Do you need a customs broker to import into Canada?
No law requires one. A Canadian importer can prepare and submit its own customs documents in CARM. Most businesses still use a licensed customs broker, because the filing is technical, the deadlines are short and mistakes are penalized. Here is what each path involves, so you can choose.
- Required by lawNo
- Doing it yourselfRM account + CARM
- Either wayyou stay responsible
Two ways to get this done
Do it yourself
Everything you need is on this page, step by step, from official government sources.
Read the guideLet a broker handle it
A licensed customs broker handles release, the CAD and payment for you, and answers your questions along the way. Free quote, no commitment.
Get a free quoteIn short
The short answer: no
The CBSA says importers may choose to "prepare and submit their own release and accounting documentation". A licensed customs broker is an option, not an obligation.
Read the details
What a broker brings: they prepare the release documents, file the Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) on time, with the classification, value and origin of your goods, and can pay the duties for you. Only a licensed customs broker may account for goods and pay duties as an importer's agent under section 32 of the Customs Act.
What a broker does not change: the importer remains ultimately responsible for the accounting documents and the payment of duties and taxes, and stays liable for duties owing until they are paid.
What doing it yourself involves
Get an RM account
Get a business number and open an import-export program account, your RM account.
Register in CARM
Register the business in the CARM Client Portal, where declarations, statements and payments are managed.
Classify and value the goods
Find the tariff classification, value for duty and origin of each product. They set the duty you pay, and errors can lead to penalties.
Get the goods released
Send the release information so the CBSA can release the goods at the border. To get them before you pay, you need release prior to payment security.
File the CAD on time
Account for each shipment with a CAD in CARM, within 5 business days of release in most cases.
Pay by the due date
Pay the duties and taxes by the due date on your monthly Statement of Account.
On your own or with a broker
From the CBSA's licensed customs brokers page and its guide to importing commercial goods.
- Release and accounting documents
- On your ownYou prepare and submit them in CARMWith a brokerThe broker prepares and submits them
- Paying duties and taxes
- On your ownYou pay the CBSAWith a brokerYou or the broker (only a licensed broker can pay as your agent)
- Access to your CARM account
- On your ownYours aloneWith a brokerYou give the broker a delegation of authority
- Accuracy of the declarations
- On your ownYour responsibilityWith a brokerStill your responsibility
- Duties owing
- On your ownYou owe themWith a brokerYou owe them until you or the broker pays
Prefer to hand it off?
Tell us what you import and a licensed Canadian customs broker contacts you with a quote. It costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Hiring a broker does not move the responsibility
The CBSA is explicit: importers who use a broker remain responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their transactions. If a declaration is wrong, the penalties and reassessments go to the importer. Choose a broker you can ask questions, and keep your own records for six years.
Common questions
Can I clear my own goods through customs in Canada?
Yes. With a business number, an RM account and a CARM Client Portal registration, you can submit your own release and accounting documents. For a first-time importer, the tariff classification and the CAD are usually the hardest parts.
What about courier shipments?
For low-value commercial shipments sent by courier, the courier generally handles customs clearance under the CBSA's Courier Low Value Shipment program, for goods valued up to CAD 3,300. Above that amount, you or a broker account for the goods.
How much does a customs broker cost?
Each broker sets its own fees, so compare quotes for your volume and the type of goods you import.
How do I check that a broker is licensed?
The CBSA publishes a list of licensed customs brokers. Since April 1, 2024 the licence is national, so a licensed broker can work at any customs office in Canada.
I am outside Canada. Do I need a broker?
Not by law, but most non-resident importers work through a licensed customs broker.
Check where you stand
See which import requirements apply to your shipments.
Keep reading
The next steps most people take from here.
Importing
The whole path to importing commercial goods into Canada, in order.
Read →Import/export number (RM)
The import/export account number the CBSA needs before your first shipment.
Read →B3 coding form
The old import accounting form, and the CARM declaration that replaced it.
Read →Get a quote
Describe your shipments and we will connect you with a licensed customs broker.
Read →