What Information Does an LVS Shipment Need?

The Data CBSA Requires for Each Shipment

Shipments in the LVS program are listed on a cargo and release list sent to CBSA. For each shipment, it includes:

• A unique cargo control number
• Names and addresses of the consignee, importer, exporter and vendor
• Quantity and weight in kilograms
• Value for duty in Canadian dollars
• A description of the goods
• Country of origin
• The duty and tax category under the Courier Imports Remission Order

Deadlines Before Arrival

• Highway: at least 1 hour before the shipment arrives
• Air: at least 4 hours before arrival, or at departure if the flight is shorter than 4 hours

Shipments are then considered released on arrival unless CBSA selects them for examination.

What We Need From You

The data on the release list comes from your invoices and shipment details. To keep LVS shipments moving, give us:

• Commercial invoices with the real price paid, the currency and the terms of sale
• Clear descriptions of what the goods are and what they're made of or used for
• The country where each product was made
• Your Business Number and importer details
• Notice of any goods that may be regulated by another government department

Common Mistakes That Hold LVS Shipments

• Vague descriptions such as "parts", "samples" or "gift"
• Undervalued invoices, or values in the wrong currency
• Wrong country of origin, which can also put a shipment in the wrong duty and tax category
• Regulated goods sent through LVS. These are removed from the program and cleared the regular way, which adds time
• Splitting a shipment to stay under CAD $3,300

Corrections and Records

If goods were released in error, a voluntary declaration must be submitted within five business days. Importers keep compliance and import records for six years. See Importer of Record Responsibilities.

Official Sources

• CBSA Memorandum D17-4-0: Courier Low Value Shipment Program
• CBSA Memorandum D8-2-16: Courier Imports Remission Order