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Licensed Canadian Customs Brokers Serving Importers Across Canada
Garden City Customs Services Inc. is a licensed Canadian customs brokerage with offices in Niagara Falls (head office), Fort Erie, and Queenston, Ontario. We act as the importer’s customs broker, preparing and submitting import declarations to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for commercial shipments, personal goods, and vehicles entering Canada.
We provide customs clearance for one-time imports and ongoing commercial operations, including low value shipments (LVS) and vehicle imports. Our team also supports importers with CARM onboarding, account access, and compliance guidance, helping ensure duties and taxes are reported correctly and goods are released without unnecessary delays.
With a physical presence at key Niagara border crossings and clients across Canada, we combine local port expertise with national coverage. Every file is handled directly by a licensed customs broker, with clear communication and full visibility from submission through CBSA release.
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
Our brokerage supports ongoing import programs for established national and multinational companies operating in regulated industries. We handle high-volume commercial imports with multiple daily shipments, complex product classifications, and long-term CBSA compliance requirements where accuracy and consistency are critical.
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We take a hands-on approach to every file, with licensed customs brokers directly involved in the clearance process. This ensures import declarations are prepared correctly the first time, issues are addressed before they reach CBSA, and clients always have clear visibility into their shipment status.
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Rather than operating as a transactional service, we work as an extension of our clients’ operations. This approach helps reduce risk, prevent delays, and support compliant, scalable import programs over the long term.