Blog Posts

Importing goods into the United States isn't exactly a cut-and-dry process. There are many elements to consider when importing into the USA, from the type of product you want to import to the country of origin.

The new SWI landscape

The Single Window Initiative means several changes for importers:

We’ve shared with you why to choose a customs broker, but when is the best time to seek the professional support of a customs broker to avoid delays and penalties? We sat down with Jey Sanmuganathan, Cole’s Western Regional Manager of Customs in Canada for a little Q&A to learn more.

The unfavourable exchange rates for Canadians may have you thinking it doesn't make sense to buy a vehicle and have it imported into Canada. However, there are still some scenarios where consumers buy a car in the United States and import it into Canada.

Canada Border Services Agency prioritizes certain industries and products for audits to ensure ongoing compliance. The Agency keeps their verification priority list current on their website. Cole’s Audit Response Team also keeps track of trends we see in CBSA verifications, which we share with you regularly so you can feel secure about your customs compliance.

Dealing with Canadian customs as an importer/exporter isn't always easy. The process requires a business to have a deep understanding of several things, such as the duty rates, import fees, the import/export process, and so much more.

In 2018, Canadian importing topped US$450 billion worth of goods from foreign suppliers. Compared to 2014, this was a slight slowdown, but compared to 2017, Canadian importing is up over 6%, according to World's Top Exports.

Tariff classification can be confusing—even for the experts! But getting your classification right is a crucial aspect of any import/export business.

Traditional perceptions of customs and border agencies evokes an Us vs. Them dynamic. Border agencies are seen as suspicious gatekeepers looking for problems.

The new SWI landscape

The Single Window Initiative means several changes for importers: