We’ve had a lot of feedback on our consumer story about brokerage fees.
One viewer wants to point out that people can “self declare” an item shipped from the U.S. to Canada and avoid paying them.
Here is the information he was sent by the Canada Border Service Agency.
If you choose to ship the item to Canada via courier, you have the option of refusing the brokerage services offered by the courier company, choosing instead to clear the goods yourself at the local CBSA office.
If you choose to self-clear, there are two options available to you.
To self clear, you must have some information from the courier company.
Get daily National news
You need the shipment “unique identifier number” which is the number the courier company assigns each shipment.
Also, the courier must advise how you can provide them the proof you paid the CBSA duty and taxes.
Option one is, prior to receiving your shipment, you contact the courier company and inform them of your wish to “self-clear” any shipments.
The company will explain their procedures to you.
Option two is, when the courier delivers the shipment to you, you refuse delivery and advise the courier of your intention to self-clear.
You must record the ‘unique shipment identifier number’.
-
![]()
Business Matters: Iran war spikes oil prices, G7 ministers to meet about releasing strategic reserves -
![]()
Food costs could start climbing as impact of war in Middle East begins to be felt elsewhere -
![]()
Kelowna charity calling for provincial action on crime after devastating break-in -
![]()
Concerns over mental health supports at Vernon hospital
The shipment will be returned to the courier’s warehouse to await your clearance.
With either option, you must go to the local CBSA office to account for the goods.
You provide the courier’s name, the unique shipment identifier number, and an invoice from the exporter that clearly gives a description of the goods and give the value.
When you have paid the applicable duties and/or taxes to the CBSA, you will be given a receipt indicating that the goods have been accounted for.
The courier company must have a copy of this receipt before they release the goods.
Here is a link and number for information.
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sme-pme/i-guide-eng.html.
1-800-461-9999
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.