---
title: Want money back from the CBSA? Here are 5 great opportunities 
description: " Ready to get money back from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)? The two most common ways are: Duty drawbacks, and Duty refunds. Duty drawback and duty refund opportunities result from a number of factors."
image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Money_42396792_s.jpg
---

<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://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
                            - [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://ciucalwebtracker.wisegrid.net/Login/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fDefault.aspx)
                            - [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

# Want money back from the CBSA? Here are 5 great opportunities

 Published: March 30,2022

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

<iframe id="vp1Oa0DQ" style="margin: 10px auto 15px; display: block;" title="Video Player" xml="lang" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/embed.animoto.com/play.html?w=swf/production/vp1&amp;e=1646860346&amp;f=Oa0DQa3w05Zc0aXtmfU1FA&amp;d=0&amp;m=p&amp;r=360p+480p+720p+1080p&amp;volume=100&amp;start_res=1080p&amp;i=m&amp;asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&amp;animoto_domain=animoto.com&amp;options=" width="544" height="306" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ready to get money back from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)? The two most common ways are:

1. Duty drawbacks, and
2. Duty refunds.

Duty drawback and duty refund opportunities result from a number of factors. Let’s look into the details.

## **Duty drawbacks**

Duty drawbacks are available under two conditions:

1. The goods were imported and then exported in the same condition, e.g., Acme Motor Co. imports 100 engines, and then returns them, unused.
2. The goods are imported, further manufactured into a finished good, and then sold outside the country, e.g., Acme Motor Co. imports rubber and makes it into windshield wipers. The duty paid on the rubber could be refunded.

To apply for a drawback, you’ll need to complete the drawback forms and provide supporting information. 

## **Duty refunds![Money\_42396792\_s](https://blog.coleintl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Money_42396792_s.jpg?width=400&name=Money_42396792_s.jpg)**

Duty can be refunded because:

- The tariff classification was incorrect
- There is an undeclared duty-free end-use tariff code
- There was no Free Trade certificate used
- There’s a potential to lower the value declared to Customs (which would then lower the amount of duty owed)

Let’s dig in a little further to the duty refund side of things since they can involve several other areas or aspects of the import process.

### **Refunds due to tariff classification **

Refund opportunities related to tariff classifications show up in two different ways:

1. Sometimes, products are imported under the wrong tariff classification, and are therefore subject to a different duty rate.
2. In some cases, the courts or the CBSA may rule for changes to tariff classifications and you may not be aware of it. 

If you think one or more of these circumstances apply to your goods, you can apply for a ruling and prepare an argument for a different classification/rate.

Another tariff-related opportunity is from Finance Canada. They sometimes make a remission or end-use decision on certain tariff classifications where they lower or remove the duties on certain products. This situation doesn't usually mean a refund, however it may offer go forward savings.

Worth noting, tariff classification can be extremely complex. Most importers don’t have the deep knowledge to find these sorts of opportunities on their own.

A trade consultant is your best partner in this case.

- Trade consultants have the knowledge and experience to evaluate your tariff classifications and advise on potential refund opportunities.
- They can perform a thorough risk analysis review of your import files to identify opportunities.
- They have deep industry knowledge and are aware when the CBSA or courts change tariff classifications or issues remissions or end-use decisions.

### **Refunds due to Free Trade Agreements**

For otherwise dutiable goods, if you don't use a free trade certificate on goods eligible for preferential treatment, you’ll pay more duty than you need to. Likewise, if the certificate is incorrect or your goods don’t quality, you’ll be assessed more duties than expected.

Once again, a trade consultant is your best ally, able to alert you to preferential trade agreements that your goods may be eligible for, and advising you on what may cause your goods not to be eligible.

### **Valuation refund opportunities**

Valuation is an important one, which can either be a risk or an opportunity.

Even if your goods are duty-free, the CBSA requires importers to declare the correct value of those goods. 

- The risk is that if the value should have been higher, you could owe additional duty, GST, and interest on the underpaid amounts. 
- However, if the value can be lowered, it opens the opportunity for duty refunds.

## **How do I know if I qualify? **

The number-one best way to determine if you have potential refund or drawback opportunities, is to get a thorough risk analysis done by an experienced trade consultant.

Your consultant will pore through your import documentation to find unclaimed opportunities that can result in savings, refunds, or both. A trade consultant will also be current with any changes from Finance Canada and the CBSA. 

## **Your partner in trade**

Because the trade landscape is always changing, Cole’s Consulting team recommends an annual review or risk analysis to help you identify and mitigate errors, and maximize, to the extent possible, opportunities available to you.

Having a trade consultant in your corner can help keep your supply chain on track. With more than 60 years of experience, we are your most trusted partner in trade. 

#### Proactively serving our customers. It's what we do.

[![Contact us today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4433425/90133f45-92a3-4659-9970-aee7eb39bfac.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/90133f45-92a3-4659-9970-aee7eb39bfac)

[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

- <https://twitter.com/coleintl>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cole-international>
- <https://www.facebook.com/coleinternational/>
- <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oW_PP77Umw5r0X9OWpGmQ>
- <https://www.instagram.com/coleinternational/>

[![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" : "CDN Customs Consulting Dept. - Cole International",
    "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/author/cdn-customs-consulting-dept-cole-international"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2022-03-30T14:45:01.886Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-03-30T14:45:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Want money back from the CBSA? Here are 5 great opportunities ",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/blog/want-money-back-from-the-cbsa-here-are-5-great-opportunities",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/cole_int_h_rgb-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Cole International Inc."
  }
}
```