Post-entry reviews
CBSA can review classification, value and origin years later, and records must be kept for six years.
Canada is a fast-growing market for cloud, AI, and data center investment, and its businesses need a steady flow of IT equipment. Importing to Canada requires a Business Number with an import-export account, active registration in the CBSA's CARM portal, and ISED certification for radio devices. Canada checks every shipment you import against these records. One missed step can lead to delays or penalties. Tradewise acts as your importer of record in Canada and manages the filings for you.
MontrealUSAEuropeGulfTrade lanes from Canada to the USA, Europe and Gulf
Every commercial importer must be active in CARM before goods reach the Canadian border.
CARM, the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system, became the official system for assessing and collecting duties and taxes in October 2024.
Importers need a Business Number (BN) with an import-export (RM) account, a CARM Client Portal account and financial security to use Release Prior to Payment. Errors in CARM can lead to delays, fines and denied releases.
Exporter Held Compliance, With Tradewise as IOR
First, you share your invoice, product details and certificates. Then, you name Tradewise as the entity legally responsible for importing your goods. Once this is set up, all future shipments follow the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in Canada, including CARM.
Ask about CARM setupCanada spotlight
Every Canada shipment follows this path when Tradewise is your importer of record.
ISED and origin records are matched to each product.
We file the release and accounting data through CARM with the right tariff codes.
Customs duty, GST and any provincial taxes.
CBSA checks are completed, then the goods are released.
What Canadian Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released
The Canada Border Services Agency handles all imports. The duty is based on the tariff classification and where each item comes from. Many information technology products come in with 0% duty because of the WTO Information Technology Agreement. Goods that qualify under CUSMA can also enter duty-free. GST of 5% is then charged, and HST of up to 15% applies in some provinces. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to Canada? Start with these four checks.
Before you ship
Tradewise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.
North America region
American customs authorities check data before cargo arrives. Port delays occur when a single document is missing or does not match. That is where Tradewise steps in to help. Our specialists check certificates of origin records and classification before shipment leaves, keeping Canada import customs clearance on schedule.
These five issues slow down most shipments.
CBSA can review classification, value and origin years later, and records must be kept for six years.
Surtaxes and SIMA anti-dumping duties can apply. Check origin before every order.
Some encrypted technology needs permits from Global Affairs Canada.
If you write a price on your paperwork that is lower than what your goods are actually worth, customs will notice.
A foreign company importing in its own name carries full audit risk.
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Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Canada.
Tradewise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services in Canada help you import IT equipment to Canada without holds or delays.
IORWe confirm ISED records and keep CARM security active, so every release is ready on time.
ISED and CARMOur team values your goods from the start to avoid costly reassessments.
ValuationThese are the Canada import regulations for IT equipment, the rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in Canada? If you have no Canadian entity. A foreign company has the option to register as a non-resident importer, but when it does so, it takes on full legal responsibility. Tradewise can take that role instead.
Most Important for Tech Imports
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada certifies radio equipment. Sets ICES-003 rules for digital devices. Tradewise checks ISED status before shipping to speed up Canada import customs clearance.
The Canada Border Services Agency handles imports and exports. It collects duty and GST, operates CARM, and enforces AMPS penalties.
A non-resident importer (NRI) is a foreign company that imports without a Canadian entity. It needs a BN, a CARM account and must meet every CBSA rule.
Natural Resources Canada sets energy efficiency rules for some energy-using products.
Canada is one of the trading nations in the world. It plays a role in North American supply chains. Major seaports include Vancouver, Montreal and Prince Rupert.
The top trading partners of Canada are the United States, China, Mexico and Japan. These countries trade heavily with Canada, and the relationships support a range of industries and economic activities.
CARM rules bring challenges because of origin-based surtaxes and bilingual labeling. With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient and cost-effective. CARM rules still apply. Shipments will remain compliant, efficient and cost‑effective whether you import tech goods or export dual‑use products.
Public holidays can delay shipping deadlines and slow down ports.
1 July
A national holiday with fewer customs staff.
Second Monday of October
A national holiday across most provinces.
25 and 26 December
Holiday closures can delay clearance.
Every Week
The weekend in Canada. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.
Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that, we will send you a quote with every cost listed.
Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com
Phone+971 50 713 0614
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