Responsibilities Vary for Canadian Customs Compliance

When shipping to Canada, the shipper/exporter and the carrier have different responsibilities, and it’s important to understand the role of each one.

In the most simplistic terms, the carrier is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of goods from the shipper to the consignee.

Canadian Customs Compliance Shipper Responsibility

To ensure Canadian customs compliance, the shipper is responsible for providing:

  • Bill of Lading

  • Commercial Invoice if value is less than $1,600.00 CAN

  • Canadian Customs Invoice for goods valued over $1,600.00 CAN

  • NAFTA Certificate of Origin for freight manufactured in the U.S., Canada or Mexico

The carrier must have authority for their equipment to run in the country and have drivers legally able to enter and drive. And the crossing carrier is ultimately responsible for the manifest being filed accurately and in a timely manner to ensure the goods shipping to Canada are not halted at the border, causing delays.

Carriers with years of experience can establish relationships and systems to ensure the smooth movement of cross-border freight and full Canadian customs compliance — many times clearing customs before even arriving at the border.

And, for even the most experienced shipper, the carrier should be there to help navigate the cross-border maze with knowledgeable advice and insight.

Still Have Compliance Questions?

To learn more about Canadian services provided by ArcBest® carrier ABF Freight, watch this video featuring some of our Canada employees.