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Canada
Vancouver — Canadian operations
Our North American entry point on the Pacific: CARM-compliant importing coordinated with licensed customs brokers, and rail connectivity from the West Coast to the whole continent.
Key gateways
- ▸Port of Vancouver (largest Canadian port, dense sailings)
- ▸Port of Prince Rupert (fast Asia transit, on-dock rail)
- ▸Vancouver & Toronto air cargo
- ▸Montreal (Atlantic/European ocean gateway)
Importing basics
- ▸Importers need a business number with an RM account, CARM Client Portal registration, and their own financial security.
- ▸10-digit tariff classification decides duty and other-agency involvement (CFIA for food, Health Canada for health products).
- ▸GST (5%) applies on the duty-paid value and is generally recoverable for registrants; provincial taxes vary.
- ▸Pre-arrival review (PARS) speeds truck crossings; pre-cleared ocean entries release on arrival.
Exporting basics
- ▸CERS export declarations are required for most commercial exports of CAD $2,000+ to non-US destinations.
- ▸US-bound exports are generally exempt from Canadian export declaration.
- ▸Preferential access via CUSMA, CETA and CPTPP — certification unlocks buyer-side duty savings.
Core documents
- ▸Commercial invoice (or Canada Customs Invoice data)
- ▸Packing list
- ▸B/L or AWB
- ▸CUSMA/FTA certification where claimed
- ▸CFIA licences & certificates for food/plants/animals
Tips from our Canada desk
- →Register CARM before your first order, not after the vessel sails.
- →Compare Vancouver against Prince Rupert routing for Central Canada — rail economics differ by season.
- →Winter weather and surcharges are real: build buffer into Q4–Q1 transits.
General guidance, not advice for a specific transaction — regulations and tariff measures change. Confirm current requirements for your goods with our team or official sources.
Ready when you are