Trade News

Industry News & Updates

Discover the latest customs brokerage news and information. Stay up-to-date on compliance laws, industry issues and more.

January 12, 2023

CARM Impacts to Farm Businesses

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project is a multi-year initiative that is set to transform the collection of duties and taxes for goods imported into Canada. The CARM program has been slowly progressing over the past few years. CBSA has recently announced after many changes that they are looking …

January 2, 2023

Border Brokers is now a Certified Participant in PIP

Border Brokers is now a certified participant in Canada Border Services Agency’s Partners inProtection (PIP) program. Adding to our existing membership in the U.S. CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership AgainstTerrorism) program. Partners in Protection is a voluntary program that helps Canadian businesses protect theirsupply chains from security threats. It’s a joint effort between the Canadian government …

December 20, 2022

Importing Vehicles into the US

Importing a vehicle to the United States can be a complex process. There are many regulations to follow from various agencies such as US Customs, the Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It is important to first check if your vehicle is eligible for import, as not all vehicles are admissible.

September 6, 2022

Luxury Tax Memo

Effective September 1st, 2022, the Government of Canada has introduced a luxury tax on the importation and sale of certain vehicles and aircrafts exceeding $100,000 CAD, and vessels exceeding $250,000 CAD. The value threshold is inclusive of any fees, duties, or excise duties and taxes applicable to the subject vehicle at the time of import. …

May 4, 2022

Freight Forwarder vs. Customs Broker: Are They The Same?

Whether you’ve been in the import-export industry for a while now or are a newbie, you’ve surely heard of customs brokers and freight forwarders. Many assume that these two are the same when in reality, they are not. To understand the difference between the two, let’s first understand who they are and their roles in …

April 6, 2022

CARM Phase 2 Update

CARM Phase 1 officially started in May of 2021 and we have been working diligently with our customers to get them set up online with the new Customs CARM Portal. The CARM Portal under Phase 1 has some basic functionality, you can go online in real-time and see your transactions, payments, and statements, very much …

October 22, 2021

ATA CARNET: A Passport for Goods

Do you have goods that require temporary entry into various countries? Tired of paying taxes at each destination and then applying for a refund with government officials? The ATA Carnet was meant for you! An ATA Carnet can simply be explained as a “passport for goods.” This is an international customs document that allows the …

October 21, 2021

CERS – Canadian Export Reporting System

It’s been one year already that CBSA switched over to the CERS program to account for exports from Canada. The B13A and CAED export declaration are now a thing of the past. As a refresher, goods valued at over $2000.00 CAD and exported to countries other than the USA require a CERS declaration. Many exporters …

September 28, 2021

How To Import Your Car From the US To Canada

If you’re moving across the border, chances are you’ll want to take your vehicle with you. It should be quite easy, after all thousands of cars cross the border every day. Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than simply driving through a border check post, especially if you want to keep your car in Canada …

May 25, 2021

CARM Release 1: Registering a Business on the CARM Client Portal

Release 1 of CARM (CBSA’s Assessment and Revenue Management Program) goes live today, May 25th. Are you prepared to register your business on the CARM Client Portal? Ensure that you have the following ready: Identify your Business Account Manager (BAM)The Business Account Manager is responsible for all activities associated to the management of the business …

May 17, 2021

CARM: Release 2 Checklist

CARM is CBSA’s Assessment and Revenue Management program which will redefine the way Canadian businesses collect and report on import revenue and trade information, as well as manage shipments across the border. Because of the huge impact this program will have on the trade industry, CARM is implemented in stages. As of Spring 2021, we …

May 6, 2021

CARM: Important Client Notice

CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management project, better known as CARM is a multi-year initiative that will transform the importation process. Through CARM, clients will have access to the Client Portal—an innovative self-service tool that will modernize how the trade community interacts with the CBSA. May 25th, 2021Release 1CARM Client …

January 18, 2021

CARM Program In 2021: What You Need to Know

New for the spring of 2021, importers and customs brokers in Canada will be expected to adapt to the changes enforced under CARM Program. CARM: the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management program. This multi-year initiative will completely revamp the importation process. The CARM program is an online portal that will give Canadian importers and exporters …

December 30, 2020

The A.D. Rutherford 2020 Review

Many of us will remember 2020 as being a momentous year, some for the good, but mostly for the memories of uncertainty. Some of us have been affected by the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere sympathies to you and your families. …

September 18, 2020

CERS Replacing the CAED System

Is your company exporting goods outside of Canada and currently using paper B13A’s or CAED? As of September 30, 2020, the CBSA will no longer accept paper B13A’s and/or declarations using the Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) system. Exporters or service providers will be required to report exports electronically. Two electronic reporting methods are available …

