How to Import Goods into Canada

1. BUSINESS PLAN

Your business plan is a roadmap to your success and a tool to measure your progress

• A business plan for importing doesn’t differ from a plan for a business buyingand selling domestically.
• For tips on writing a business plan, visit sbbc.co/howtobizplan
• See our Business Plan Review Servicesbbc.co/bizplanreview
• See our business planning seminars sbbc.co/SBBCeduCal

2. MARKET RESEARCH

Market Research is a vital part of your business plan, including creating a viability report.

• Before investing in importing goods, ensure demand exists for your product.
• Learn about market research from Canada Business: sbbc.co/CBNmarketresearch
• See our Market Research Advisory Service: sbbc.co/marketresearchcoaching
• See our market research seminars: sbbc.co/SBBCeduCal

3. REGULATIONS

Investigate the relevant regulations for your business.

• Visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade to find out if your goods are onc ontrol import list: www.international.gc.ca
• Find out if your goods are regulated by a government department and agency: sbbc.co/regulatedgoods

3. LABELING REQUIREMENTS

Labeling standards have to be applied for Consumer products, pre-packaged foods, and cosmetics.

• Textile, consumer products, precious metal:
  Competition Bureau sbbc.co/labellinginfo
• Food products: Canadian Food Inspection Agency sbbc.co/foodlabelling
• Cosmetics and health products: Health Canada sbbc.co/cosmeticslabelling

5. TARIFFS AND DUTIES

Obtain the Tariff classification (HS code), Tariff Treatment, duties and taxes of your goods.

• To obtain tariff and duty contact: Canada Border Service Agency 1-800-461-9999 or visit www.cbsa.gc.ca

6. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

Investigate the relevant regulations for your business.

• Apply for a business name and register a sole proprietorship, partnership or a corporation: sbbc.co/registerbusiness
• See our Business Advisors for help: sbbc.co/bcbizadvisor

7. BUSINESS NUMBER

Obtain an import/export business number.

• Obtain an import/export account, from Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525 or visit sbbc.co/BNregistration

1. IMPORT DECLARATION B3 FORM

Complete the B3 form the day you receive the cargo control from the carrier (with a barcode).

• Visit the Canada Border Service Agency website for advice on completing the form: sbbc.co/B3form

2. ACCOUNTING PACKAGE DOCUMENTS

Customs requires two (2) copies of:

• Cargo Control Document (CCD), provided by your carrier
• Canada Customs Invoice or Commercial Invoice
• All import permits certificates or licenses required
• Completed B3 import declaration completed

3. RELEASING OF GOODS

All duties and taxes should be paid at the border by the importer to one of the CBSA offices or by the custom broker.

On payment of goods and clearance, goods will be released and can be arranged for pick up.