General Information About Exporting to Canada

The following is intended as an information tool only.

 » Non-Resident Importer (NRI) Program
 » NAFTA in Brief
 » Customs Clearance Documentation
 » Downloads

The Non-Resident Importer (NRI) Program

When exporting to Canada, U.S. companies should consider the Non-Resident Importer Program. This program provides a very effective solution for U.S. companies who would like to sell goods to Canada on a delivered basis or are trying to gain a marketing advantage when selling to Canada.

Introduction to the Non-Resident Importer Program [Presented in Flash]

Non-Resident Importer Program Tutorial [Presented in Flash]

A & A Contract Customs Brokers Ltd.® is a leader in the industry in meeting the needs of Non-Resident Importers. With our own team of NRI Specialists we can develop a program to support your current needs.

[ Top ]

NAFTA In Brief

As a result of the North American Free trade Agreement, your shipments destined for the Canadian market may qualify for preferential duty rates. In fact, as of January 1, 1998 all goods traded between the U.S. and Canada that qualify under the NAFTA rules of origin will be duty free.

A qualified NAFTA Certificate of Origin will ensure that the reduced rates on the qualifying product(s) will be applied ultimately reducing the delivered price of your product(s).

Notes:
For shipments valued at more than $1600.00 Canadian dollars, a fully completed NAFTA Certificate will be required.

For shipments valued at less than $1600.00 Canadian dollars, a fully completed NAFTA Certificate can be used or you have the option of including a NAFTA statement on your invoice.

Tip:
A blanket NAFTA Certificate of Origin, valid for one year, can be completed and kept on file for goods frequently imported into Canada. A blanket NAFTA Certificate of Origin eliminates the need to provide a certificate with each shipment.

[ Top ]

Customs Clearance Documentation

All exports to Canada require specific information for clearance through Canada Customs. The Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) is the most common form utilized. When completed by a shipper this form contains all of the information required. This form is all that is required to release your shipments through Canada Customs (a NAFTA Certificate can be prepared for each shipment or a blanket certificate can be prepared and kept on file by the importer or his Customs Broker, see NAFTA in Brief).

Your commercial (sales) invoice can be used in lieu of a Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) provided the required data elements are included. This will eliminate the need to create additional documentation when shipping to Canada. The general information required is:

• Vendor and purchaser (name and address)
• Importer of record
• Full description
• Country of origin
• Quantity (packages and weight)
• Value (unit price and extension)
• Currency of Settlement (U.S. or Canadian dollars)
• Condition of Sale

[ Top ]

Downloads

The following forms are available for download in Adobe PDF format. These forms can be viewed and printed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Canadian NAFTA Certificate of Origin [PDF]

Canadian Customs Invoice [PDF]

Customs Invoice Management System
Use our system to track vendors, products, orders and print, email, or share
invoices online.

[ Top ]