Hiring the right Canadian customs broker can compress clearance time, reduce AMPS risk, and keep landed costs predictable. This guide explains what licensed brokers do, when you can self-clear, how carrier brokerage compares, what CARM means for importers, and the questions to ask before you sign a power of attorney.
What Is a Licensed Customs Broker?
Canadian customs brokers are private companies licensed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to transact imports on your behalf. They are not government agencies. Brokers charge published fees for entry preparation, data transmission, disbursements, and post-entry work.
Do You Need a Customs Broker to Import?
No—importers can self-clear or authorize the carrier’s brokerage (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL) or appoint an independent broker. Remember: you remain legally responsible for HS classification, valuation, origin, and taxes—using a broker doesn’t transfer liability.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-clear (DIY) | Lowest fees, total control | Time-consuming; higher compliance risk | Low volume, low complexity |
| Carrier brokerage (UPS/FedEx/DHL) | Fast for express; integrated transport + clearance | Disbursement/advancement fees; limited advisory depth | Courier parcels, small e-commerce |
| Independent broker | Deeper compliance help; scalable SLAs; post-entry support | Professional fees; onboarding/POA needed | Growing or complex import programs |
Importer Quick-Start Checklist
- Business Number (BN) + RM import/export account from CRA.
- CARM registration: set up your CBSA portal account, designate your customs broker, and arrange financial security (surety bond or deposit) to participate in Release Prior to Payment. Learn more.
- HS classification: confirm the correct tariff code(s). HS code basics.
- Valuation: usually transaction value; document assists, freight/insurance, royalties if applicable. Declared value & CIF.
- Origin & FTAs: determine origin and whether CUSMA/USMCA, CPTPP, CUKTCA, etc. apply. Certificates of origin.
- Permits/OGDs: check for Health Canada, CFIA, NRCan, etc.
- Incoterms & importer of record: align with your seller. Incoterms explained.
Clearing goods through customs is administrative and detail-heavy. Whether you DIY or use a broker, know the fundamentals of HS, valuation, origin, and records to stay compliant.
What Does a Licensed Broker Do?
- Entry preparation & data transmission to CBSA/eManifest
- Obtains release and coordinates with carrier/warehouse
- Disburses duty & taxes to CBSA (then invoices you)
- Advises on HS, origin, valuation, OGDs, SIMA anti-dumping where applicable
- Post-entry actions (corrections, adjustments, appeals)
- Recordkeeping and compliance reviews
Common Brokerage Fees (Know Before You Import)
- Entry fee (per shipment)
- Disbursement/advancement fee (percent or flat) when the broker advances duty/tax
- EDI / transmission / eManifest charges
- Line items / HS lines beyond a base number
- Post-entry correction/appeal fees
- Bond/security administration (CARM surety)
- Storage/delay if documents are incomplete
Tip: Ask for an all-in landed cost template that shows broker fees, carrier disbursements, and typical CBSA amounts so finance can budget accurately.
How to Choose a Canadian Customs Broker
- Do you support CARM onboarding and importer surety bond setup?
- What is your HS classification process & escalation path?
- Turnaround times by mode (express, air, ocean) and after-hours/holiday coverage?
- How do you handle post-entry corrections and audits?
- Fee schedule: entry, lines, disbursement, post-entry, storage, special services.
- Experience with my commodity/OGDs (e.g., Health Canada, CFIA)?
- Reporting dashboards & data exports for landed-cost analytics?
Finding candidates: Browse the CBSA list of licensed brokers and industry directories. Large multinational brokers suit high volume; boutique brokers provide hands-on advisory. Location matters less—most brokers file at all Canadian ports.
CARM vs CERS: Imports and Exports
CARM (imports): Commercial importers should register in the CARM portal, delegate authority to their broker, and maintain financial security (surety bond or cash deposit).
CERS (exports): Shipments from Canada valued above CAD $2,000 (or controlled) typically require an export declaration. You can file yourself or authorize your broker/forwarder to file. See: Export declaration (B13A/CERS).
Should I Use UPS/FedEx/DHL Brokerage or My Own Broker?
For simple express shipments, carrier brokerage is convenient and often included (expect disbursement/advancement and other admin fees). Independent brokers add value when you need classification help, FTA origin reviews, post-entry corrections, or ocean/LTL coordination. Many importers use a mix—carrier brokerage for courier parcels and an independent broker for freight.
Know Before You Import
- Identify your goods and gather specs to determine the HS code. Learn HS codes
- Check duty rates & FTAs (CUSMA/USMCA, CPTPP, CUKTCA). Certificates of origin
- Declare correct value (transaction value) and add assists/royalties if required. Valuation guide
- Confirm paperwork (commercial invoice, COO/certification, permits)
- Get a BN/RM account and register in CARM
Content You Can Add Next (Optional)
- Broker comparison checklist PDF lead magnet (fees, SLAs, HS workflow).
- Landed cost calculator (duty, GST/HST, brokerage, disbursement).
- Case studies (post-entry correction wins, AMPS avoidance).
- Industry mini-guides (apparel with SIMA risks, food with CFIA, electronics with NRCan).
FAQs: Canadian Customs Brokers & Import Basics
Do I have to use a customs broker in Canada?
No. You can self-clear or use carrier brokerage for express parcels. Many importers appoint an independent broker for freight and complex entries.
What does a customs broker actually do?
Prepares and transmits entries, obtains release, advances duty/taxes, advises on HS/origin/valuation, and handles post-entry corrections and audits.
Will using a broker make me fully compliant?
A broker helps you comply, but the importer of record remains legally responsible for declarations, payment, and records.
What’s the difference between carrier brokerage and an independent broker?
Carrier brokerage is convenient for express parcels; independent brokers provide deeper advisory, scalability, and post-entry work—use both where each fits.
How are brokerage fees structured?
Expect an entry fee, line/HS charges, EDI/transmission, disbursement/advancement fees, and charges for post-entry work or storage delays.
Do I need a bond under CARM?
Importers typically maintain financial security (surety bond or cash deposit) in the CARM portal to participate in Release Prior to Payment.
Do I need a broker for a CERS export declaration?
No. You can file yourself for exports ≥ CAD $2,000 (or controlled). Many forwarders/brokers can file on your behalf as part of the shipment.
What documents do I need to import?
Commercial invoice with HS codes, value, and origin; any applicable permits; and—if claiming an FTA—an origin certification. Keep complete records.
Disclaimer: The information in this article and all Jet Worldwide content is for general guidance only. Always confirm requirements with your customs broker, carrier, and relevant authorities.
