---
title: CBSA Announces New Duty Liability Rules for Importers of Record
description: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has updated and announced guidance on the duty liability for importers of record, which will take effect in 2026.
image: https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Trade%20News%20pictures/CAD%20Customs-3.png
---
- [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)
[](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
# CBSA Announces New Duty Liability Rules for Importers of Record
Trade Update: October 25,2024
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
CBSA Announces New Duty Liability Rules for Importers of Record
5:49
**The new rules aim to align Canada’s customs duty processes with best practices by clarifying responsibilities for all entities involved in the importation process.**
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has published [Memorandum D17-2-5](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d17/d17-2-5-eng.html) to update and clarify the duty liability rules for importers of record. This update will affect importers, customs brokers, and other authorized agents involved in importing goods into Canada.
The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2026, and redefine the accountability for customs duties after goods have cleared customs.
The importer of record’s role carries substantial responsibility, as it designates them as the primary party liable for all customs duties, reassessed amounts, and post-clearance adjustments.
This liability will now extend beyond initial clearance, even when re-determinations or reappraisals are conducted.
Under the new rules, owners and importers listed on customs documents may also share joint liability with importers of record, particularly in cases of post-accounting audits or corrections.
As a Canadian importer, here’s what you need to know about the new duty liability requirements.
## **Defining key roles in duty liability**
The memorandum clarifies the distinctions between key roles involved in duty liability:
- **Importer of record**: This is the party officially listed on the CBSA’s customs declaration forms as responsible for the entry of goods into Canada. The importer of record, identified by their Business Number (BN), assumes primary duty liability and is the main point of contact for CBSA’s post-accounting verifications and compliance checks.
- **Importer/owner**: The importer or owner is the individual or entity bringing goods into Canada or holding ownership of the goods when the CBSA released them.
- **Person authorized**: Authorized persons, which include those in CBSA’s Courier Low-Value Shipment (CLVS) Program, may account for goods on behalf of an importer or owner.
## **Duty liability after final accounting**
Under the updated memorandum, an importer of record may face additional duties even after final accounting due to re-determinations, further re-determinations, reappraisals or other legislative obligations. The reasons for these include:
- **Corrections to declarations**: If the importer has reason to believe that their declarations are incorrect, they are obligated to adjust origin, tariff classification, or value for duty (per Section 32.2 of the Customs Act).
- **CBSA audits and verifications**: The CBSA may conduct audits or verifications (Sections 42, 42.01, 42.1) on imports.
- **Legislative obligations**: Re-determinations or further redeterminations under sections 59(1), 60(4), or 61(1) of the Customs Act.
Importers should maintain documentation and be prepared to address CBSA’s reassessment needs beyond the initial import phase.
## **Primary duty liability**
As per the memorandum:
- Only one importer of record can be declared for a shipment, but multiple entities can be classified as owners or importers.
- The CBSA considers the importer of record the primary contact for verifications and the entity with direct liability for post-accounting obligations, including record-keeping, making corrections, and duty payment.
- The CBSA expects that if the importer of record, the importer, or the owner of goods are different entities, they work cooperatively before, during, and after final accounting to ensure joint compliance with the Customs Act.
- Unauthorized entities who act as importers of record may face CBSA sanctions and duty obligations. Importers should ensure that only qualified agents are appointed to handle this role.
Authorized agents sometimes assume the dual role of a customs broker or persons authorized and importer of record under the direction of the importer or owner of the goods.
[Memorandum D11-6-11](https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d11/d11-6-11-eng.html) outlines the responsibilities related to post-accounting obligations taken on by authorized agents acting as importers of record under the guidance of commercial entities.
## **Shared duty liability**
The CBSA considers the importer of record the first contact for verifications and the primary liability holder for debts. However, other persons share liability for payment of duties when the agency determines they were the importer(s) or owner(s) through implicit or explicit contracts or codependent import intentions.
Key points to note:
- **Verification outreach**: The CBSA reserves the right to contact importers or owners during verification, even if they are not listed as the importer of record.
- **Liability enforcement**: Should an importer of record default, other entities involved in the import transaction may be liable for outstanding duties, either individually or jointly.
The CBSA advises all parties involved to create clear contractual agreements regarding duty liability and refund management to prevent misunderstandings and ensure compliance.
## **Preparing for the new duty liability rules**
We encourage importers, authorized agents, and customs brokers to take the following steps as soon as they can:
1. **Review their internal processes** to ensure their duty liability responsibilities align with CBSA’s updated memorandum.
1. **Clarify duty liability agreements** with customs brokers or agents who may serve as the importer of record.
1. **Stay informed about record-keeping and compliance obligations** to facilitate transparent post-accounting practices.
**For more information about this update and to ensure your operations align with the upcoming changes, please reach out to one of** [**our trade professionals**](https://www.coleintl.com/contact-us)**.**
[Back to blog list](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews)
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4433425/07c10ba9-9452-4e34-baf2-3069da56bcbc)
### Search Topic
- [Importing into Canada](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/tag/importing-into-canada)
- [Importing into the U.S.](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/tag/importing-into-the-us)
- [Freight](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/tag/freight)
### Latest Articles
- [New CPTPP and CUSMA Dairy TRQs Take Effect for 2026–2027](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/new-cptpp-and-cusma-dairy-trqs-take-effect-for-2026-2027)
- [Canada imposes a 25% provisional surtax on certain imported wood cabinets and vanities](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/canada-imposes-a-25-percent-provisional-surtax-on-certain-imported-wood-cabinets-and-vanities)
- [Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement signed](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/canada-ecuador-free-trade-agreement-signed)
- [CN, Union Pacific agreement could expand Canada-Mexico rail service](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/cn-union-pacific-agreement-could-expand-canada-mexico-rail-service)
- [10% U.S. Section 301 Tariff on Canada Takes Effect](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/10-percent-us-section-301-tariff-on-canada-takes-effect)
### Archive
- [August 2026 (2)](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (8)](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (8)](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (10)](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (8)](https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/archive/2026/04)
[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)
[](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://www.mullen-group.com/)
Cole International Inc. is a subsidiary of Mullen Group Ltd.
[](https://ciffa.com/) [](http://fiata.com/) [](https://www.ncbfaa.org/) [](https://www.marcopololine.com/) [](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" : "Cole Marketing",
"url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/author/cole-marketing"
},
"dateModified" : "2024-10-25T14:00:01.030Z",
"datePublished" : "2024-10-25T14:00:00.000Z",
"headline" : "CBSA Announces New Duty Liability Rules for Importers of Record",
"image" : [ "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/Images/Trade%20News%20pictures/CAD%20Customs-3.png" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/tradenews/cbsa-announces-new-duty-liability-rules-for-importers-of-record",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://blog.coleintl.com/hubfs/cole_int_h_rgb-1.png"
},
"name" : "Cole International Inc."
}
}
```