--- title: 7 critical import tax and duty mistakes importers must avoid description: Discover the most common tax and tariff mistakes importers make when bringing goods into Canada, and learn how to avoid costly penalties. image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Blog%20pictures/7%20critical%20mistakes%20feature%20image.jpg --- - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal) - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://www-ciucal.wisegrid.net/Portals/NEO/Desktop#/login) - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/) - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations) - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals) - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping) - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping) - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements) - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - Français - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools) [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) [![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cole_int_h_rgb.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/) - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Aerospace](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/aerospace) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://clients.cole.ca/onlineportal) - [U.S. Brokerage Customers](https://www-ciucal.wisegrid.net/Portals/NEO/Desktop#/login) - [Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - - - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - - [Knowledge Hub](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub) - [FAQs & Lingo](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Downloadable Guides](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/knowledge-hub/downloadable-guides/) - [Import Foundations](https://blog.coleintl.com/import-foundations) - [Freight Fundamentals](https://blog.coleintl.com/freight-fundamentals) - - - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) - - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [Trade News](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Importing into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [CBSA/CARM Importer Requirements](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [Importing into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/u-s-customs-brokerage) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [Shipping by Ground](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ground-shipping) - [Shipping by Ocean](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/ocean-shipping) - [Shipping by Air](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/air-shipping) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/customs-compliance) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/free-trade-agreements) - [Audit & Verification Support](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [Large Scale Project Moves](https://www.coleintl.com/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Videos: Tips & Tricks](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) - [Home](https://www.coleintl.com/) - [About](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [About Cole](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Mission, Vision and Values](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/mission-vision-and-values) - [Our History](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/history) - [Culture of Caring](https://www.coleintl.com/about/about-cole/culture-of-caring) - [Careers](https://www.coleintl.com/careers) - [Industries](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries) - [Oil & Gas](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/oil-gas) - [Automotive](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/automotive) - [Retail](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/retail) - [Agriculture](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/agriculture) - [High Tech](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/high-tech) - [eCommerce](https://www.coleintl.com/about/industries/ecommerce) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - [Custom Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage) - [Canadian Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage) - [Cross-border Imports from U.S. into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-u-s-into-canada) - [Canadian Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/canadian-imports-by-ocean-or-air) - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [U.S. Customs Brokerage](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage) - [Cross-border Imports from Canada into the U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/cross-border-imports-from-canada-into-the-u-s) - [U.S. Imports by Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/u-s-customs-brokerage/u-s-imports-by-ocean-or-air) - [Free Trade Agreements](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/free-trade-agreements) - Importing Vehicles - [Into Canada](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-canada) - [Into U.S.](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/importing-vehicles/importing-vehicles-into-u-s) - [Non-Resident Importers (NRI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/non-resident-importers) - [Fulfillment By Amazon](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/fulfillment-by-amazon) - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding) - [International Ocean/Air](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/international-ocean-air) - [Cross-border/Domestic Freight](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/cross-border-domestic-freight) - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/freight-forwarding/project-logistics-management) - [Trade Consulting](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting) - [Canadian Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/canadian-customs-compliance) - [Audit Response Unit (ARU)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/audit-response-unit-aru) - [U.S. Customs & Compliance](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/us-customs-compliance) - [Project Logistics Management](https://www.coleintl.com/services/trade-consulting/project-logistics-management) - [Tools & Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [CDN Brokerage Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/onlineportal/) - [U.S. Brokerage & Freight Customers](https://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx) - [CDN Consulting Customers](https://www5.cole.ca/complianceportal/home.do) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Canadian Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms) - [Canadian Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-export-forms) - [Canadian Free Trade Certificates](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-free-trade-certificates) - [U.S. Import Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-import-forms) - [U.S. Export Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/us-export-forms) - [Shipping Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools) - [Dimensional Weight Calculator](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/dimensional-weight-calculator) - [Currency Converter](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/currency-converter) - [Border Wait Times (Canada)](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html) - [International Commercial Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms) - [Wood Packaging Regulations](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/shipping-tools/wood-packaging-regulations) - [Border Wait Times (U.S.)](https://bwt.cbp.gov/) - [FAQ](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq) - [Learn More](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/learn-more) - [Overall Service Brochure](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/faq/overall-service-brochure) - [Services](https://www.coleintl.com/services) - [Resources](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources) - [Single Window Initiative (SWI)](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/single-window-initiative-swi) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Incoterms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/incoterms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Cole Blog](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) - [CDN Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/cdn-trade-news) - [U.S. Trade News](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected/usa-trade-news) - [eCommunications](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Client Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [CARM](https://www.coleintl.com/services/custom-brokerage/canadian-customs-brokerage/carm) - [eManifest](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/resources/emanifest) - [Forms](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms) - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options) - [Online Portal](https://www.coleintl.com/portal-login) - [Stay Connected](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/stay-connected) - [Request Info](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) - [Carrier Tools](https://www.coleintl.com/carrier-tools) - [Contact Us](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us) - [Get a Quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) - [Français](https://www.coleintl.com/services#) × ### Request Info # 7 critical import tax and duty mistakes importers must avoid Published: December 11,2024 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) 7 critical import tax and duty mistakes importers must avoid 4:31 Importing goods into Canada involves a variety of taxes and tariffs. Businesses that commit an import tax mistake can experience significant disruptions and financial consequences. Staying informed can help importers avoid customs duty mistakes. Common tax and tariff-related mistakes that importers encounter range from misvaluing goods to applying the wrong tariff codes. Understanding these issues is essential for ensuring accurate tax payments, avoiding penalties, and maintaining compliance with customs regulations. ## 1. Incorrect declaration of goods It’s a good idea to double-check your declaration of goods to ensure that it meets customs requirements. Errors in declarations include problems such as incomplete product information or misclassification of imports. Properly declaring imported goods is critical to avoid AMPs and delays and ensure that the appropriate duty and tax rates are applied to the product. Failing to declare goods correctly can also result in them being seized at the Canadian border. ![7 critical mistakes inside image](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog%20pictures/7%20critical%20mistakes%20inside%20image.jpg?width=400&height=267&name=7%20critical%20mistakes%20inside%20image.jpg) ## 2. Lack of product description on imported goods Customs brokers rely on product descriptions to help apply the correct regulations and accurately classify goods. Canadian customs authorities depend on detailed product descriptions to conduct risk assessments. Importers should provide precise, detailed descriptions that provide detail to outline what the goods are, their purpose, and the materials that they’re composed of. Detailed [product descriptions](https://www.coleintl.com/tools-resources/forms/canadian-import-forms/) will help to facilitate smoother customs clearance while reducing the likelihood of customs disputes. ## 3. Assigning an incorrect harmonized tariff classification number Using an incorrect [Harmonized System (HS) number](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/tariff-classification-basics) can lead to inaccurate duty rates, delays in customs clearance, and potential penalties. Tariff codes determine the duty rates applied to goods, so even a small error can create significant financial consequences. Importers must ensure that they use accurate tariff codes. If uncertain, it’s worth consulting with a customs broker to ensure accuracy. ## 4. Misvaluation of imported goods An incorrect valuation of goods can lead to a significant overpayment or underpayment of import taxes and duties. Misvaluing goods can also result in significant penalties and Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) against an importer, regardless of whether the misvaluation was accidental or not. ## 5. Omitting items from the total landed cost Importers must ensure that all price components are considered in their valuation of goods to