CUSMA, Tariffs, and Canada’s Economic Stability: A Customs Broker’s Perspective The Canada–United States–Mexico free trade Agreement, commonly known as CUSMA, plays a defining role in Canada’s economic stability and its position in North American trade. According to Canadian customs brokers working daily handling border clearances, few trade agreements influence tariffs,
Importing Pistachios into Canada Just Got More Complicated: What Importers Need to Know About Iran Restrictions (and How to Keep Shipments Moving) Over the last year, pistachios have moved from being a “simple” dry grocery import to a commodity with very specific Canadian controls. If you are bringing in pistachio
The ongoing Iran war and resulting geopolitical instability have created one of the most significant global supply chain disruptions in recent history. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, major ocean carriers suspending services, and air freight routes being redirected, Canadian importers are facing rising costs, longer transit times, and
Understand the Basics of Canadian Import Regulations Navigating the maze of Canadian import regulations can feel daunting for businesses, but it doesn't have to be. This blog will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your import process runs smoothly and efficiently. Let's demystify those regulations and help your
Understanding Personal Imports Navigating the world of personal imports in Canada can seem daunting, but with the right information, it can be a smooth process. Whether you're moving, traveling, or simply want to bring something special from abroad, understanding the rules and regulations around personal imports is crucial. This
Understanding Import Duties Get familiar with the concept of import duties, including how they are calculated and the different factors influencing them. Import duties, also known as tariffs, are fees imposed by a government on the import of goods. These duties can be based on various criteria, including the value
Why Partnering with the Right Transportation Company is Vital to Success When it comes to transporting goods across the Canadian border, understanding the customs procedures is crucial. Companies engaging in international trade often face a myriad of challenges due to the strict regulations and documentation requirements imposed by the Canadian
Navigating the world of customs representation can be tricky. Whether you're a seasoned importer or just starting out, avoiding common pitfalls is essential for a smooth process. In this blog post, we'll discuss some frequent mistakes that can cause delays, fines, or even the loss of goods. Let's make sure
From Asia to Tacoma and back: How an Invasive Species Disrupted Global Shipping It’s not every day that a vessel carrying cargo across the Pacific has to turn around and head back to Asia - but that’s exactly what happened with the KUALA LUMPUR EXPRESS. The reason? A tiny but
35% Tariff Incoming – What Canadian Exporters Must Know U.S. Imposes 35% Tariff on Canada as of August 1 2025 – What Importers and Exporters Need to Know The United States has announced that starting August 1, a 35% tariff will be applied to certain goods entering the U.S
Reimagining Global Supply Chains with Blockchain Technology In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, global supply chains are under growing pressure to operate faster, smarter, and with greater transparency. As cross-border trade becomes increasingly complex, logistics providers are turning to new
Orbit Brokers Partners with Connect Logistics to Expand Services Offerings! Orbit Brokers, a trusted Canadian customs broker with over 3 decades of experience, is excited to announce a strategic affiliation with Connect Logistics, a leading logistics provider with a reputation for excellence in freight forwarding, warehousing, and transportation solutions. Connect
Prime Minister Mark Carney's Trade VisionIn the aftermath of a pivotal Canadian election, Mark Carney, now officially Canada's Prime Minister, brings to office not just a prestigious background as a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, but a calculated economic strategy. At the heart of this agenda
Understanding Tariffs: What They Are and Why Countries Use Them In an increasingly globalized world, nations regularly trade goods and services across borders. From cars and electronics to coffee and clothing, international trade allows consumers and businesses to access products from around the world. However, this global exchange doesn’t happen
Understanding Trump’s tariffs is crucial to grasping the broader landscape of American trade policy. This blog dives into the evolution, implications, and criticisms of these tariffs in a simple and engaging way. What Are Tariffs? Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods that can affect pricing and trade dynamics. Let’s
In today’s globalized economy, efficient shipping is the linchpin of successful trade. Whether you’re a seasoned exporter or just starting, understanding customs regulations can be daunting. That’s where Canadian customs brokers come in. They are invaluable partners in ensuring your goods move seamlessly across borders. In this blog, we’ll explore
Understanding release prior to payment bonds can be crucial companies involved with importing goods into Canada. These bonds serve as a protective measure, ensuring that all parties involved are secured with regards to payment of duties and taxes. In this blog, we’ll break down how these bonds work, their importance,
