The key objective for all importations is to have goods delivered where they should be and when they should be at the best possible value, in accordance with all applicable legislation. An efficient and compliant import process starts with everyone involved understanding their role and responsibilities.
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Documentation Requirements: An importer is responsible for all actions taken on their behalf by their customs broker. With the University of Ottawa being an official Importer of Record, every document used to declare goods to CBSA must contain:
1.1. Vendor鈥檚 Full Name and Address
1.2. Consignee鈥檚 Full Name and Address
1.3. Importer鈥檚 Full Name and Address (if different from the consignee)
1.4. Purchase Order (PO): Procurement and Logistics require that the internal purchase order number be clearly posted on the following documentation:
1.4.1. Waybill from the courier
1.4.2. Commercial Invoice
1.5. Reason for the Shipment (E.g. sale, donation, warranty replacement, etc.)
1.6. Detailed and Complete Description
General descriptions such as 鈥渓aboratory reagents for research鈥, 鈥渟upplies鈥, 鈥渉armless amino acids for research鈥 or 鈥渟cientific equipment鈥 are too general and NOT acceptable to Customs as they do not sufficiently identify the contents of a shipment.
For any type of equipment, a complete detailed and accurate description is necessary to assist in identifying the goods properly. For example; model numbers, serial numbers.
If the goods are biological specimens, the source of the material (E.g. human, rabbit, rat, etc.) and information regarding the hazards associated with it must be provided. For samples, the mention 鈥渟amples for research鈥 will not be accepted. CBSA will reject the transaction if the goods cannot be precisely identified.
1.7. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price and Extended Value
Everything has a value, even if initially given at no charge or is by nature something that is not normally sold. Valuation law is specific regarding the determination of the value for duty.
The value used for calculating duties and taxes is based on the transaction price (the price paid or payable for the goods). Discount types and amounts, where applicable, are also to be identified. The value for any collaboration samples of $0.00 or $10.00 are at risk of being investigated.
1.8. Country Origin of the Goods:
This is the country where the goods were produced or manufactured and not where the goods are shipped from.
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Planning a Shipment
The following compliance questions may help in planning a shipment:
2.1. Have you ensured that the goods being shipped comply with the country's government agencies鈥 requirements and have obtained the necessary licenses and permits from these agencies? For more information, please visit the Thompson Ahern Resources.
5.2.2. Have you determined that your merchandise is properly marked with the correct country of origin (if required) or in accordance with any special marking requirements?
5.2.3. Is the value of the declared shipment accurate?
5.2.4. If samples are being shipped:
5.2.4.1. Do the material, substance, time and other elements conducted by the producer of the imported goods accurately reflect the declared duty value?
5.2.5. Does the price paid match the price used in calculating a transaction value 鈥渧alue for duty鈥 declared?
5.3. Failing to provide the proper documentation can result in:
5.3.1. Delay the release of goods from Customs,
5.3.2. Result in financial penalties for inaccurate accounting for imports,
5.3.3. Result in the seizure and forfeiture of the goods as well as monetary penalties (fines).