ensure accuracy. The total landed cost includes more than the cost of the goods themselves. Shipping, insurance, added value, and any applicable duties and taxes must be priced in. Importers should ensure they have a full understanding of all costs involved in importing their goods to Canada. Failure to do so can result in unexpected expenses. ## 6. Accidentally applying outdated tax rates Tariffs and tax rates can change relatively quickly, including GST, PST, and HST. Importers must ensure that their systems are adjusted to the latest duty and tax rates. Customs officials and brokers typically have up-to-date rates on their systems, so working with your customs broker is a great way to avoid errors. Staying updated on current tax rates is essential, so make sure to regularly review and update tax rates in your accounting and customs processes. ## 7. Fluctuating tax rates for identical or similar products Different provinces in Canada have varying tax rates, and these can fluctuate for identical or similar products. Failing to account for these differences can result in underpayment or overpayment of taxes. Commercial importers must self-assess to determine the appropriate rate for the goods they import as part of their commercial activity. Importers should stay informed about the specific tax rates in the regions where their goods will be sold and ensure that they apply the correct rates for each jurisdiction. ## Get the details right with an experienced broker Cole International has more than a half-century of experience with companies operating across Canada and the U.S. [Let an experienced professional broker handle crucial details and deliver insight into import tariffs and regulations. Reach out and connect](https://info.coleintl.com/customs-brokerage-question-3) with one of our customs leaders today. #### Guiding our Customers. It's what we do. [![Get in touch now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/4a0c074f-8519-4ec1-8f83-663446ae2048.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/4a0c074f-8519-4ec1-8f83-663446ae2048) [Back to blog list](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog) [![Sign-Up | Cole Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/af258771-f192-4291-ac1c-682ec2fd4fc1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/af258771-f192-4291-ac1c-682ec2fd4fc1) ### Latest Articles - [Chinese holidays that disrupt shipping from China every year](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/chinese-holidays-that-disrupt-shipping-from-china-every-year) - [13 strategies to reduce your transportation costs](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/13-strategies-to-reduce-your-transportation-costs) - [4 mistakes to avoid when declaring value for duty](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-declaring-value-for-duty) - [Why 'reason to believe' catches Canadian importers off guard](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/why-reason-to-believe-catches-canadian-importers-off-guard) - [When and how to change a customs entry after import](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/when-and-how-to-change-a-customs-entry-after-import) ### Archive - [April 2026 (4)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/04) - [March 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/03) - [February 2026 (6)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/02) - [January 2026 (5)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025 (3)](https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/archive/2025/12) [Connect with us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international) [Follow us on X](https://twitter.com/coleintl) [Like us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/) [Subscribe to our YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ) [Get a quote](https://www.coleintl.com/get-a-quote) [![cole](https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cole-logo-horizontal-white.svg "cole")](https://www.coleintl.com/) Cole International is a logistics solutions provider offering a full spectrum of services from customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing and trade consulting. #### Contact us today - [Phone: 403-262-2771](tel:4032622771) - [Toll Free: 1-800-313-4281](tel:18003134281) - Fax: 403-262-7301 - Accounting Fax: 403-262-8039 #### Corporate office 1111 49 Avenue NE Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 8V2 P.O. Box 2718, Station M Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 3C2 #### Stay connected - - - - - [![Image](https://coleintl.b-cdn.net/uploads/2025/10/02/mullen-group-white-logo-cropped.svg)](https://www.mullen-group.com/) Cole International Inc. is a subsidiary of Mullen Group Ltd. [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/ciffa-logo.png?width=106&height=30&name=ciffa-logo.png)](https://ciffa.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/FIATA-Logo.png?width=54&height=50&name=FIATA-Logo.png)](http://fiata.com/) [![ciffa](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/ncbfaa-logo.png?width=154&height=36&name=ncbfaa-logo.png)](https://www.ncbfaa.org/) [![marco polo line](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/marco-polo-line-logo.png?width=136&height=58&name=marco-polo-line-logo.png)](https://www.marcopololine.com/) [![cscb](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/WcTest_August2021/images/cscb-logo.png?width=85&height=36&name=cscb-logo.png)](https://cscb.ca/) © 2026 Cole International. All Rights Reserved. - [Payment Options](https://www.coleintl.com/payment-options.php) - [Legal](https://www.coleintl.com/legal.php) - [Service Terms](https://www.coleintl.com/service-terms.php) - [Accessibility](https://www.coleintl.com/services.php#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Customs Consulting Department", "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/author/customs-consulting-department" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-11T12:00:00.387Z", "datePublished" : "2024-12-11T12:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "7 critical import tax and duty mistakes importers must avoid", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/7-critical-import-tax-mistakes-to-avoid", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/cole_int_h_rgb-1.png" }, "name" : "Cole International Inc." } } ```