Understanding customs clearance is crucial for anyone involved in importing freight. It can affect timelines, costs, and compliance with regulations. Let’s break down its significance in the world of shipping freight. Understanding Customs Clearance Customs clearance is the process of getting goods through customs regulations. It involves documentation and assessment
Navigating the world of international trade can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding regulations and documentation. One of the key factors that can make or break your shipment is having accurate import documentation. In this blog, we’ll explore why this is crucial for smooth customs clearance in Canada,
Canada’s tax holiday offers a unique opportunity for businesses and consumers alike to take advantage of tax-exempt products. Understanding how to navigate these benefits can mean significant savings and strategic advantages when importing goods. In this blog, we will explore the key elements of importing during this special period and
Navigating import compliance can be daunting for businesses of all sizes. With changing regulations and detailed requirements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This blog aims to demystify the process by emphasizing the importance of expert guidance. By exploring how knowledgeable professionals can streamline your import compliance journey, you’ll be better
Navigating the complex world of shipment clearance in Canada can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps and requirements for ensuring your shipments clear customs smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re a small business owner or an individual importing goods, understanding
Understanding Import Duties Import duties are a crucial aspect of importing goods into Canada. These duties represent the taxes imposed on imported goods, and understanding how they work is essential for Canadian importers. When goods arrive at the Canadian border, they are subject to customs procedures that involve assessing these
Navigating the complexities of trade compliance can often feel overwhelming. With ever-changing regulations and the intricacies of customs clearance, it’s essential for businesses to stay informed. This blog aims to break down the key elements of trade compliance and provide actionable tips for ensuring a smooth customs process. Whether you’re
As we navigate the complexities of international relations, the potential for a Harris presidency brings fresh perspectives on trade. In this blog, we will explore the implications of her policies on trade between the USA and Canada, looking at both historical context and future possibilities. Historical Context: US-Canada Trade Relations
Navigating the complexities of import clearance can be daunting, especially for those who are new to international shipping. A customs broker can serve as your trusted ally, simplifying the process and ensuring compliance with regulations. In this blog post, we will explore the key benefits of hiring a customs broker
Navigating the vast world of international trade can be a complex journey, but ensuring customs compliance is like having a reliable compass guiding you through the process. Understanding the ins and outs of customs regulations and requirements is paramount for businesses striving for success on a global scale. Let’s delve
Embarking on international trade is like sailing uncharted waters for many Canadian retailers. The maze of customs regulations, duties, and compliance requirements can seem daunting. But fear not! This guide is your compass, shedding light on the intricate world of international customs. Join us as we navigate through the seas
When it comes to international trade, understanding the concepts of trade deficits and trade surpluses is essential. Imagine a country buying more goods and services from other countries than it sells them. This situation leads to a trade deficit. On the other hand, a trade surplus occurs when a country
Have you ever experienced the frustration of eagerly waiting for an online purchase, only to find out it’s stuck at the border with your courier? Dealing with customs delays and shipping hurdles can be a headache, but fear not! Let’s navigate through this common dilemma together and discover practical tips
Navigating through the intricate web of regulations when importing goods into Canada can be overwhelming. This guide aims to shed light on the essential information you need to ensure your cargo arrives smoothly and efficiently. Whether you are a seasoned importer or just starting, understanding the process is crucial for
What are Canadian import regulations? Canadian import regulations are rules set by the Canadian government that control the goods entering the country. Here’s what you should know: Documentation: You’ll need to provide accurate and complete paperwork for your imports. Tariffs: Imports may be subject to taxes or duties, which vary
An Overview of International Trade When two countries, like Canada and India, exchange goods and services, it’s called international trade. This kind of trade helps both countries grow their economies by accessing a wider market. Here are some key points about international trade: Benefits: It allows countries to specialize in
