Recent Trade News
Statement On The Passing Of Glen Todd
Mar 29, 2022
General Strike At Port Of Montreal Set To Begin Next Week
Apr 23, 2021 CSCB
Regulation Update To Pet Foods From The US
Apr 09, 2021 CFIA
Minister Ng announces Canada is ratifying the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Mar 19, 2021 Global Affairs Canada
Importing Food Into Canada With A Safe Food For Canadians Licence
Mar 15, 2021 CFIA
Reminder: Importing food into Canada with a Safe Food for Canadians licence
Feb 17, 2021 CFIA
Safe Food For Canadians Licence Renewals
Jan 08, 2021 CFIA
Statement By Minister Ng On Canada’s Request For CUSMA Dispute Settlement Consultations With United States On Canadian Solar Products
Jan 07, 2021 Global Affairs Canada
Canada Announces Steps To Ensure Stability For Canada-United Kingdom Trade In Goods
Dec 22, 2020 Global Affairs Canada
Minister Ng Introduces Legislation In House Of Commons To Implement Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Dec 09, 2020 Global Affairs Canada
Implementation Of Chapters Of The Animal Products Import Policy Framework
Dec 02, 2020 CFIA
Canada Successfully Concludes Talks On Transitional Trade Continuity Agreement With The United Kingdom
Nov 21, 2020 Global Affairs Canada
Updated Requirements For Importing Organic Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Oct 02, 2020 CFIA
New And Temporary Import Requirements On Romaine Lettuce
Oct 02, 2020 CFIA
U.S. Backs Down On Aluminum Tariffs
Sep 16, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers
Canadian Tariffs On U.S. Products Coming Within Days
Sep 15, 2020 CSCB
Additional Organic Produce Import Requirements
Sep 10, 2020
Longshoremen Return To Work At The Port Of Montreal As Negotiations Continue
Aug 24, 2020
Port Of Montreal Labour Disruption – Vessel Options
Aug 19, 2020
72-Hour Strike From July 27 to 31 At Port Of Montreal
Aug 10, 2020
Canada Retaliates With New Surtaxes Imposed On Goods Imported From The U.S.
Aug 07, 2020
U.S. Imposes A 10% Duty On Canadian Aluminium Effective August 16th, 2020
Aug 06, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers
Reduced Inspection Frequencies For Meat Imported From Australia And New Zealand
Aug 04, 2020 CFIA
Reminder On SFCR Requirements For The Manufactured Food Sector
Jul 10, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers
Safe Food For Canadians Regulations (SFCR) Requirement For The Manufactured Food Commodities
Jun 29, 2020 CFIA
Read More News »
How Long Does It Take To Process a Canadian Customs Entry With ABC Customs Brokers?
ABC Customs Brokers Jun 09, 2016
Processing times are dependent on the completeness of documentation received, the complexity of the shipment and the amount of time required by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Other Government Departments (OGD) to provide accepted status. Although some shipments can be processed in a matter of minutes, others require more attention to detail. All shipments cleared by ABC Customs Brokers receive a high level of scrutiny in order to proactively work towards our client’s compliance record.
Standard Processing Times
Receipt and prioritization for processing = 30 minutes
Once shipment documentation is received, it will be placed in a queue based on the estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the specified port. This process can take a maximum of 30 minutes.
Review of documentation = 2 hours
It may take up to two hours to review each shipment to ensure that all necessary information and documentation required for entry into Canada has been received including:
Required Documents
- Canada customs or commercial invoice
- Certificate or permit required by participating government agencies (if applicable)
- Certificate for applicable free trade agreements (if applicable)
Required Invoice Information
- Vendor name and address
- Importer name and address
- Commodity description
- Country of manufacture
- Quantity and weight
- Value
- Condition of sale
- Currency of settlement
- Reference number
Required OGD Information
- These agencies require specific information and documentation depending on the department and shipment commodity.
Tip: Unsure if your shipment is subject to OGD review? Click here to check.
Entry processing of complete documentation = 30 minutes
Processing the shipment can commence once all required information and documentation is received. On average it takes 30 minutes to enter and transmit a shipment’s information to CBSA and applicable OGDs such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
CFIA review = 1 hour
If the shipment has goods regulated by the CFIA, processing times may increase by one hour.
CBSA review = 1 hour
Always allow up to one hour for CBSA to accept a shipment’s release request.
Top Reasons a Shipment is Not Accepted For Entry Within These Timelines
- Insufficient notice of shipment: Shipment documentation was provided less than 3 hours prior to arrival at the port of crossing and therefore not allowing the customs broker to succeed in obtaining an accepted status with CBSA.
- Missing documentation and/or information: If any information or documentation is missing, steps are taken to obtain it either through the importer of record (IOR) or the carrier. Missing information and or documentation will always result in delayed processing times.
- Highly complex entry: Some entries take longer to obtain accepted status due to their complexity and or amount of commodities listed on the invoice.
- Client account matter in pending status: Accounts are required to be in good standing in order for the customs broker to adequately work on the importer’s behalf. For example, if the customs broker is awaiting receipt of a signed Power of Attorney (POA), they are unable to process the entry until its receipt, regardless of having received complete shipment documentation.
Minimum Documentation Submission Times
Considering the timelines noted above, it is highly recommended that carriers submit shipment documentation utilizing the following guidelines:
Shipment Contains Goods not regulated by OGDs OGD regulated goods CFIA regulated goods |
Time Required Prior to Port Arrival 3 hours 4 hours 5 hours |
Tip: Further steps can be taken by the carrier to ensure efficient border crossing. Click here for additional steps.
ABC Customs Brokers understands the many variables that can change anticipated timelines. Every effort is made to ensure accepted status is obtained from CBSA prior to the carrier’s estimated time of arrival at the port of crossing despite the amount of time available to clear the shipment.
How To Check The Status of Your Shipment
It is recommended that carriers check the status of their shipments into Canada at least one hour prior to arrival at the port in order to mitigate delays. Carriers can check the status of the release with ABC Customs Brokers in any of the following ways:
Available from any device with an internet connection via our homepage abccustoms.com Sign up to receive a text the moment your shipment is accepted (phone us to subscribe to this service) Available to you 24/7, 365 day a year |