Ship confidently to the U.S. and internationally
Navigate customs clearance without worries
Trade and compliance expertise
Stay compliant with help from Purolator’s trade compliance specialists.
Integrated customs brokerage
Get end-to-end support from Livingston International—North America’s leading customs broker.
Global supply chain support
Ship to over 210 countries with Purolator’s global supply chain expertise.
Consolidation strategies
Manage tariffs with expert-led customs consolidation.
Trade and compliance expertise
Stay compliant with help from Purolator’s trade compliance specialists.
Integrated customs brokerage
Get end-to-end support from Livingston International—North America’s leading customs broker.
Global supply chain support
Ship to over 210 countries with Purolator’s global supply chain expertise.
Consolidation strategies
Manage tariffs with expert-led customs consolidation.
Customs forms and documentation for cross-border shipping
Purolator Trade Assistant
Access customs forms and documentation in one place with our Purolator Trade Assistant.
Declaration for Free Entry
Import personal and household goods into the U.S. duty-free with Form 3299.
Canada-U.S.-Mexico (CUSMA) Certificate of Origin
When exporting or importing goods in North America, the CUSMA certificate helps shipments qualify for reduced or no duties.
Digital Commercial Invoice
A digital commercial invoice is a mandatory customs form for international shipments.
Master Carrier Authority Form
Authorize your chosen customs broker by submitting the Master Carrier Authority Form.
FDA Form 2877–Imported Electronics Subject to Radiation Control Standards
Form 2877 is mandatory when importing electronic products subject to the U.S. Federal Radiation Control Standards.
Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Form
If you’re importing chemical substances into the U.S., the TSCA Form is required.
Import and export solutions for U.S. and international shipping
Find everything you need for seamless shipping across the U.S., Mexico and other international destinations.
Stay compliant with evolving customs changes
With the end of the Section 321 de minimis exemption, rely on Purolator’s consolidated customs brokerage strategies to manage per-shipment fees, support high-volume shipments and keep you compliant with a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Brokerage, duties and taxes
Ensure your shipments reach their destination on time. Get easy access to customs brokerage services, duty rates, harmonized tariff codes and essential import/export documentation.
Harmonized codes, duty rates and customs forms
Avoid delays at the U.S. and international borders by using the correct harmonized system (HS) codes, understanding current duty rates in Canada and submitting complete customs forms for your cross-border shipments.
Import customs and brokerage
Learn what’s required to import goods into Canada with no issues. From customs clearance procedures to choosing a customs broker, we’ve got the resources to help you stay compliant.
Duties and taxes
Expanding globally? Understand how import/export duties, tariff codes and harmonized system classifications impact your shipping costs and timelines.
Resources for cross-border shipping success
Purolator + Livingston: Expanded customs brokerage expertise
Unlock broader customs support through Purolator’s acquisition of Livingston International—your gateway to expert global trade compliance.
- Access deeper regulatory expertise across the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia
- Benefit from an expanded network of trusted customs brokers across
Streamline your global supply chain with Purolator
From cross-border freight to international logistics, our end-to-end solutions help your business move with confidence.
- Access less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL) and freight brokerage services between Canada, the U.S. and global markets
- Gain customs clearance support and full shipment visibility across your entire supply chain
Need help shipping between Canada, the U.S. or internationally?
Explore region-specific resources and tips to prepare your cross-border shipments with the right documentation and support.
Shipping from Canada to the U.S.
Get guidance on preparing customs documents like commercial invoices and CUSMA certificates for smooth delivery.
Shipping from the U.S. to Canada
Make sure your customs broker is properly registered and your documentation is complete before shipping north.
Overseas shipping into Canada
Review key customs requirements, including duty rates and import restrictions, for shipping from international origins.
Shipping to and from Mexico
Ensure compliance with CUSMA and local trade regulations when managing cross-border shipments with Mexico.
Shipping returns across the border
Simplify reverse logistics with Purolator’s cross-border returns solutions for U.S., Canadian and international shipments.
Additional customs and trade resources
Access helpful reference tools, regulatory agencies and trade agreements to support your cross-border shipping and customs clearance needs. Choose from the options below or contact us.
Other resources
Access key trade agreements and export reporting guidelines to help ensure customs compliance and accurate documentation.
Harmonized code reference
Look up tariff classifications using the U.S. HTS and Canada’s HS systems to avoid delays at customs.
United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
Canada Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS)
Canadian government agency resources
Find essential regulatory information and support from Canadian agencies involved in import, export and transportation oversight.
U.S. government agency resources
Explore trade, customs and compliance resources from U.S. federal agencies supporting international shipping and cross-border trade.
Frequently asked questions about customs clearance in Canada
Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to government authorities for legal entry into a country. It ensures proper duty and tax calculation, risk assessment and adherence to import/export regulations. Customs forms and broker services play a vital role in keeping this process efficient and compliant.
Clearance times vary depending on the accuracy of documentation, shipment volume and potential customs inspections. Delays can occur if HS codes are incorrect or forms are incomplete. Using tools like Purolator Trade Assistant helps minimize these risks.
Key documents for customs clearance include a commercial invoice, CUSMA Certificate of Origin (if shipping within North America) and the Master Carrier Authority Form. Each form supports compliance and faster processing at the border.
Complete a Master Carrier Authority form and submit it to Purolator to ensure that your designated customs broker is registered in order to prepare your import shipment for clearance. Your carrier is responsible for reporting goods to the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA).
Customers can choose their own customs broker to clear shipments coming into Canada regardless of mode.
