Canada Overseas Online Purchase Customs Process (Customer Guide)

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 packages📦. Although the process may seem complicated at first🫨, 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 purchases🤝.

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