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Importer of Record Canada
Importing and exporting to Canada may seem straightforward. However, CARM requirements, duties, taxes, and evolving regulations can quickly slow down your shipments. Don’t risk delays and unexpected costs. Leverage proven Canadian export and import expertise to keep your goods moving without surprises.
Tax
Up to 15%
Duties
Up to 18%
Lead Times
1-2 Weeks
Restricted Items
Dual-Use Items
Best Carrier Option
Freight Forwarder or Courier
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays
Prominent Languages
English and French
Canada’s Evolving Import Landscape | CARM, Trade and Tech
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), known as Canadian Customs, manages the nation’s international trade. There are several legal requirements for importing into Canada, such as obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and having an import/export program account under that BN, which CBSA uses to identify you. There are more complex regulations, processes, and permits for technology and dual-use goods.
According to the International Trade Administration, leading tech exports to Canada include high-tech goods and electrical machinery (US$29.6 billion). While the market is historically open and transparent, it is governed by complex federal and provincial regulations regarding documentation, language, and security.
These regulations and challenges are something a registered Importer of Record (IOR) in Canada, such as TecEx, can assist with. An IOR is the party responsible for ensuring that all imported goods comply with local Canadian-specific laws and regulations, paying duties and taxes, and managing all required import documentation.
Population
41.6 M
Biggest Industry by Export
Crude Oils and Refined Petroleum
Capital City
Ottawa
Biggest Industry by Import
Cars
The most transformative change for importing and exporting into Canada in recent years has been the rollout of CARM, launched in October 2024. CARM is the CBSA’s digital platform for managing all commercial imports. CARM, short for CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management, is the official system of record for assessing and collecting duties and taxes.
Why CARM Matters | How does Canada’s CARM System Impact Importing Tech?
Canadian customs is known for enforcing strict compliance and reserves the right to inspect shipments at any time. Errors in CARM can result in delays, fines, or even denied entries. The CARM rollout places new responsibilities on importers, but as your designated Importer of Record in Canada, TecEx takes on those obligations for you:
We act as your local, registered importer, meeting CARM’s requirements of having a Canadian business number and being active in the CARM Client Portal.
We provide CBSA with financial security for your shipments, giving you access to RPP (Release Prior to Payment) benefits.
We manage compliance with CARM’s new digital processes, reducing your exposure to delays, penalties, or administrative errors.
As a registered CARM Importer, we handle the entire process from duty calculations to clearance, so you don’t have to. TecEx will assist with the mandatory CARM financial security requirements, ensuring your tech goods are not held at the border due to registration lapses. With us, you can continue focusing on your core business while we ensure full CARM compliance as your in-country importer and partner.
Pain Points for Importing and Exporting to Canada
When exporting to Canada, exporters must comply with Canadian Export Controls, including obtaining permits for controlled goods, adhering to international trade agreements, and providing proper documentation such as export declarations and commercial invoices.
Exporters are required to use the mandatory self-service portal, CERS (Canadian Export Reporting System), to submit electronic export declarations. A small oversight in paperwork or product classification can quickly become a big problem. The CBSA enforces compliance through AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System), which issues financial penalties for errors in reporting, record-keeping, or providing false information (even when unintentional). Canadian laws also require complete and bilingual documentation, and incomplete paperwork results in penalties or denied entry. AMPS penalties vary by contravention and can escalate from hundreds to thousands of dollars for repeat violations.
When it comes to telecom and wireless equipment being imported into Canada, these goods require ISED technical acceptance certificates and must be listed on the Radio Equipment List (REL) before importation. For non-Canadian applicants, certification also requires a Canadian representative. Energy-using equipment requires NRCan compliance, while encrypted technology may require permits from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
HS Code Misclassification
Incorrect classification leads to incorrect duties or CBSA audits. An IOR can apply for Advance Rulings from the CBSA, which provide binding decisions on classification and origin, giving the importer legal certainty.
TecEx leverages an extensive proprietary compliance database and compliance specialists to ensure goods are accurately coded.
Delays from Incorrect Valuation
Improper valuation leads to flagged shipments.
Our valuation team applies one of six CBSA-approved valuation methods to ensure your declarations hold up to scrutiny.
Documentation & CBSA Reviews
The CBSA can review tariff classification, valuation, origin, and duty declarations years after an import has happened. Errors may result in reassessments, penalties, and interest. Even when documentation errors originate with suppliers, manufacturers, or brokers, the CBSA may still hold the importer responsible. Hence, these records must generally be retained for six years by the importer.
Customs Duties
Certain products headed for Canadian borders might be subject to extra duties. The Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) provides the framework for investigating and addressing unfair trade practices, particularly dumping and subsidizing imported goods.
