Freight forwarding FAQ
Commercial cargo, customs, air, and ocean freight support.
What do I need to prepare for my first import?
At a minimum, you will need a Commercial Invoice, a Packing List, Importer Information (Business Number), and the relevant HS Codes. Additionally, registering on the CARM Client Portal is mandatory for importing commercial goods into Canada. If you have not yet registered, COSHIP will guide you through the entire process, from CARM registration to final customs clearance.
What is CARM? Is registration mandatory?
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is the import customs clearance and duty management system operated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). All businesses importing commercial goods into Canada are required to register for CARM to ensure a smooth customs clearance process. For first-time importers, COSHIP will provide full guidance on the registration procedures.
Why do customs inspections occur?
Customs inspections are conducted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) either randomly or based on specific items or declaration details. They cannot be predicted in advance.
How much are the customs inspection fees?
Customs inspections are conducted randomly by the CBSA. If your cargo is selected for inspection, it cannot proceed to the next step until the inspection is complete, and inspection fees along with other incidental costs will be incurred. However, if the inspection takes place within COSHIP's own warehouse, the individual inspection fee is waived.
Are there any items that cannot be imported?
Yes, Certain items such as food, pharmaceuticals, batteries, and chemical products may require special certification or be subject to import restrictions. We strongly recommend verifying these requirements in advance.
What is required to import commercial goods into Canada?
Importing commercial goods into Canada requires several steps, including importer registration, CARM registration, preparation of customs clearance documents, international shipping, bonded warehouse admission, customs clearance, and inland delivery. COSHIP provides comprehensive, one-stop support for this entire process.
What do I need to prepare for my first import?
At a minimum, you will need a Commercial Invoice, a Packing List, Importer Information (Business Number), and the relevant HS Codes. Additionally, registering on the CARM Client Portal is mandatory for importing commercial goods into Canada. If you have not yet registered, COSHIP will guide you through the entire process, from CARM registration to final customs clearance.
What is CARM? Is registration mandatory?
CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) is the import customs clearance and duty management system operated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). All businesses importing commercial goods into Canada are required to register for CARM to ensure a smooth customs clearance process. For first-time importers, COSHIP will provide full guidance on the registration procedures.
Why do customs inspections occur?
Customs inspections are conducted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) either randomly or based on specific items or declaration details. They cannot be predicted in advance.
How much are the customs inspection fees?
Customs inspections are conducted randomly by the CBSA. If your cargo is selected for inspection, it cannot proceed to the next step until the inspection is complete, and inspection fees along with other incidental costs will be incurred. However, if the inspection takes place within COSHIP's own warehouse, the individual inspection fee is waived.
Are there any items that cannot be imported?
Yes, Certain items such as food, pharmaceuticals, batteries, and chemical products may require special certification or be subject to import restrictions. We strongly recommend verifying these requirements in advance.
What is required to import commercial goods into Canada?
Importing commercial goods into Canada requires several steps, including importer registration, CARM registration, preparation of customs clearance documents, international shipping, bonded warehouse admission, customs clearance, and inland delivery. COSHIP provides comprehensive, one-stop support for this entire process.
Do you also offer import/export agency services between Canada and South Korea?
Yes, we provide agency services for any import or export procedures required between Canada and South Korea.
Can I proceed without a local Canadian importer?
Yes, it is possible. If you do not have a local Canadian importer or corporate entity, we can proceed through NRI (Non-Resident Importer) registration or an import agency structure.
Is it possible to receive a refund for the GST paid during import customs clearance?
Domestic businesses and overseas businesses (NRIs) can apply for a GST refund if they meet the requirements. While COSHIP does not process the refund directly, we can refer you to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a tax professional if needed.
What are the advantages of using a CBSA-certified bonded warehouse?
COSHIP directly operates a CBSA-certified bonded warehouse, allowing cargo arriving at the port to be brought straight into our facility. This minimizes unnecessary transportation and efficiently connects post-clearance storage, delivery, and 3PL services.
How long is the free storage period in the bonded warehouse?
While the average free storage period at standard bonded warehouses is about 3 to 5 days, utilizing COSHIP's own bonded warehouse grants you up to 7 days of free storage.
Can I entrust storage and delivery after customs clearance as well?
Yes, you can. Even after customs clearance, COSHIP provides seamless support for warehouse storage, inventory management, retail dispatch, inland delivery, and 3PL logistics operations.