All non-document shipments entering Canada will require a commercial invoice as the primary shipping document. Information gathered from the commercial invoice is compiled and sent to the CBSA electronically to enable determination of admissibility. The commercial invoice must provide the following details:
- The receiver’s name (Importer)
- The shipper’s name (Exporter)
- Quantity and unit of measure
- The estimated unit value of the goods in Canadian dollars (CDN)
- A detailed description of the goods
- The country of origin / manufacture of the goods
Additional documentation, such as certificates, permits and examinations may be required by other government departments depending on the nature of the shipment.
For more information, please contact your Account Executive or call us at 1 888 SHIP-123. To learn more about importing into Canada, visit the CBSA website.
A customs broker is typically required for business shipments, high volumes or complex goods. Purolator offers integrated brokerage services through our acquisition of Livingston International, helping you stay compliant and avoid delays.
Accurate calculation of duties and taxes requires a thorough knowledge of the HS Codes and Trade Agreements as it may affect the correct tariff charge and customs clearance of your shipment.
The following example depicts a calculation of duties and taxes applied to goods imported into Canada and valued at $200 USD. The goods are subject to a 4.2% duty rate and 6% GST. An exchange rate of 1.038 is used for the purpose of this example.
Value of the shipment =$200 USD (convert to Canadian currency at an exchange rate of 1.038)
The converted amount is the value for duty --$200 USD x 1.038 =$207.76 CAD
The value for duty multiplied by the rate of duty is the customs duty -- $207.76 CAD x 4.2% = $8.72 CAD
Value for duty + customs duty = Value for tax -- $216.48 CAD
Value for tax multiplied by the tax rate = Tax -- 216.48 CAD x 6% = $12.99 CAD
Duty and Tax payable = Tax + Duty -- $12.99 CAD + $8.72 = $21.71 CAD
When it comes to calculating duties and taxes for export shipments, a thorough knowledge of the HS Codes and Trade Agreements is required to determine the correct tariff treatment.
The following example depicts how duties and taxes may be calculated for an export shipment to an international point valued at $932 USD. The goods are subject to a 7% duty and an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT). In this case, the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) Value is used to calculate duties and taxes.
Please note that freight and insurance may be assumed values used by a destination customs authority, and all funds are in USD.
- Invoice Value $932
- Insurance Paid $16
- Freight Paid $52
Total CIF Value is the total Cost (invoice value in this example) + Insurance paid + Freight paid = $1,000
The amount of duty charged is the CIF Value multiplied by the rate of duty (7%) = $70 ($1,000 x 7%)
The value for tax is the total CIF + duty charge = $1,070
The VAT is the total CIF + duty charge multiplied by the VAT rate (18% in this example) = $192 ($1,070 x 18%)
Duties and taxes payable = Duty charge + VAT tax charge: $70.00 + 192.60 = $262.60
CIF + Duty + VAT = $1,262.60 = Total Landed Cost for the goods
Shippers in Canada will enjoy preferred customs clearance charges when they elect to pay the customs clearance charges for Purolator Express® U.S. and Purolator Express® Ground U.S. shipments to the U.S. that are cleared by Purolator’s default broker.
You’ll need a valid prescription, proof of citizenship or residency and must ship the medication in its original containers. A 90-day supply is the maximum allowed.
For support, contact your Account Executive or call 1 888 SHIP-123.
When shipping to the U.S. with the Purolator Ground® U.S. service, you have the option of selecting your own customs broker. The customs broker must be a licensed U.S. customs broker and be able to clear Purolator shipments moving through our delivery network. If a customs broker is not assigned on the commercial invoice or bill of lading, we will assign an approved customs broker on your behalf according to the Purolator Terms and Conditions of Service.
Note: Customers are not able to select an alternate customs broker for Purolator Express® U.S. and Purolator Express® International shipments as all customs clearance will be performed by Purolator’s designated broker.
For more information, please contact your Account Executive or call us at 1 888 SHIP-123.
Prior notice needs to be sent to the United States Food & Drug Administration that an article of food is being imported or offered for import into the U.S. in advance of the arrival of the article of food.
Upon receipt of prior notice, the FDA will issue a prior notice confirmation number. This must appear on the commercial invoice.
Prior notice is needed when shipping to or from a commercial address (such as a business). Gift packs only require a single prior notice rather than per commodity.
Prior notice is not required for:
- International shipments that are not leaving the port of arrival.
- Food that was made by an individual in his/her personal residence and sent by that individual as a personal gift (i.e., for non-business reasons) to an individual in the U.S.
Courier is best for smaller, time-sensitive shipments, while LTL or TL freight is ideal for larger or heavier loads. Purolator offers both services, with full customs support for each.
This form certifies that goods qualify for tariff relief under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. It must be filled out accurately by the exporter and supported by proper documentation.
Delays can be caused by missing documentation, unpaid duties or customs inspections. Start by checking your shipment’s tracking status and contacting Purolator for support. Visit our support page or call 1 888 SHIP-123.
Start shipping to Canada, the U.S. and internationally
Related Content
Shipping from Canada to the United States: Understanding the Customs Clearance Process
Navigating Canada–U.S. Trade: How Tariffs Are Reshaping Cross-Border Business
Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) and Cross-Border Customs Compliance – Are Your Shipments Affected?
More Business Offerings
*Offer for a fixed discount up to 50%, for one year; is available for a limited time only to customers that qualify to create a new Purolator business account and for certain shipments only both within Canada and for certain southbound international shipments, calculated on Purolator’s published list rates, available at purolator.com/rates and cannot be combined with other discounts.