SIMA imposes duties on certain products to safeguard Canadian businesses from competitive disadvantages and to protect local manufacturers/producers.
Specialized Solutions for Importing and Exporting to Canada
TecEx mitigates these risks by using our proprietary compliance database to ensure your tech equipment is correctly documented and classified. As your Importer and Exporter of Record, we provide local expertise to navigate these non-tariff barriers and ensure that any required permits or licenses are in place before the shipment reaches the border.
TecEx stays ahead of shifts in trade regulations and can help you avoid products that are caught up in tariff disputes or temporary import bans. We have experts in Canadian customs assisting businesses every step of the way, streamlining your supply chain process.
Non-Resident Importer (NRI) | Importing Without a Canadian Entity?
As in most countries, a registered entity is required to import dual-use tech goods in compliance with applicable regulations. However, if your company is based outside Canada but ships goods into the country, you’re considered a Non-Resident Importer (NRI).
The NRI role allows you to act as the Importer of Record in Canada, even without a physical presence inside the country. While this may sound ideal, it does make you responsible for full compliance with Canadian import laws, duties, complex tax structures, and documentation, and liable for any future audit of your shipments.
With TecEx as your IOR/NRI, you reap all the benefits without taking on the legal burden.
One Solution, End-to-End
Delivered Duty Paid Canada
Importing tech equipment to Canada? Our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service is your turnkey solution.
We handle:
- Pre-compliance checks.
- HS code classification.
- Import tax estimation and payment.
- CARM compliance.
- Customs clearance.
- Final delivery to your destination in Canada.
All under a DDP Incoterm, ensuring you avoid unexpected charges, customs complications, or compliance missteps.
When we act as your NRI and Importer of Record, you retain visibility and control. It’s the easiest way to enter or expand your footprint in Canada, and it ensures you remain fully compliant while giving your end users the local experience they expect.
Exporting from Canada
If you’re shipping high-tech goods out of Canada, staying compliant is just as important.
Canada regulates the export of sensitive or dual-use technologies under the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) and the Controlled Goods Program. If your product can be repurposed for military or surveillance use, you may need an export permit.
We help our clients navigate:
- Export classification.
- License applications.
- Document compliance.
- Destination-specific requirements.
Whether you’re re-exporting a repaired server or shipping telecom gear to Asia, TecEx ensures your export is smooth and compliant as your Exporter of Record Canada.
How Tariffs and Trade Agreements Affect Canadian Imports
Global trade is never static, and Canada is no exception. The CBSA issues a major new Departmental Consolidation of the Customs Tariff that goes into effect annually on January 1st. This yearly update primarily reflects planned duty rate reductions under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and scheduled international classification adjustments.
For tech goods, the rate of duty payable is determined by two main factors:
- The applicable tariff classification number (HS code).
- The origin of the goods, represented by a two-digit tariff treatment code.
Despite the challenging and evolving regulations in Canada, importers can claim lower duty rates through various FTAs, provided they meet specific Rules of Origin and have valid Proof of Origin.
Did You Know?
A critical milestone for trade in North America began on July 1, 2026, with the commencement of the first six-year joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA). This review could lead to updated Rules of Origin, revised investment provisions, and new standards for tech imports and exports in Canada. The ongoing trade war continues to create friction between the US and Canada, with evolving tariff changes and regulations. To stay up to date with current tariff rates, you can use our tariff tracker.
If your tech is affected by these duties, and you are struggling to navigate the ever-evolving changes in trade agreements, an IOR Canada can alleviate these pain points for you. We can also assist in determining eligibility for your agreement and apply for preferential treatment where applicable.
Simplify Your Imports with a Canada Importer of Record
Technology deployments rarely end at customs clearance. From hardware refreshes and rollouts to warranty replacements and equipment returns, moving tech across borders requires ongoing compliance management.
Whether you’re a seasoned multinational from Europe, a first-time shipper from South America, or beyond, TecEx helps you import and export to Canada efficiently, transparently, and without the legal headaches. TecEx supports the full lifecycle of your tech with our RMA optimization expertise. Our reverse logistics services help recover, repair, replace, or redeploy equipment efficiently, while our Duty Drawback Solution helps reduce costs by recovering eligible duties and taxes on re-exported goods.
Whether equipment is entering, relocating within, or leaving Canada, TecEx keeps your tech shipments compliant, operationally optimized, and on-schedule.
Countries That Trade with Canada
Asia
Japan
North America
United States of America (USA)
Ready to Simplify Importing and Exporting to Canada?
Partner with experts who know the regulations, the systems, and the fastest path through customs. Get support now and keep your shipments moving.