Canadian Customs Broker Serving Niagara & Importers Across Canada
Licensed Canadian customs broker based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, helping importers across Canada with customs clearance, LVS shipments, warehousing, freight coordination, and import compliance.
​40+ Years of Experience
Serving importers since 1981.
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BBB Accredited Business
Third-party credibility that reinforces trust and accountability.
Licensed Customs Broker
Commercial import clearance into Canada.
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Canada-Wide Clearance
Support for importers across all major Canadian ports.
4.7-Star Rated on Google
Trusted by businesses for responsive customs support.
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Services
Customs Brokerage Services for Importers Across Canada
40+ years of experience delivering fast, accurate, and compliant customs clearance
Garden City Customs Services Inc. is a licensed Canadian customs broker with offices in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Queenston, Ontario. We prepare and submit import declarations to the Canada Border Services Agency for commercial shipments, personal goods, and vehicles entering Canada.
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We support one-time imports and ongoing commercial operations, including LVS shipments, vehicle imports, CARM onboarding, account access, and compliance guidance.
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With a physical presence at key Niagara ports of entry and clients across Canada, every file is handled directly by a licensed customs broker with clear communication from submission through CBSA release.
How Customs Clearance Works in Canada
Customs clearance is the process of reporting imported goods to the Canada Border Services Agency, confirming the correct documents, duties, taxes, and import requirements, and obtaining release so the goods can continue to delivery.
1. Shipment arrives at the Canadian port of entry
The carrier presents the shipment to CBSA.
2. Import declaration is submitted
Your customs broker prepares and submits the entry through CBSA systems.
3. Duties and taxes are calculated
Based on tariff classification, value, and origin.
4. CBSA reviews the declaration
CBSA may release the shipment immediately or request additional review.
5. Goods are released and proceed to delivery
A properly prepared declaration helps ensure shipments clear quickly and avoid unnecessary border delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a customs broker to import into Canada?
In many cases, yes. A licensed customs broker prepares and submits your import declaration to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), helps ensure duties and taxes are reported correctly, and supports compliance with Canadian import rules. If you are unsure, we can quickly confirm what applies to your shipment.
What does a customs broker actually do?
We act as the importer’s customs broker by preparing the customs paperwork, submitting the entry to CBSA, and coordinating release once CBSA accepts the declaration. We also help prevent delays by reviewing documentation, classification, and other requirements before your goods reach the border.
Can you help with a one-time import or personal shipment?
Yes. We regularly help individuals and businesses with one-time imports, including personal goods and single commercial shipments. If you are importing for the first time, we will tell you exactly what documents are needed and what to expect at each step.
Do you handle vehicle imports into Canada?
Yes. We provide customs clearance support for personal and commercial vehicle imports entering Canada, including guidance on required documentation and CBSA processing. If you share the vehicle details and where it is crossing, we can confirm the next steps.
What is CARM, and do I need to register?
CARM is CBSA’s Client Portal for importers. Many commercial importers need to be set up in CARM and ensure the correct access and account details are in place. We support clients with CARM onboarding, access setup, and ongoing usage so clearance does not get held up.
What information do you need to clear a shipment?
Typically we need the commercial invoice, shipper and importer details, and shipment information such as carrier and arrival details. Depending on the goods, CBSA may also require supporting documents like permits, certificates, or additional product information. We will confirm what applies after a quick review.
How long does customs clearance take?
Clearance timing depends on the shipment details and CBSA processing, but issues are most often caused by missing or unclear documents. Our goal is to submit accurately the first time and keep you informed from submission through CBSA release.
Do you only work in Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Queenston?
No. We have offices in Niagara Falls (head office), Fort Erie, and Queenston, and we support importers clearing goods through ports of entry across Canada. Our Niagara presence is an advantage for local crossings, and our process supports Canada-wide clients.
Why Importers Work With Garden City
Reliable customs brokerage support for importers who need clear answers, accurate submissions, and steady communication.
Licensed Broker Support
Work directly with a licensed Canadian customs broker who understands the clearance process.
​CBSA Clearance Support
Import paperwork is reviewed, prepared, and submitted to CBSA for release.
Clear Shipment Updates
Know what is needed, what has been submitted, and what comes next.