September 17, 2020

Canada’s Fight Against Aluminum Tariffs Is Over … For Now

On March 1, 2018, President Trump announced his intention to impose a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports which came into effect May of 2018. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico would reach a deal to remove the steel and aluminum tariffs in May 2019. Many of us in the brokerage …

June 4, 2020

Advanced Rulings on Goods

Did you know that the CBSA publishes advance rulings to assist the importing community with the classification of goods? What are advanced rulings? The CBSA has published a page explaining Advanced Rulings. On this page, you can apply for an Advanced Ruling via email. These rulings, issued under paragraph 43.1(1)(c) of the Customs Act, provide information on the …

June 1, 2020

USMCA Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. CBP have put together a web page full of resources regarding the upcoming USMCA/CUSMA trade deal that will go into effect in a month. The following resources have been made available: The USMCA website provides an informative FAQ’s online here: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/priority-issues/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/USMCA IE Canada CUSMA Working Group provides insight with Questions for CBSA below: From …

April 21, 2020

What You Need To Know About CARM

In the future, importers and customs brokers in Canada can expect to take part in a brand-new importation experience. Gone will be the days of the CADEX program; in its place, the CBSA has been developing something entirely new. CARM: the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management program. This multi-year initiative is intended to completely revamp …

March 27, 2020

Import Duties Deferred In The Wake of COVID-19

As of March 27th 2020, in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian government has announced a series of measures to assist small- and medium-sized businesses affected by the outbreak. The provisions include a 3-month, 75-per-cent wage subsidy; the deferral of GST/HST payments and import duties; and government-backed, interest-free bank loans. These measures will …

March 25, 2020

New Exclusions for Chinese Origin Goods

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) went forward with a new set of exclusions for Chinese origin goods subject to Section 301 additional duties appearing on List 4A. These new exclusions are predominantly for medical-related products, covering five complete 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) numbers, and seven newly prepared product descriptions, which amount to a total …

December 17, 2019

NAFTA’s Rocky History Paves A Smoother Road for CUSMA

On December 10th, 2019, a new trade agreement between the countries of North America was signed: the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. The original version of this trade agreement is known as NAFTA. For twenty-five years, NAFTA eliminated the tariffs on many goods passing between the Canadian, U.S., and Mexican borders, and facilitated trade between …

November 15, 2019

Non-Canadian Retailers: Why You Should Become A Non-Resident Importer

Becoming a Non-Resident Importer can prove to be a boon for a vendor who is looking to tap into the Canadian market. When it comes to getting goods across the border, those involved are either on the exporting end (i.e. sending the goods) or on the importing end (i.e. receiving the goods.) Exporters and importers …

September 16, 2019

A History of Customs

Have you ever wondered how and where the process of customs was developed? What caused the need for the concept of tariffs, and why is this practice universal among every country in the world? Canada and the United States share a trading relationship that crosses all industries and is of vital importance to the success …

August 15, 2019

CUSMA: The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement – A Rundown of Its Effects & Reception

On November 30th, 2018, a new trilateral trade agreement between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico was signed. This trade agreement goes by many names depending on which country observers originate from: USMCA if observed in the U.S., T-MEC in Mexico, and ACEUM in the French-speaking parts of Canada. For most Canadians, you’ll come to know …

July 11, 2019

Cross Border Courier Services

If you’re a regular online shopper, you may have come across the phrase “Cross Border Courier Services”. Perhaps you often drive across the border between Canada and the U.S., and you’ve seen businesses offering cross border courier services. While this practice isn’t widely heard of, it is one of the most innovative services a transporter …

May 15, 2019

A Glimpse Into Canada’s Free Trade Agreements

Canada has a surprisingly large number of free trade agreements with other countries. Though you may have only heard of such deals as NAFTA and CETA, which feature prominently in the news due to their recent emergence or erratic renegotiations, Canada is actually involved in an astounding 15 trade agreements, which has vast implications toward …

April 25, 2019

Have Food Will Travel

Avocados from Mexico, bananas from Guatemala, plums from Chile, oranges from Florida, and mushrooms from British Columbia. A lot of consumers pay little attention to today’s highly complex global food system, as much of the food production and processing occurs far away from where they live. The Canada-U.S. border sees a high volume of fresh …

December 28, 2018

Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement For Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Update

Please be advised the CPTPP will be starting up December 30th Tariff code 33 is to be used if we have a certificate https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn18-22-eng.html There is no specific document and it could be on the invoice itself – but the invoice would require the Classification and origin criteria to be a proper document The rules are …

