CERS : Declaration of Exportation Shipping from Canada

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.

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• 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.

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.

See: Verifying the correct declared value for export

CERS Filing Deadlines by Mode

• Air: ≥ 2 hours before loading
• Marine: ≥ 48 hours before vessel loading (ocean shipping guide)
• 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 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.

Related Resources

• Commercial invoice for international shipping
• Declared value, CIF & valuation for international shipping
• When to include a certificate of origin
• What is an HS code? Tariff classification basics
• Canada importer registration for CARM
• What is a bill of lading or waybill?
• Choosing a Canadian customs broker
• Shipping via ocean freight to and from Canada

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

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.

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