As a leading North American customs broker, we serve many of the world’s largest companies, and we earn their trust as our clients. Our teams act as extensions of our clients’ businesses and relentlessly strive to exceed expectations in all that they achieve.
Remain confident and secure with comprehensive audit protection.
Take advantage of FOB deductions at origin and potential additional savings.
Benefit from trade agreements and optimized compliance strategies.
Customized services. Simplifying solutions.
Customs brokerage involves more than simply clearing shipments. Navigating the complex and constantly evolving North American regulatory environment demands the services of licensed professionals. Our greatest strength is our people, performing like partners to consistently deliver on the promise of service excellence. Our team of experts offers compliant, efficient, and transparent customs clearance services, as well as strategic advice to protect your shipped goods. We’re committed to ensuring that your customs clearance is seamless and hassle-free.
As licensed customs brokers operating in both Canada and the U.S., we’re committed to providing importers with the highest quality service and support. Our teams are strategically located at main entry points on both sides of the border to ensure reliable and consistent assistance for all your import needs. Our PIP and C-TPAT certifications demonstrate our unwavering commitment to secure, safe, and efficient international trade.
Our decades of experience and unwavering commitment to excellence make us the ideal partner for your company’s customs tariff classifications. With our comprehensive import programs, industry-leading insight and expertise, we can help elevate your supply chain efficiency, increase savings and maximize value for your business. When you partner with us, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible service and support.
Our team of technical consultants is dedicated to streamlining your customs importing processes, providing valuable insight and strategic guidance every step of the way. We specialize in a wide variety of services, including tariff classification, voluntary disclosures, duty drawback processes, duty refund opportunities and duty deferral programs, all aimed at maximizing efficiency while minimizing costs.
What’s a customs broker?
A professional customs broker acts as an agent for businesses that move products across international borders. They are licensed by the overseeing authority of the country in which they operate. Customs brokers capture critical data from commercial documents to ensure the customs declaration is prepared in compliance with requirements set by customs and other government agencies.
What commercial documentation is required for customs release?
When importing commercial goods into Canada or the U.S., the basic document required for the customs declaration is the commercial sales invoice, usually prepared by your supplier or factory. This typically includes the total value of the goods, the currency of purchase, the country where the goods were manufactured, the full name and address of the shipper and consignee, the piece count, and a detailed description of the items being shipped. Other requirements may apply, depending on the place of origin and the products being imported. Our consulting team is always available to review the import requirements of your specific products and walk you through the customs process.
What is customs tariff classification?
The tariff classification, or HS, is a 10-digit code specific to the commodity being imported. Determined by the characteristics of the merchandise, it specifies the duty percentage to be paid, plus any and all other import requirements. The tariff classification also indicates if products may qualify under possible trade agreements for a corresponding reduced or preferential rate of duty. We want your goods to be import ready. Connect with us to get started.
Will the customs agency audit my declarations?
As with income taxes, all importers are subject to possible customs compliance verifications. These audits are often lengthy and tedious, and it’s essential to maintain all import records and ensure all declarations are compliant. If you receive a notice from the customs agency telling you that you’ve been selected for a compliance review, our consulting team can guide and support you every step of the way.
Am I required to keep records of my customs entries?
Yes. A compliant recordkeeping process can spare you from avoidable penalties. As an importer, it’s crucial to retain customs declarations for 6 years in Canada and 5 years in the U.S. to avoid penalties.
What is voluntary or prior disclosure?
If commercial importers find incorrect or incomplete information or realize they’ve failed to report something in their past importations, they can voluntarily correct it with the customs agency. Doing so may lead to the customs agency granting monetary relief to the importer for potential penalties and interest. However, this option isn’t available if the customs agency has already initiated a compliance review. Therefore, establishing an ongoing compliance process to ensure accurate declarations is crucial.
What is a duty drawback?
If you’ve paid duty on goods that won’t be sold within Canada or the U.S., you may be able to receive a duty refund through a process called “duty drawback.” This involves filing a claim to recover the duty, which may be possible if the goods are exported or destroyed.
What do the acronyms C-TPAT and PIP stand for?
C-TPAT stands for Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, and PIP stands for Partners in Protection. C-TPAT is a program used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and PIP is a program used by the Canada Border Services Agency. Both are voluntary Trusted Trader programs, designed to work with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security.
Do customs agency personnel physically inspect or examine goods?
Yes. Customs personnel can choose to examine shipments at the time of clearance for several reasons, including detecting prohibited or restricted items such as weapons, narcotics, or smuggled goods, as well as meeting validation requirements of other government departments.