What does a customs broker actually do?

A customs broker acts on behalf of the importer to prepare and submit customs declarations, review commercial documentation, determine tariff classification and applicable duties and taxes, and coordinate the release of goods with CBSA. We also help identify documentation or compliance issues before they cause unnecessary border delays.

What information do you need to clear a shipment?

Typically, we require a commercial invoice, importer and exporter information, a description of the goods, country of origin, value, and shipment details such as the carrier and expected arrival information. Depending on the products being imported, additional permits, certificates, licences, or supporting documentation may also be required.

How long does customs clearance take?

Customs clearance times vary depending on the shipment, documentation, applicable government requirements, and whether CBSA selects the goods for additional review or examination. Providing complete and accurate documentation before the shipment reaches the border gives us the best opportunity to prepare the declaration in advance and avoid unnecessary delays.

Can you clear shipments at ports outside Ontario?

Yes. Although our offices are located in the Niagara Region, Garden City Customs Services Inc. provides customs clearance services for commercial shipments entering Canada through ports of entry across the country.

Canadian Customs Brokerage Services | CBSA Clearance & CARM Support

Licensed Canadian Customs Brokerage for Importers

Garden City Customs Services Inc. provides licensed Canadian customs brokerage services for importers moving goods into Canada. We clear commercial shipments at any port of entry in Canada, not only at the Niagara crossings where our team is based.

Our team prepares and submits import declarations, reviews documentation, supports tariff classification, reports duties and taxes, and coordinates directly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to help shipments clear efficiently.

Whether you are importing occasional shipments or managing an ongoing commercial import program, our brokerage services are designed to support compliant, predictable customs clearance.

What a Customs Broker Does

A licensed customs broker acts on behalf of importers to prepare and submit customs declarations to the Canada Border Services Agency.

Our customs brokerage services may include import declaration preparation, tariff classification support, duties and taxes reporting, CBSA release coordination, document review, and regulatory compliance guidance.

By managing these responsibilities accurately, customs brokers help importers reduce delays, maintain compliance with Canadian import regulations, and keep goods moving through the border.

Licensed Canadian Customs Brokers

Garden City Customs Services Inc. operates as a licensed Canadian customs brokerage authorized to prepare and submit import declarations to CBSA.

Licensed customs brokers are regulated professionals responsible for ensuring customs declarations are prepared accurately and in accordance with Canadian customs legislation.

Working with a licensed brokerage gives importers experienced regulatory oversight, structured clearance processes, and clear communication throughout the customs release process.

Commercial invoice folder on a warehouse desk beside a wrapped pallet awaiting customs clearance — Complete commercial documentation is the fastest route through CBSA release.

Customs Clearance & CBSA Release Processing

Before commercial goods can enter Canada, CBSA must review and accept the import declaration.

Our team prepares and submits the required shipment information so goods can be processed efficiently when they arrive at the border or port of entry.

We coordinate with importers, carriers, and CBSA to help ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and ready for release.

Duties, Taxes & Import Costs

Imported goods entering Canada may be subject to duties, GST/HST, and other charges depending on classification, value, origin, and applicable trade agreements.

Our team helps importers understand how these charges are calculated and ensures duties and taxes are reported correctly during the customs declaration process.

Accurate cost reporting helps reduce the risk of reassessments, delays, and compliance issues.

Importer Compliance & Risk Management

Importers are legally responsible for the accuracy of their customs declarations.

Errors in tariff classification, valuation, origin, or documentation can lead to shipment delays, post-entry reassessments, or penalties.

Our brokerage team works with clients to prepare accurate declarations, identify potential issues early, and support compliant import practices.

CARM Support & Importer Account Setup

Many importers must manage their CBSA account through the CARM system.

Garden City helps clients understand CARM requirements, account access, delegation of authority, Release Prior to Payment considerations, and financial security obligations.

Proper account setup helps importers avoid disruption and maintain smoother customs clearance operations.

Learn more in our guide explaining how to register for CARM in Canada.

Customs Consulting & Compliance

In addition to customs brokerage services, we support clients that need deeper regulatory guidance through customs consulting and compliance services.

These services may include tariff classification review, documentation review, compliance process design, CARM advisory support, and guidance for complex or high-volume import operations.

For companies operating long-term import programs, structured compliance systems help maintain accuracy and reduce regulatory risk.

A Long-Term Brokerage Partner

Effective customs brokerage relationships are built on trust, communication, and operational consistency.

We work with importers to understand their supply chains, documentation processes, products, carriers, and operational requirements.

By focusing on accurate filings, proactive communication, and structured processes, we help businesses maintain predictable customs operations as their import activity grows.

CBSA coordination. Accurate declarations. Reliable import clearance.