Overview of importing computers and computer parts into Canada Importing computers and computer parts into Canada is subject to specific regulations set by the Canadian government. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Duties and Taxes: When importing computers and computer parts into Canada, you may be required
Importance of trucking services in the supply chain Trucking services play a crucial role in the supply chain of modern businesses. They are essential for transporting goods efficiently and reliably from one location to another. By using trucks, businesses can ensure that their products reach customers on time, contributing to
Understanding Cross-Border Shipping Regulations When importing goods across borders, it’s crucial to understand the shipping regulations in place. This knowledge helps you avoid delays and potential issues at customs. To successfully navigate cross-border shipping regulations, consider the following: Each country has its own set of rules and restrictions for importing
Understanding Canadian Tariffs Canadian tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods entering Canada. These tariffs can impact the cost of products brought into the country from abroad. It’s essential to understand Canadian tariffs as a new importer to avoid unexpected expenses. Some key points to note about Canadian tariffs are:
Importance of Reliable Delivery Services for Import Business When running an import business, having a reliable delivery services partner is crucial. This ensures that your products reach your customers on time and in good condition. A reliable partner can help you build trust with your customers, increase customer satisfaction, and
Understanding Canadian import regulations When exporting goods to Canada, it’s essential to understand Canadian import regulations. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Import regulations in Canada are in place to ensure the safety of imported goods and to protect consumers. Items being imported into Canada may be
Overview of importing goods to Canada Importing goods to Canada allows companies to access a wider range of products and materials that may not be available within the country. This can lead to cost savings and increased product variety for businesses. Additionally, importing goods can provide access to specialized products
What are free trade agreements? Free trade agreements are deals between countries that aim to reduce barriers to trade and investment. They allow businesses to sell their products and services more easily in other countries. Here’s what you should know: They typically eliminate or lower tariffs on imports and exports.
The popularity of ethnic food in Canada Ethnic food has gained popularity in Canada due to the country’s diverse and multicultural population. Canadians are increasingly interested in exploring and enjoying different cuisines from around the world. According to a study by Restaurants Canada, the demand for ethnic food has been
What are customs audits and why are they important for your business? Customs audits are official examinations of a company's import and export activities. The audits are performed by customs authorities to ensure compliance with trade laws and regulations. They are important for your business because they help to verify
Introduction to Canadian customs rules Embarking on international trade or travel to Canada necessitates a clear understanding of Canadian customs rules, a critical aspect managed by top brokerage firms. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the intricacies of Canadian customs regulations, providing invaluable insights for businesses and individuals navigating cross-border
Understanding brokerage services When choosing brokerage services, it's important to understand that brokers act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in financial markets. Here are some key factors to consider: Type of Services: Brokers offer a range of services, including investment advice, trade execution, and research. Some may specialize in
What is Canadian customs clearance? Canadian customs clearance is the process of inspecting and approving goods that are entering or leaving Canada. It is a crucial step in international trade, ensuring that all imports and exports comply with Canadian regulations and laws. During the customs clearance process, goods are assessed
Understand the customs clearance process: Understanding the customs clearance process is essential for a smooth and efficient experience. Customs clearance involves a series of procedures and documentation requirements that must be followed to ensure the legal and seamless movement of goods across borders. It is important to familiarize yourself with
Introduction to Customs Duties and Taxes in Canada Welcome to our comprehensive guide to customs duties and taxes in Canada. If you're importing goods into Canada, it's crucial to understand that you may be subject to customs duties and taxes. These are fees imposed by the Canadian government to protect
Introduction: The Importance of Efficient Customs Clearance Efficient customs clearance is a vital aspect of international trade, serving as a gateway for goods to cross borders. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a smooth flow of trade, ensuring that goods are transported swiftly and in compliance with the law.
