CBSA Updates Guidance for its Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) Program
The updated CLVS Program aligns with CARM and reinforces compliance expectations. It provides clearer rules for importers and couriers, as well as a single framework to follow.
On September 22, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) released an updated version of Memorandum D17-4-0: Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) Program.
The revised memorandum introduces several important updates:
The CAD $3,300 low-value shipment threshold, which came into effect July 1, 2020, remains unchanged.
The memorandum now includes detailed guidance on how the CBSA’s Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system applies to CLVS shipments, including accounting processes in the CARM Client Portal (CCP).
The revised memorandum incorporates earlier directives into the policy and includes updates to ensure information is clear and accurate.
The CLVS Program governs the importation of goods valued at CAD $3,300 or less into Canada.
It is designed to facilitate the clearance of low-value shipments entering the country, particularly through e-commerce channels.
Goods valued above CAD $3,300, or those that are prohibited, controlled, or regulated under other Acts, do not qualify for release under this program and must follow standard import procedure
The September 2025 update reinforces the responsibilities of importers and couriers under CLVS.
Accounting records must be maintained for a period of six years. These include documentation relating to the origin, importation, and value for duty of the goods.
Records related to the conveyance and cargo transmission, as well as reports upon arrival, must be kept for a period of three years starting January 1 of the year during which the cargo/conveyance referenced in the records was transported.
The CBSA may audit these records at any time to verify compliance.
In addition to these obligations, commercial importers must register their business in the CCP and post financial security to obtain Release Prior to Payment (RPP) privileges when using the CLVS Program.
Importers who work with licensed customs brokers must also delegate authority in the CCP, authorizing the broker to conduct business with CBSA on their behalf.
At Cole International, we provide customs and compliance consulting and customs brokerage services to help you navigate changing regulations and streamline the importing of goods into Canada.
Our team is ready to review your shipments under the CLVS Program and verify that your imports meet CBSA requirements. They can also guide you through the process of setting up your CARM and Release Prior to Payment (RPP) accounts.
Please reach out to one of our trade professionals for more information on the updated CLVS Program and to ensure your shipments remain fully compliant.