Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you require a Customs Broker?

There are thousands of tariff classifications and multiple government departments to be reported to when declaring goods. This makes the importation process complicated and were here to make it easy. We provide expert support before, during, and after your goods are imported. Anything less and you may not be in the clear with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). With offices or agents at key clearance locations and centralized electronic releasing, we offer quick Customs release anywhere in Canada. Other areas of expertise include consultations on issues such as Harmonized Tariff classification, CUSMA and Customs Compliance.

Can Passport Cargo arrange to ship my goods?

Passport Cargo provides a full transportation service. Whether you need LTL truck freight or a full load international ocean freight, Passport Cargo can move your freight on time and on budget.

What documents are required to import goods into Canada?

Generally speaking, a Canada Customs Invoice, Commercial Invoice, Packing Slip and Bill of Lading are required. However, depending on the nature of the goods and the country of origin, additional documents may be necessary.

What is a certificate of origin?

A certificate of origin is a certificate attesting to where the goods contained therein have originated in order to claim preferential tariff treatment if applicable.

What is CUSMA?

CUSMA is the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and gives preferential tariff treatment to goods originating in Canada, United States, or Mexico.

What is CETA?

CETA is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and gives preferential tariff treatment to goods originating in the European Union.

I would like to set up an account with Passport Cargo, do I wait until my shipment arrives at customs to begin the documentation?

To avoid shipment delays an account should be set up well in advance of shipment arrival. There are documents that will require your original signature to authorize Passport Cargo to act on your behalf with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Will I get a lower rate of duty on my imported goods if I switch my business over to Passport Cargo?

If your current/previous broker was incorrectly classifying your products, you may be entitled to a lower duty rate. However, duty rates are not a negotiable commodity, and if the shipment is classified correctly, the same rate of duty will apply to all brokers and importers. However, with our competitive prices we assure that your import cost is as low as possible.

How will Passport Cargo handle customs clearance of my shipments when they arrive at a Customs Port where Passport Cargo does not have their own office?

Through electronic release, our Head Office can make all necessary clearance arrangements without a physical presence at the port of release. If representation is required in any way, our sub-agent broker (part of a well-established network of reliable partners across Canada) will ensure a seamless and efficient process.

What is PARS?

The Pre-Arrival Review System(PARS) allows brokers to submit the release information to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for review and processing prior to the arrival of the goods in Canada. This speeds up the release or referral process when the carrier arrives in Canada with the goods. The release information can either be submitted electronically or in some cases in paper format. PARS includes the processing of goods that require permits or certificates. Brokers can provide release information for pre-arrival processing for goods sent by different modes of transport, however there are some exceptions.