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Importing to Canada
If you plan to import goods into Canada, you must obtain an import account and fully understand the various customs requirements for each product. In Canada, the Non-Resident Importer (NRI) manages the import/export process.
Tax
up to 5%
Duties
up to 6.5%
Lead Times
1-2 Weeks
Restricted Items
None
Best Carrier Option
Freight Forwarder or Courier
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays
Prominent Languages
English, French
Population
40,1 M
Biggest Industry by Export
Crude Petroleum
Capital City
Ottawa
Biggest Industry by Import
Cars
Non-Resident Importer of Record Canada
As with most countries, a registered entity is required to import dual-use tech goods compliantly. Within Canadian borders, this entity is the Non-Resident Importer (NRI). The NRI performs the same functions as an Importer of Record and ensures the compliant entry of your goods through customs and into Canada.
The NRI ensures all duties, taxes, and customs regulations are met for goods entering Canada. This includes collating and completing customs documentation, paying applicable taxes (e.g., GST/HST), and ensuring the goods comply with local regulations. For example, to comply with Canadian laws all interfaces and documentation must be in English and French.
Exporting from Canada
Exporting tech gear from Canada involves navigating several complexities, including compliance with export control regulations, such as the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) and the Controlled Goods Program, which may apply to certain high-tech or dual-use items.
Pain Points for Importing to Canada
Canadian customs have the right to inspect shipments at any time. Therefore, it is essential that these goods are correctly classified. Any error can result in significant delays and fines. TecEx’s compliance database of HS codes ensures that your gear will be correctly classified, regardless of the part.
Calculating customs duty on electronics imported into Canada uses one of the six valuation methods. Another duty that may apply to certain products is the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). In these instances, your appointed Non-Resident Importer will guide you through the customs compliance process.
Importing to Canada and SIMA
The Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) provides the framework for investigating and addressing unfair trade practices, particularly dumping and subsidizing imported goods. The purpose of SIMA is to protect local manufacturers and producers. SIMA imposes duties on certain products to safeguard Canadian businesses from competitive disadvantages.
Countries That Trade with Canada
Asia
Japan
North America
United States of America (USA)
Delivered Duty Paid Canada
It can be difficult to determine rates and methods of taxation when recovering import tax. Canada has a multi-tiered sales tax system that includes the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The specific tax you incur will depend on the province or territory where goods or services are sold.
Through our specialized Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping solution, TecEx is prime positioned to act as your NRI to import technology and ICT gear to Canada. Under DDP terms, we can handle the entire process for you, from pre-compliance to customs clearance to final delivery to any site in Canada.
FTAs and Trade With Canada
Free Trade Agreements aim to remove barriers to trade among party members. However, you will still require a locally registered entity to act as your IOR or NRI to move the goods through customs. Canada forms part of two significant FTAs, namely the North American Free Trade Agreement (with the USA and Mexico) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Your global trade solution for Canada
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