Business

Canada customs invoice - All you need to know

Panna Kemenes

03.03.22 (updated more than 1 year ago)

Read time 4 minutes

Exporting goods to Canada can be complicated, even though it borders the United States.

The market for exports to Canada is enormous. In 2019, it was the number one destination for American goods. Vehicles ($52 billion), machinery ($45 billion), and plastics ($13 billion) are among the top export categories.¹

If you already export to Canada or wish to start doing so, this guide will help you with the ins and outs of filing a Canada customs invoice (CCI).

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What is the Canadian customs invoice?

The Canadian commercial invoice is a document required for the majority of commercial shipments entering Canada. In it, you’ll find information about the shipment, vendor, and consignee.

A Canada invoice contains more information than a standard commercial invoice and is reviewed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

It must be filled out by one of the following parties:

Exporter
Importer
Associated agents

Without one, your shipment will be delayed, and the same applies if you fill out the form incorrectly.

Do I need a Canada customs invoice?

If you’re exporting goods to Canada, it’s safe to assume you’ll need to complete a Canada customs invoice.

You don’t need to fill out a Canada customs invoice under the following conditions:

The duty value is less than CAD$2,500
The value of Canadian goods being returned has increased but is still lower than CAD$2,500
The exported goods qualify for unconditional duty-free entry (cases where entry is dependent on end-use aren’t applicable) irrespective of the selling price.
The goods are eligible for classification No. 9810.00.00.00 in the schedule to the customs Tariff²

What happens if I forget to fill out the CCI?

If you forget to fill out the CCI, your shipment will be delayed. This also applies if you fill out the form incorrectly, so it’s important to check the information you enter. Any delay to shipment can of course have a financial impact on your business.

💡 If you have concerns over adhering to the Canadian rules and regulations, you’re not alone. Many exporters choose to work with experienced freight forwarders, shipping companies, or third party logisticsto minimize the inconvenience.

Canada custome and shipping

How do I complete a Canada customs invoice?

Filling out a Canada customs invoice is straightforward, but there are many steps involved. Make sure you go over all the information you enter once you’ve finished, to clear up any errors if necessary.

Here are Canada customs invoice instructions to help you complete the individual invoice fields:

CCI Form section	Explanation
1. Vendor	Enter vendor company information, including a complete name. This can be for the seller or the party consigning goods.
2. Date of direct shipment to Canada	Enter the date the shipment was sent.
3. Other references	Include any relevant information such as purchase order (PO) number or commercial invoice number.
4. Consignee	Fill out the complete name and address of the shipment recipient in Canada
5. Purchaser’s name and address	Enter the name and address of the company or individual purchasing the goods
6. Country of transshipment	Name any countries which the shipment will pass through on the way to Canada
7. Country of origin of goods	Enter the name of the country the goods were grown or manufactured in, making sure to adhere to Customs Tariff restrictions
8. Transportation	Write out the means of transport
9. Conditions of sale and terms of payment	Outline any sales conditions or payment terms that you’ve agreed with the buyer
10. Currency of settlement	Indicate the currency of the transaction
11. Number of packages	Indicate how many packages you’re shipping
12. Specification of commodities	Indicate what kind of package you’re shipping, any marks and numbers on the packaging, and provide a general description of the goods
13. Quantity	Indicate the quantity for each item you’re shipping
14. Unit price	Indicate the unit price for the goods sold in the relevant currency
15. Total	Provide a total for the price paid
16. Total weight	Indicate the gross and net weight of the shipment
17. Invoice total	Indicate the total sum of the invoice
18. If any of fields 1 to 17 are included on an attached commercial invoice, check this box.	Only check if fields 1 to 17 are included on an attached commercial invoice
19. Exporter’s name and address	Write out the name and address of the exporter, who is the person or organization in charge of shipping the goods
20. Originator	Indicate the details for the company or individual that paid the invoice
21. CBSA ruling	Detail any CBSA ruling numbers or dates that apply to the shipment
22. If fields 23 to 25 are not applicable, check this box	Only check if fields 23 to 25 are not applicable
23. If included in field 17 indicate the amount:	Transportation charges, expenses, and insurance from the place of direct shipment to Canada Costs for construction, erection, and assembly incurred after importation into Canada Export packing
24. If not included in field 17 indicate the amount:	Transportation charges, expenses, and insurance to the place of direct shipment to Canada Amounts for commissions other than buying commissions Export packing
25. Check (if applicable):	Royalty payments or proceeds are paid or payable by the purchaser The purchaser has supplied goods or services for the production of these goods

What should you include on the Canada customs invoice?

There are some mandatory fields on the Canada customs invoice that you can’t ignore.

Details you must include are:

Date of direct shipment
Country of origin
Currency of sale
Quantity
Value
Weight
Purchaser record

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If you have to fill out a Canada customs invoice, there’s a good chance you’re shipping goods to sell in Canada.

If you’re doing business in Canada, then the Wise Business account can be a game-changer. You can have CAD account details, even as a US citizen, and receive payments like a local.

You can also pay Canadian suppliers, shipping companies, and more at the real mid-market rate. Wise users can even save up to 19x compared to PayPal when sending money from the business account.

Sorting out Canadian customs can be stressful and expensive, but managing your business finances doesn’t have to be.

💡 For all you need to know about invoices, don't forget to read and bookmark the ultimate guide to invoicing from Wise!

🔍 More articles you may find useful:
Selling on Amazon Canada from US — the complete guide How to open a business bank account in Canada

Sources:

All sources checked March 3, 2022.

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