When purchasing goods from overseas and shipping them to Canada, there are several steps that customers need to undertake with Canadian Customs before they can receive their packagesš¦. Although the process may seem complicated at firstš«Ø, it is actually quite easy and straightforward. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide to help anyone who feels confused or unsure about how to navigate the Canadian customs clearance process for overseas online purchasesš¤.
1. Place an Order on an Overseas Online Store
- Complete the purchase and payment on the overseas online store.
- Confirm the seller provides complete product information (value, origin, detailed description) for customs declaration.
2. Shipping and Transportation
- The seller or logistics company ships the goods to Canada.
- During transit, the courier or postal service receives the export documentation and prepares to declare to Canadian Customs.
3. Canadian Customs Review
- Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reviews the shipment information to ensure compliance.
- Goods may be randomly inspected or physically checked to verify the declared product type and value.
4. Payment of Duties and Taxes
- If the product value exceeds the exemption threshold (usually CAD $20 or higher, depending on the case), duties and taxes such as GST, PST, or HST must be paid.
- The courier or postal service usually collects these fees on behalf of customs and may charge a clearance service fee.
5. Receive Payment Notification
- The courier or postal service notifies the recipient to pay duties, taxes, and clearance fees.
- The customer can pay upon notification to complete customs clearance.
6. Receive the Goods
- After payment, the courier or postal service delivers the goods to the customer.
- If payment is refused, the goods may be returned to the sender or require the customer to clear customs themselves.
7. For Unaccompanied Goods
- Customers have 40 days to apply for personal exemption declaration with CBSA by filling out Form BSF192.
- After declaration, present the clearance documents to the courier or postal service to receive the goods.
8. Apply for Tax Refund (If Applicable)
- If duties or taxes were overpaid, customers can apply for a refund by submitting Form B2G.
- Refund applications require supporting documents and must be mailed to the designated refund center.
Summary Table of Canada Overseas Online Purchase Customs Process
| Step |
Customer Action |
How to Proceed/Notes |
| 1. Place Order |
Confirm complete product information |
Confirm value, origin, and accurate description |
| 2. Shipping |
Wait for shipment |
Seller or logistics ships goods with customs info |
| 3. Customs Review |
No action needed |
CBSA reviews and may inspect goods |
| 4. Pay Duties & Taxes |
Receive payment notice and pay fees |
Courier/postal notifies and collects fees |
| 5. Receive Goods |
Collect goods after payment |
Goods delivered after payment |
| 6. Refuse Payment |
Choose to refuse and self-clear customs (optional) |
Goods returned or self-clearance required |
| 7. Unaccompanied Goods |
Fill Form BSF192 to declare exemption |
Declare within 40 days and present documents |
| 8. Tax Refund |
Fill Form B2G to apply for refund |
Submit documents to refund center |