November 22, 2018

Navigating The Vehicle Import Maze

Importing a car from Canada into the United States can be a little like walking through a maze, it’s easy to lose your way, make a wrong turn and meet a roadblock. A maze is much easier to navigate when aided by an accurate overview. Fortunately for importers, that’s where your qualified customs broker comes …

November 15, 2018

Border Brokers is CTPAT Certified

Border Brokers is a certified participant in the U.S. Customs Border and Protection CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program. CTPAT is but one layer in CBP’s multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy. Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve U.S. border security. It is a voluntary public-private …

October 12, 2018

New Measures To Protect Canadian Steel

The Government of Canada announced on October 11, 2018 that they will be taking new steps to try to protect Canada’s steel industry. While this will primarily affect our clients who deal with imported steel, this may also impact any company in Canada that purchases or deals with any steel products. These new measures have the …

October 1, 2018

Tentative NAFTA Deal Reached!

We are very pleased to announce that Canada and the U.S. have reached a tentative new trade agreement! The framework agreement, which is set to revise the current North American Free Trade American (NAFTA), has been renamed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). There are several changes proposed under this new agreement, but for the most …

September 18, 2018

Important Notice!

Please be advised that the US Government is poised to put new taxes on Chinese origin goods. To our clients: Please be advised that the US Government is poised to put new taxes on Chinese origin goods. This tax does not impact Canadian companies directly; however, it will increase the costs of Chinese origin products …

September 10, 2018

Interested in Classic Cars?

Do you want to buy one? Sell one? Move one? We love them, we polish them, restore them, collect them, drive them, buy and sell them! Indeed there has been much buzz around collecting vintage cars and other associated items, from televised auctions shows like Barrett Jackson to restoration shows like Wheeler Dealers. It’s true, …

July 20, 2018

Moving Towards International Trade Markets

In the midst of trade tensions with the U.S., many Canadians are greatly anticipating the new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) coming into effect. The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. According to the Government of Canada, Once …

July 11, 2018

NAFTA Trade Tensions Explained

As trade tensions rise, it is important to understand why there is tension among the NAFTA countries. A trade war is an economic dispute between two or more countries. This dispute begins when one country imposes tariffs on the goods and services of another country. The affected country will then often impose countermeasure tariffs on …

July 5, 2018

Lumber Trade Fuels Economic Growth In Canada

Lumber is an essential trade commodity, both now and historically, in Canada. In the 19th Century, lumber accounted for a significant portion of Canadian trade. There was a huge demand for lumber in Europe at the time and Canada was ready to fill that need, bringing immigration, investment, and economic development into Canada (Wynn, 2013). The …

June 27, 2018

When Irish Eyes Were Smiling

The History of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has its beginnings in the Canada US Free Trade Agreement (CUSFTA). The door for this agreement (CUSFTA) was pried open during the tenure of Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Following his election in 1984, Mulroney struck a friendly tone with President Ronald Reagan, and in …

June 19, 2018

Construction Worker Retirements: Challenges & Need for Enhanced Efficiencies

Recent reports indicate Canada’s construction industry may experience a period of levelling off over the next decade; however there are some significant exceptions. In BC, for instance, construction rates continue to rise. Over the past five years, the value of proposed construction projects has risen from $164 Billion to $325 Billion, an increase of 98% …

February 23, 2018

Harmonized System of Tariffs Breakdown

If you’ve ever imported anything from another country, you’ll probably have dealt with tariffs at some point. Whether it’s just to pay duty and taxes, or trying to classify the items you’re bringing in, tariffs play a role in ensuring your items are imported compliantly. Tariffs came into play in 1950, when the initial version …

February 15, 2018

How to File an AES for Vehicle Exporting

On October 3rd, 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau instated a new requirement for vehicle exports to be filed in the Automated Export System (AES). These requirements cover every land-based self-propelled vehicle, regardless of value or destination country, and must be transmitted at least 72 hours prior to when the vehicle is intended to cross. While the process is …

February 9, 2018

Border Brokers in the TAB Spotlight

Royal is the President of Border Brokers and has been a TAB member since 2013. In this video, he shares with TAB how his Board has helped him improve the business. Watch the video below to get a glimpse into life at Border Broker’s head office in Winnipeg – and learn about what makes Border …

September 7, 2017

Softwood Lumber Dispute

OTTAWA (Reuters) – The United States and Canada faced off on Tuesday in a renewed battle over softwood lumber that threatened to spill over into multiple other sectors, though President Donald Trump said he did not fear a trade war. Canada vowed to resist Washington’s move on Monday to impose tariffs on lumber that mostly …

September 7, 2017

NAFTA Discussions

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s now ready to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement after speaking to both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico’s Enrique Pena Nieto. One day after the White House floated a trial balloon about drafting an executive order to withdraw from the North American Free Trade …