---
title: "CERS : Declaration of Exportation Shipping from Canada"
description: Useful information to verify B-13 / CERS online export declaration requirement.  Secure compliance for exporting from Canada.
---

[International Parcel Delivery | Blog ](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog)

# [CERS : Declaration of Exportation Shipping from Canada](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/bid/338219/b-13-form-declaration-of-exportation)

 Written by [Sabrina Drouin](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/author/sabrina-drouin) | September 26, 2013

Everything Canadian exporters need to know about the **Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS)** — formerly the B13 — including who must file, when to file, common mistakes, and how “volumetric pricing” can affect your shipping cost. This guide also includes a **free weight/volume price estimator** and sample benchmark rates cited across Jet Worldwide resources.

[Request Export & Shipping Rates](https://www.jetworldwide.com/ship-rate) [Talk to an Expert](https://www.jetworldwide.com/contact)

**On this page:**

- What is CERS (B13) & who must file?
- CERS filing deadlines by mode
- Common filing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- CERS vs. CARM
- Helpful resources & carrier codes
- FAQs

## What is a B13 / CERS Export Declaration?

The **Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS)** — still often called the “**B13**” — is the CBSA’s electronic export declaration used to track exports, enforce controls, and support Statistics Canada. Exporters (or their service providers) file via the [CBSA CERS portal](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/cers-scde/menu-eng.html).

### Who must file?

- **Value > CAD $2,000** for shipments (except to the USA, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands)
- **Controlled/restricted goods** (regardless of value)

Exporters need a Business Number with an **RM (export) account**, the correct **HS code**, and accurate shipment details.

See: [HS codes explained](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/hs-codes-shipping-online-from-canada).

See: [Verifying the correct declared value for export](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/declared-value-cif-and-valuation-for-international-shipping)

## CERS Filing Deadlines by Mode

- **Air:** ≥ 2 hours before loading
- **Marine:** ≥ 48 hours before vessel loading ([ocean shipping guide](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/understanding-canadian-ocean-freight-options))
- **Rail:** ≥ 2 hours before railcar placement
- **Mail:** ≥ 2 hours before tendering to the post office
- **Highway:** Immediately before leaving Canada

## Common CERS Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

- **Missing/incorrect HS code:** confirm with buyer/importer to align with destination tariff.
- **No RM export account:** add the RM program to your CRA Business Number before filing.
- **Inconsistent valuation:** know your [CIF value](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/declared-value-cif-and-valuation-for-international-shipping) basis and Incoterms.
- **Typos and omissions:** use the CERS portal’s validations; review every field before submit.

*Tip:* Even when a broker or forwarder submits, **the exporter remains liable** for accuracy. Keep documentation (commercial invoice, permits, origin statements) with your records.

## What’s the Difference Between CERS and CARM?

**CERS** (*Canadian Export Reporting System*) covers **exports** (filing the export declaration).

**CARM** (*CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management*) covers **imports** (account security, release/ accounting, duties/taxes). [All importers must register in CARM](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/carm-advanced-import-processing-to-canada).

## Related Resources

- [Commercial invoice for international shipping](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/preparing-invoices-for-customs-clearance-and-cci)
- [Declared value, CIF & valuation for international shipping](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/declared-value-cif-and-valuation-for-international-shipping)
- [When to include a certificate of origin](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/certificate-of-origin-explained)
- [What is an HS code? Tariff classification basics](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/hs-codes-shipping-online-from-canada)
- [Canada importer registration for CARM](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/canada_cers_vs_carm)
- [What is a bill of lading or waybill?](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/bill-of-lading-explained)
- [Choosing a Canadian customs broker](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/finding-the-best-canadian-customs-broker)
- [Shipping via ocean freight to and from Canada](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/shipping-sea-freight-from-canada)

**Note for DHL Express:  CERS carrier code:** 8068 (other DHL divisions may differ)

## FAQs: Canada Export Declaration (CERS/B13)

### When do I need to file a CERS (B13) export declaration?

File when the value exceeds **CAD $2,000** (except shipments to the USA, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) or when goods are **controlled/restricted**, regardless of value.

### Can my customs broker or forwarder submit CERS for me?

Yes, but **the exporter remains liable** for accuracy. Provide complete and correct HS codes, values, and permits.

### What’s the deadline to file?

Air: ≥ 2 hours before loading. Marine: ≥ 48 hours before vessel loading. Rail: ≥ 2 hours before placement. Mail: ≥ 2 hours before tender. Highway: immediately before departure.

### What’s the difference between CERS and CARM?

CERS handles **exports** (B13 equivalent); CARM handles **imports** (CBSA accounts, duties/taxes, security). They are separate programs. Read More: [CERS vs CARM](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/canada_cers_vs_carm)

### How does volumetric pricing affect my shipment?

Carriers charge by **chargeable weight** = max(actual vs. volumetric weight). For air/courier, volumetric kg is often calculated as `L×W×H (cm) ÷ 5000`. Big, light boxes can cost more than their scale weight otherwise may suggest.

**Ready to export?** 

[Request a Spot Quote](https://www.jetworldwide.com/ship-rate) [Complete Canada Shipping Guide](https://www.jetworldwide.com/shipping-from-canada)

[View full post](https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/bid/338219/b-13-form-declaration-of-exportation)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Sabrina Drouin"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-10-10T21:59:50.547Z",
  "datePublished" : "2013-09-26T17:49:00Z",
  "headline" : "CERS : Declaration of Exportation Shipping from Canada",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 420,
    "url" : "https://213869.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/213869/cers-export-declaration-canada-jetship.webp",
    "width" : 747
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.jetworldwide.com/blog/bid/338219/b-13-form-declaration-of-exportation",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://213869.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/213869/jetpack_new_jet_white_highdef-1.png",
      "width" : 111.97183
    },
    "name" : "International Parcel Delivery | Blog"
  }
}
```