How much does a customs broker cost in Canada?
There’s no government-set rate: each broker sets its own fees. Answer four questions to see the typical range for your shipments — then compare real quotes.
Customs rules change — confirm with the official sources on this page or with a licensed customs broker before you ship.
What you actually pay for
The entry fee
What the broker or courier charges to prepare and send your customs declaration. Couriers often scale it with the value of the package; brokers usually charge per entry.
Extra product lines
Some brokers include a number of tariff lines in the entry fee and charge for each extra one. Many different products on one invoice cost more to declare.
Disbursement
When the broker or courier pays your duty and GST to the CBSA for you, it charges a small percentage of the amount it advanced.
Permits and special duties
Goods that need a permit from another department, or that carry anti-dumping duty, take more work — and usually cost more per entry.
Set-up and extras
Account set-up, a security bond so goods are released before you pay, after-hours clearance and corrections can all be extra. Ask before you sign.
Full disclosure: this site is paid when it connects you with a broker. The ranges above aren’t ours to set — they’re what Canadian brokers typically report.
Common questions
Is there a standard customs broker fee in Canada?
No. The CBSA licenses customs brokers but doesn’t set their prices. A simple entry can cost under $100, while a complex commercial entry can cost several hundred dollars.
Why does the courier charge me a brokerage fee?
Because the courier acted as your customs broker: it declared the goods to the CBSA and usually advanced the duty and GST. Package held right now?
Is the duty part of the broker’s fee?
No. Duty and GST go to the CBSA. The broker may pay them for you and bill you back, but its own fee is only the entry, the extra lines and the disbursement.
When is my own broker cheaper than the courier?
Often when you import regularly, ship higher-value goods, or have goods that need permits. A broker can also bill you once a month instead of on every package. Compare real quotes.
Sources