Changes Coming to how Imported Goods are Valued? Proposed Changes to Calculating the Value of your Imported Goods For Canadian import businesses, staying up-to-date with regulations is crucial to maintaining a smooth and compliant importing process. Canada's government has proposed changes which could significantly impact the way businesses calculate the
BC Longshore Workers Strike The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) workers walked off the job on July 1st after giving 72 hours strike notice on June 28th. Talks had been ongoing with the British Columbia Maritimes Employers Association (BCMEA) since February to renew the collective agreement which expired at
Importing Rice into Canada Importers have contacted us with many questions relating to importing rice into Canada, such as what are the license requirements, or what are the taxes? Purchasing food internationally for import into Canada for human consumption can seem like an intimidating venture so here’s some helpful info
How to Calculate the Value of your Goods The Different Methods of Determining Valuation Customs valuation is a significant part of the importation process. It is a procedure that is applied in determining the correct value of goods to be imported. This is the base value which the Canada Border
Canada Bans Imports of Russian Aluminum and Steel Products Effective immediately, Canada is no longer allowing imports of aluminum and steel products that originated in Russia. The US has also announced a 200% tariff on the import of products that contain aluminum from Russia. Both steps were taken in response
Canada Bans Certain Single-Use Plastics Canada has joined a handful a countries around the world that have placed a ban on single use plastics. This means that once the ban in place, certain plastic products will not be allowed to be manufactured, sold, exported, or imported into Canada.There is increasing
Key Players Involved When Importing Into Canada Importing into Canada involves several key players. Knowing how the supply chain works will help you make the right decisions, cut costs, and avoid legal troubles. Even if you’re a seasoned importer, a complete know-how of the parties involved can help you move forward with confidence.
A Guide to Importing Jewellery Into Canada Even if there are many excellent jewellery stores in Canada, it's human nature to wonder whether you might save a little money by crossing the border. Of course, there are times when you can save a lot by importing jewellery into Canada, but it shouldn't be the only
Guide to Choosing the Right Product to Import The goal of any business is to make profits, regardless of what it’s offering. To make bigger profits in the import and export business, you need to make the right decisions from the beginning. This begins by choosing the right product to
Protection against Counterfeit Goods Imports How the CBSA can protect you from Counterfeit Good Imports Counterfeiting has become a significant problem for brands and businesses. Counterfeit products not only compromise the reputation of affected brands but also pose health and safety risks to consumers. There is also the the economic
Importing Goods into Canada Importing products into Canada is almost a requirement to compete in today's global economy. While free trade agreements have simplified the procedure significantly in recent years, they have not eliminated the requirement to adhere to specific regulations. After reading this blog post, you’ll be able to more comfortably import goods
When Do You Need A Customs Broker? Customs Brokers can help you navigate the complicated world of importing into Canada. They work with you to ensure that your shipments are cleared quickly and efficiently. But, exactly when do you need a customs brokerIn this post we'll review 5 situations in which
How to get a better price when importing goods into Canada Canada imported goods worth a record $631 billion in 2021, up 12.2% from 2020, but 2.7% higher than in 2019. In 2020 Canada ranked 11th top importer in with world, in terms of total USD value of imports. To
7 Things Customs Agents Wish You Knew Before You Travel To Canada Are you planning a trip to Canada soon? Whether you are just visiting someone in Canada or if you are planning to move to Canada for studies or immigration. You need to be aware of what you can
How to Choose a Customs Broker When it comes to shipping your goods, you want to make sure that you are working with the best possible customs broker. While a quick search online will most likely give you a list of Customs Brokers you would work with to get your
Trade Tensions Bubbling Between Canada and the US US President Joe Biden's proposed tax incentive on the purchase of electric vehicles has changed Canada’s relief over the defeat of former US President Donald Trump to disbelief. The Canadian government has issued notice to the United States that should this proposal
Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) The Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) in Canada allows Customs Brokers to submit shipment release information to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before the arrival of goods at destination. This process speeds up the release or referral for examination process when the goods arrive. The system
Driving Across the Canada/US Border As Canadian Customs Brokers, Orbit Brokers helps importers bring goods into Canada. Recently we have been getting many questions regarding people crossing the Canada/US border. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions and closures at the border. These closures have had a dramatic effect on travel
