain other products) • Phytosanitary certificate (for plants, fresh produce, and plant products) • Health certificate (for certain animal products) • Inspection at the port of entry We identify applicable CFIA requirements as part of our pre-shipment compliance review.

Question 23

My shipment is already in Canada and hasn't been cleared. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately. Please have the following ready: • Arrival notice from your carrier or freight forwarder • Bill of lading or air waybill • Commercial invoice • Carrier contact details and reference number The sooner we receive your documents, the sooner we can begin the clearance process. Note that submitting a request does not guarantee immediate release — release timelines depend on CBSA processing and document completeness.

Question 24

What causes customs delays?

Accepted Answer

The most common causes of customs delays include: • Missing or incomplete documents (especially the commercial invoice) • Incorrect or missing tariff classification • CARM registration or RPP issues • CFIA holds for food, plant, or animal products • CBSA examination or targeting • Incorrect valuation or country of origin declaration • Controlled or prohibited goods requiring permits Most delays are avoidable with proper preparation. Our pre-shipment compliance review is designed to identify these issues before your cargo arrives.

Question 25

Can you guarantee that my shipment will be released on time?

Accepted Answer

No. Customs release timelines depend on CBSA processing, document completeness, CFIA inspection requirements, and factors outside our control. What we can do is prepare your file accurately and completely, file as early as possible, and follow up with CBSA and CFIA on your behalf. Our goal is to reduce avoidable delays — not to promise outcomes we cannot guarantee.

Question 26

How are my uploaded documents stored and protected?

Accepted Answer

Documents you upload through our quote form are: • Transmitted over an encrypted (TLS) connection • Stored in a private, non-public location — not accessible via any public URL • Accessible only to licensed customs brokers and authorized personnel at Quick Release Customs • Retained for 7 years as required under the Customs Act, then securely deleted We do not share your documents with third parties except as required to process your customs entry (for example, submitting declarations to the CBSA) or as required by law.

Question 27

What should I not upload?

Accepted Answer

Please do not upload: • Credit card numbers, banking credentials, or payment information • Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) or other government identity numbers • Government login credentials or passwords • Any personal identification not relevant to the customs clearance Customs documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, import permits) do not require any of this information.

Question 28

How long are my documents retained?

Accepted Answer

Customs-related documents and records are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years, as required under the Customs Act (Canada) and related regulations. After the applicable retention period, documents are securely deleted or destroyed. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Working with a Customs Broker

CARM and RPP

Required Documents

Tariff Classification and Duties

Food and Beverage Imports

IID and CFIA Filings

Shipment Delays and Urgent Clearance

Document Security and Privacy

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