Canada and the United States share the world's largest trading relationship. Whether you are a Canadian-based company looking to do business in the United States or a U.S.-based enterprise interested in establishing a presence in Canada, the following documents and information will provide you with some basic information:

Canada Customs www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
U.S. Customs www.customs.ustreas.gov
Canadian Border Delays www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html

Canada Customs Invoice
 A Canada Customs Invoice should be completed by the vendor and presented to CSBA at the point of entry.

In Transit Manifest
When a commercial load travels from the USA through Canada and back to the USA, an In Transit Manifest is to be completed and shown to both Canada Customs and U.S. Customs. This same form is used when a commercial load travels from Canada, through the USA and back into Canada.		  

Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS)
 This system allows Canada Custom & Revenue Agency (CCRA) to examine a carrier’s documents before the vehicle arrives at the border point. This results in the majority of vehicles being released at the point of primary inspection – it saves time. PARS include the carrier’s cargo control number, name and sequential serial numbers.		  


Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS)
PAPS means that U.S. Customs does the paperwork before the carrier arrive at the U.S. border crossing point. PAPS requires you to have the carrier’s Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC). 		 


NCAP/FAST Release
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is implemented at major Northern Border crossings. Additionally, Customs has recently announced that the program will now be expanded to include shipments processed under the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS). The decision to expand the FAST program was made to offer the trade community a truly meaningful benefit in the form of expedited release, with minimum investment on their part. Originally FAST participation was to be limited to the National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) participants, which currently totals a few corporations. 		 



U.S. Inbound Manifests
 Every load of commercial goods entering the United States should have a U.S. Inbound Manifest accompanying that load. If you’re missing information and do not provide the proper documentation to U.S. Customs, it will create delays and possibly refuse entry into the USA.

Certificate of Origin
 The Certificate of Origin, with or without Chamber of Commerce endorsement, is required by many countries to assure Customs Officials of the Country of Origin of exported goods.


NAFTA Certificate of Origin
The NAFTA Certificate of Origin is required to obtain relief from duty under the NAFTA for all goods that qualify, and are exported to Canada or Mexico, or to the US from either of these countries.

Shippers Export Declaration (SED)
The Shippers Export Declaration is required for all exports of more than $2500 to any country except Canada.


Commercial Invoice
 The Commercial Invoice is required on all export shipments except to Canada. It acts as an identifier and assists in arriving at a value for Customs Purposes, on all shipments being exported.		  


Bill of Lading
 The Bill of Lading is the Shipper's contract with the common carrier on all shipments, export or domestic.

Packing List
 The Packing List is required on all exports to any country, to assist the Customs Official in identifying each individual piece in the export shipment.