Canada Customs — Freight Guide
A practical overview of what you need to know when importing freight into Canada — documentation, procedures, and common pitfalls.
Note: RRA Trucking Ltd. is not a licensed customs broker. This guide is for informational purposes. We work alongside your customs broker to ensure the carrier side of every shipment is compliant and properly documented.
Required Documentation
Commercial Invoice
Required for all commercial imports. Must include shipper/consignee details, description of goods, country of origin, HS codes, value, and currency.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
The carrier's contract of carriage. Must be complete and accurate with all shipment details matching the invoice and customs documents.
Packing List
Itemized list of all goods in the shipment — quantities, weights, dimensions, and packaging details.
Certificate of Origin
Required for goods claiming preferential tariff treatment under CUSMA/USMCA. Declares the country of manufacture.
CBSA Advance Commercial Information (ACI)
Electronic pre-arrival reporting required for truck shipments entering Canada. Must be filed before arrival at the border.
B3 Canada Customs Coding Form
Formal entry document completed by a licensed customs broker for commercial imports above the de minimis threshold.
Common Delays — and How to Avoid Them
⚠ Missing or incorrect HS codes
Work with your customs broker to verify HS codes before shipping. Errors trigger delays and potential reassessment.
⚠ Invoice value discrepancies
The invoice value must reflect the actual transaction value. Undervaluing goods is a serious compliance issue.
⚠ Late ACI filing
ACI must be filed before arrival. RRA Trucking pre-plans all cross-border moves to ensure filing is complete in advance.
⚠ Missing Certificate of Origin for CUSMA/USMCA claims
If your goods qualify for preferential treatment, have the certificate ready before the shipment departs.