Canada Border Services Agency Strike On July 26, 2021, the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Customs and Immigration Union (PSAC-CIU) announced that its members have voted in favour of strike action. This follows after contract talks with the Canadian government broke down late in 2020. The plan is for
Canada’s Tariff Rate Quota System Importing is an opportunity to bring new products to the local market and its consumers. However, foreign goods coming into a country can also be a threat to domestic industries. As such, a government may implement specific protection policies to regulate imports and improve domestic
What are Importer Security Bonds? There are many industries in Canada that rely on the shipment of merchandise to or from other countries. The success of such companies is highly reliant on the import process. Importer security bonds are a great choice when it comes to facilitating this process. Just
Joe Biden and Trade with Canada The United States and Canada have shared solid political ties for a very long time. This has promoted the creation of a strong trade relationship between the two countries, especially in the agri-food sector. However, under various regimes, this relationship has been exposed to
Importing Cats into Canada Imports of pet cats into Canada has been on the rise recently. With more people working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, owning a pet is appealing. Choosing to import a cat into Canada can be a big decision to make. It is important to
Importing Goods into Canada for Valentine's Day Its easy to notice that Valentine’s Day is approaching when you see red hearts all over tv commercials and storefronts. Gifts like jewellery, stuffed animals, and chocolates are among the many items that are very popular purchases this time of year. Imports of
Investigation into Imports of Sofas The CITT has issued notice that they are initiating an inquiry into whether there is evidence of dumping and subsidizing of imported upholstered seating. This inquiry is aimed specifically at seating manufactured in China or Vietnam. Let’s take a look at what this means. What
Importing Goods For Personal Use If you are looking to purchase goods from outside of Canada for your own personal use, then this blog should be of assistance to you! Personal imports, also known as casual imports, is when goods are brought into Canada for non business/commercial purposes. There are
Obtaining the SFC License The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations have been in force since January 15, 2019. Some requirements came into effect immediately and some were phased in over 2020 and 2021. As of July 15, 2020, it is now required to have a Safe Food for Canadians License
Importing a Dog into Canada The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada continue to restrict certain activities and freedoms. As a direct result of this, we are seeing imports of things that help people deal with spending more time inside. Products like exercise equipment and board games are very
Trump Abandons Latest Tariff Threat On August 6, US President Donald Trump announced a plan to apply 10 percent tariffs on Canadian aluminum imports using national security as the justification. The President had previously issued the tariffs on Canada in March of 2018 as a negotiating tactic for the new
Changes to Courier Shipments under CUSMA With CUSMA now fully in force and NAFTA in the past, big changes have been made to low value shipments coming to Canada from the US or Mexico by courier. These shipments are known as CLVS (Courier Low Value Shipments). Let’s take a look
Importing Brewery Equipment into Canada Beer has always been a popular pastime of Canadians. The past couple of years has seen a massive increase in popularity of the craft breweries, or microbreweries as they are also known. There has been a corresponding rise in the rise in imports of beer
Proof of Origin for CUSMA Shipments CUSMA, USMCA, NAFTA 2.0, T-MEC; the new trade agreement between Canada, Mexico and the United States of America has many names. Regardless of what you call it, the agreement will come into force more than 3 years after the US trade representative issued notice
What Does a Customs Broker Do? Before deciding if you need a Customs Broker, it is important to understand what Orbit Brokers can do for you or your company. Orbit Brokers can help clients by providing solutions to any aspect of the supply chain while assisting importers in clearing goods
Documentation for Air Shipments Importing air shipments into Canada is the fastest way to bring goods from overseas. Compared to shipping by ocean, the freight cost is higher. It makes sense to ship by air if the goods are time sensitive. With air shipments, the storage charges start quickly (compared
Brexit and Canadian Trade Brexit refers to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU). It is a play on words, combining Britain and Exit. This means that after leaving the trading bloc, the United Kingdom will no longer benefit from membership in the EU. Once that
Personal Travel Exemptions When traveling outside of Canada, there are limits as to how much you can bring back duty free into the country. There is a misconception that these limits are how much you can bring back. Its actually the amount you can bring without paying tax. Anything above
Trader or Traitor: The Importance of International Free Trade to Canada and the World With Canada’s largest trading partner just a day away from a new administration, the importance of having a solid negotiation team, especially in the midst of talks involving tearing up NAFTA, is imperative to the success
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