3 things Canadian importers must get right for a CBSA verification
The CBSA monitors whether commercial goods are trade-compliant by conducting targeted verifications and publishing verification priorities on a regular basis.
A CBSA verification is one of the post-release compliance tools used by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Through its trade compliance program, the CBSA conducts verifications to confirm that imported goods are properly accounted for and meet Canadian customs requirements.
A verification can directly affect your duties and taxes, trigger reassessments with interest, and result in Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) penalties.
In this article, we break down the three key areas every Canadian importer must get right in a CBSA verification.
What triggers a CBSA verification
Verifications are often targeted, and the CBSA uses a risk-based approach to identify trade compliance areas for verification.
The CBSA publishes and regularly updates its trade compliance verification priorities list to inform importers about goods, industries, and compliance issues under review.
These priorities primarily focus on tariff classification, valuation, and origin.
If your goods are listed, your shipments may be selected for verification.
However, the priorities list is not the only basis for selection. The CBSA can update its priorities during the year as risks change.
3 things to get right for a CBSA verification
1) Tariff classification
Tariff classification is the process of determining the correct HS code and Canadian tariff item for your imported goods.
It establishes the applicable duty rate and can affect the tariff treatment that applies.
During a classification-focused verification, the CBSA assesses whether the tariff classification declared at accounting is supported by the goods and the documentation on record.
If the declared tariff classification is incorrect, additional duties and taxes, interest, and AMPS penalties may apply.
2) Valuation
Valuation determines the value for duty declared for your goods.
In most cases, the value for duty is based on the transaction value method, which is usually the price paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Canada.
The declared value for duty directly affects the duties and taxes payable at import.
During a valuation-focused verification, the CBSA assesses if the value for duty is correct and whether all required adjustments were properly declared.
If the declared value for duty is incorrect, additional duties and taxes, interest, and AMPS penalties may apply.
3) Origin
Origin determines the country in which goods are considered produced for customs purposes.
It affects the applicable tariff treatment and whether goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under free trade agreements.
When claiming preferential tariff treatment, you must meet the applicable rules of origin and have the required proof of origin at the time the claim is made.
During an origin-focused verification, the CBSA assesses whether the declared origin and any preferential tariff claim are supported by proper documentation.
If goods do not meet the rule of origin or the required proof is unavailable, the CBSA may reassess duties at the applicable non-preferential tariff rate, apply interest, and assess AMPS penalties where applicable.
How we can help
At Cole International, we offer trade consulting and customs brokerage services to help Canadian businesses strengthen their compliance controls and prepare for CBSA verifications.
Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss the tariff classification, valuation, and origin of your goods before a CBSA verification puts them to the test.
Customs Brokerage. It's what we do.
